Skyline eyes third consecutive state football title

Yes, last Saturday's 31-26 state-semifinal victory over Bothell was sweet.

But Skyline has made it clear, the mission isn't complete.

"We need to go out and take care of business next week," Spartan senior linebacker Anthony DeMatteo said, immediately after knocking off Bothell.

The Spartans will vie for their third consecutive state championship at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 5 against Ferris in the Tacoma Dome. They are also targeting their fifth state title this decade. Skyline claimed the 3A title in 2000, the 4A title in 2005, the 3A title in 2007, and the 4A title in 2008.

Ferris, which enters Saturday's championship with a 10-3 overall record, is a team that Skyline (11-2) is familiar with. The Spartans knocked the Saxons off 24-21 in Spokane during last year's 4A state semifinals.

"They're going to have a bitter taste in their mouth," said Spartan senior quarterback Jake Heaps.

The Saxons are led by WSU-bound quarterback Connor Halliday, who has thrown for 3,781 yards, 38 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. BYU-bound Heaps has thrown for 2,936 yards, 41 TDs and seven INTs.

"It's going to be a great game with two pass-happy offenses and it's going to be a lot of fun," Heaps said.

Ferris is led by wide receivers Jason Bates (88 catches, 1,468 yards, 20 TDs) and Beau Bozett (55 catches, 766 yards and six TDs). Kasen Williams (66 catches, 1,120 yards, 17 TDs) and Connor Brandt (31 catches, 421 yards, five TDs) lead a strong corps of Spartan wide receivers.

Both teams also have the ability to run the ball. The Saxons' Gage Orosco has 1,084 yards on the ground, while Skyline's Nick Washburn is just shy of 900.

Ferris is coming off a 46-41 semifinal victory over Skyview. The Saxons have won five straight since falling 42-20 to Lewis & Clark on Oct. 23.

Skyline has won four straight games since falling 25-20 to Bothell in the KingCo Championship on Oct. 30.

As for fear of a letdown after earning redemption over Bothell.

"There's always concern, but I think our coaches have gotten us so focused these last four weeks," DeMatteo said. "I know our players aren't going to let us get a letdown, our captains are going to stay strong, our starting 22 are going to stay strong."

Heaps credited the Bothell team after Saturday's win, but he also noted there is no looking past the Saxons.

"They're a great team and we're really excited to get going next week and (move) onto Ferris," he said.

Saturday's game will be broadcast live on FSN. The Reporter will be supplying live Twitter updates @issy_sam_sports.