Spartans need three comebacks to survive Saxon scare
December 1, 2008
By Christopher Huber
Gino Simone, Skyline senior defensive back (1) intercepts a pass intended for Ferris receiver Garrett Saiki (20) during the second quarter. By Jim Simpkins/www.crimsonphotography.com
The Skyline Spartans (13-0) managed to beat Ferris High School 24-21 in the semifinal round of the state playoffs Nov. 29 in Spokane.
Despite trailing three times throughout the game and losing a fumble on its first drive, Skyline came up with key plays in the second half to secure its spot in the final against school-district neighbor Issaquah.
It was a back-and-forth game of time-management and big passing plays for both teams.
“Their defensive line was really good,” Skyline head coach Mat Taylor said Nov. 30. “There were some holes in their secondary that we hit. Their offense was equally impressive. They made some big, big-time plays.”Junior quarterback Jake Heaps threw two touchdown passes and completed 21 of 37 passes for 266 yards, while Ferris nearly matched him with 226. Saxons star receiver Aaron Roberts contributed nine catches for 152 yards.
Kicker Brian Schwartz made a 26-yard field goal in the first. Heaps ran the ball 15 yards for a touchdown in the second, and later tossed it to Kasen Williams for a 13-yard score a minute before halftime.
Skyline led 17-14 at the half, but Ferris regained the lead after scoring on a 19-play, 80-yard drive that took up nearly nine minutes in the third quarter. The Saxons converted five times on third down, Taylor said.
“They just kept the ball out of our hands,” Taylor said. “They just ate the clock up.”
Ferris also held Skyline to just three drives in the second half.
Regardless of the lack of possessions, Skyline got the ball at the 50-yard line when it counted — after Ferris decided to onside kick after going up 21-17.
It took the Spartans five plays to score the go-ahead touchdown, which came on a 9-yard Heaps-Gino Simone pass.
The Saxons’ next possession ended when William Chandler intercepted a pass in the endzone. Ferris quarterback Connor Halliday threw three interceptions in the game.
“It was just a great game,” Taylor said. “It was a nail-biter.”
Skyline and Issaquah face off for the state Class 4A championship at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Tacoma Dome.
Reach Reporter Christopher Huber at 392-6434, ext. 242, or chuber@isspress.com. Comment on this story at www.isspress.com.
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