Liberty Patriots decimated by injuries in 38-7 loss
October 2, 2012
Liberty High School quarterback Robbie Thomas and a host of other Patriot starters were out with injuries when Liberty fell to Lake Washington, 38-7, Sept. 28.
Key Liberty starters including Thomas, linebackers Alex Batali and Matt Maggard, and cornerback Ashby Brown were among those sidelined by injuries, Liberty coach Steve Valach said.
“We’re a very thin squad in terms of numbers, which in the sport of football, is tough, because guys start going down and all of the sudden, you just don’t have a lot of depth,” he said. “So, that’s made it challenging.”
Max Browne selected for U.S. Army All-American Bowl
October 2, 2012
Max Browne
Max Browne was honored Sept. 28 for his selection to represent Skyline High School in the 2013 U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
The nation’s top 90 high school players will face off Jan. 5 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, in the All-American Bowl, which will be televised live on NBC at 1 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
“To be the third guy from Skyline to do it, it’s been a tradition,” Browne said. “It’s a great honor.”
As a result of being selected, Browne’s head coach, Mat Taylor has been invited to travel to San Antonio for bowl-week activities, as well as take part in the three-day U.S. Army Coaches Academy featuring NFL coaches.
“Max is a talented athlete whose leadership and teamwork qualities have made him a standout at Skyline High School,” John Myers, director of marketing, Army marketing and research group, said in a statement.
Spartans thrash Roughriders, 57-14, to remain unbeaten
September 25, 2012
Elliott Welnak (74), Skyline High School junior defensive lineman, is cheered by teammates as he runs his fumble recovery back for a touchdown Sept. 21 against Roosevelt at Memorial Stadium. By Jim Nicholson
Skyline High School opened its league campaign on the road as it bludgeoned the Roosevelt Roughriders, 57-14, in KingCo 4A gridiron action at Memorial Stadium Sept. 21, to move its overall record to 4-0.
Spartans quarterback Max Browne spearheaded the lopsided Skyline conquest as he threw for well over 300 yards and a trio of touchdown strikes to seal the Roughriders’ fate.
The outcome of the contest was never in doubt as Skyline’s offensive machine sprinted out to a 43-7 halftime advantage, bolstered not only via the stalwart passing arm of Browne but also a reliable ground attack.
Cedric Cooper and Jack Valencia culminated long drives in the evening as they scampered and plunged in from 13 yards and 1 yard out, respectively, for a pair of touchdowns on the ground.
Newport rolls past No. 8 Issaquah, 40-21
September 25, 2012
After losing in six consecutive seasons to neighboring Issaquah, the Newport High School Knights took advantage of a strong running game and five Issaquah turnovers to roll to a 40-21 victory in the KingCo 4A Crest Division opener for both teams.
After getting trounced by the Eagles by an average of 25 points the past six seasons, the Knights built a 21-7 lead in the game’s first 10 minutes, and then exploited three second-half turnovers by Issaquah while controlling the ball and dominating the clock. Time of possession in the second half: Newport 17:46, Issaquah 6:14.
Issaquah fumbled the ball away on the game’s first drive on a fourth-and-one attempt from its own 33. Four plays later, Newport’s Conner Baumann scored his first of two touchdowns on a 10-yard run.
Turnovers, injuries plague Liberty in loss to Juanita
September 25, 2012
The Liberty High School football team fell to Juanita, 28-21, on Sept. 21 when the Patriots traveled to Kirkland to take on the Rebels.
At halftime, the score was tied at 14, but the Patriots took a hit when three key starters — including quarterback Robbie Thomas — were knocked out of the game with injuries.
Those injuries, combined with several turnovers, were too much to overcome, Liberty coach Steve Valach said.
“It was a tough loss,” he said. “We had five turnovers and clearly it’s tough to win when you do that. I think that was a major factor in the game.”
Tynan Gilmore had two receiving touchdowns in the first half for the Patriots. Liberty sophomore Russell Boston had a touchdown catch in the fourth quarter.
Liberty heads out on the road again next week when the team takes on Lake Washington on Sept. 28.
Issaquah’s Jack Gellatly continues strong season against O’Dea
September 18, 2012
Derek Chapman, Issaquah High School junior cornerback, runs back his interception of an O’Dea pass in the second quarter Sept. 14, setting up the Eagles’ third touchdown in the half for a 19-14 lead, en route to a 33-30 victory. By Greg Farrar
Jack Gellatly rushed for 213 yards and four touchdowns as Issaquah beat O’Dea, 33-30, in a nonleague game at West Seattle Stadium Sept. 14.
Gellatly’s 54-yard touchdown burst down the right sideline with 4:53 remaining put the Eagles ahead to stay. Jack, the last of four brothers to play for Issaquah — three running backs and one receiver came before him — might be the best.
Gellatly also intercepted a pass, with 2:37 left, for Issaquah (2-1), which is ranked 10th in KingCo 4A. O’Dea (2-1), ranked second in 3A, got the ball back with 1:18 left but went four-and-out deep in its territory, and the Eagles ran out the clock.
Skyline Spartans demolish Coeur d’Alene Vikings, 71-20
September 18, 2012
With Washington State University head coach Mike Leach looking on to scout University of Southern California-bound Skyline High School quarterback Max Browne, Skyline defeated Coeur d’Alene, 71-20, on Sept. 15.
Browne went 24 for 31 passing for 380 yards and six touchdowns in the first half alone. He ended up with 446 yards passing when the night was over.
Six receivers were graced with Browne’s passes, including baseball standout Matt Sinatro, who had three touchdown catches and 126 receiving yards.
Skyline returns home from its two-week world tour and opens conference play on the road at Roosevelt Sept. 21.
Liberty football team tops Interlake in conference opener
September 18, 2012
The Liberty High School football team won its 3A/2A KingCo Conference opener by a score of 14-7 when it hosted Interlake Sept. 14.
Scott Dean and Robbie Thomas each had rushing touchdowns for the Patriots. The team had an effective day on the ground, compiling more than 250 rushing yards.
The defense, which held the Saints to only one score, was highlighted by Dean’s two interceptions and strong play from defensive lineman Max Hill.
Liberty Patriots edge rival Hazen Highlanders, 25-22
September 11, 2012
Tynan Gilmore, Liberty High School senior receiver, powers through a group of Hazen defenders during Liberty’s 25-22 win over Hazen on Sept. 7. Gilmore had three touchdowns, one rushing and two receiving, in the victory. By Scott Coburn
A week after the Liberty High School football team struggled with turnovers in a loss to Eastside Catholic, the Patriots turned out a positive turnover ratio in a 25-22 win over Hazen.
Mount Si Wildcats shut out Issaquah Eagles, 21-0
September 11, 2012
Issaquah High School’s football team was shutout in its second nonconference game of the year by the Mount Si Wildcats by a score of 21-0 Sept. 7.
Mount Si’s stout defense only allowed the Eagles to cross the 50-yard line three times.
One bright spot for Issaquah was running back Jack Gellatly who rushed for 107 yards on 17 carries. Gellatly was instrumental in the Eagles’ victory in week one over Interlake with three rushing touchdowns.
