High-scoring Skyline offense looks a lot like Lake Stevens

With a top recruit in the nation who has thrown 41 touchdowns and a running back who’s rushed for almost 1,500 yards and 27 more scores, the Lake Stevens offense — which averages 49 points per game — has not had any problem putting points on the board this season.

Neither has the Vikings’ next opponent.

Skyline (11-1), ranked No. 7 in 4A, also boasts a high-powered offense that averages 41 points per game. And, like the Vikings, it’s a balanced attack, with senior quarterback Blake Gregory averaging 242 yards passing per game and the Spartans adding an average of 183 yards on the ground, led by Colorado State-bound senior Rashaad Boddie, who has 1,613 yards and 18 touchdowns.

“You look at balance between run and pass we’re very similar,” Skyline head coach Mat Taylor said. “Traditionally, when you think of Skyline, you think of throwing the ball. But we have a very dynamic running back in Rashaad. He does a great job for us. … Blake Gregory, he’s as good as I’ve coached. I’ve coached some good ones in Max Browne and Jake Heaps.”

The strength and pedigree of Skyline has not gone unnoticed by Lake Stevens head coach Tom Tri.

“They’re a good team,” Tri said. “They’re physical, they’re well-coached. There aren’t a lot of weaknesses there. They’ve got a good (offensive line), they’ve got speed at receiver, they’ve got a quarterback that can deliver the ball on time, their running back will be the best running back we’ve faced this year and their line up front is solid. They do a heck of a job.

“There’s a reason why they’re a perennial state powerhouse and why, every year, it seems like they’re playing in the Tacoma Dome.”

In comparison, it’s been four years since Lake Stevens has played in the Tacoma Dome. It will be the first game there for running back Andrew Grimes, quarterback Jacob Eason and the rest of the Vikings’ seniors.

“We’ll be pretty amped up and ready to go,” Eason said. “It should be fun.”

Another key for Skyline is turnovers. Skyline has a plus-28 turnover differential, with just eight turnovers on offense all season — including just four from the starting unit.

“We stress that a lot,” Taylor said. “We do a turnover and ball security circuit everyday.”

The Spartans won back-to-back state championships in 2011 and 2012 and beat Lake Stevens 42-0 in the first round of the state tournament in 2012.

“Skyline is a powerhouse,” Grimes said. “They have a really similar offense to us. They can huck the ball around. It’s going to be a really versatile offense to go against.”

Skyline vs. Lake Stevens

Where: Tacoma Dome

When: 7:30 p.m., Saturday

Key Players: Skyline—Blake Gregory, sr., QB; Rashaad Boddie, sr., RB/DE; Danny Sinatro, sr., WR/DB; Logan Wanamaker, sr., WR/S; Jake Pendergast, sr., WR/DB.. Lake Stevens—Jacob Eason, sr., QB; Riley Krenz, sr., TE/FS; Andrew Grimes, sr., RB/DE; Sam Burke, sr., RB/LB; Hunter Eckstrom, jr., WR/DB; Michael Nelson, sr., T/DE; Lars Eklund, sr., T/DL; Asi Tupua, sr., RB/DE; Ian Schneider, sr., WR/DB.

Records: Skyline 11-1. Lake Stevens 12-0.

TV: ROOT Sports

Radio: KRKO 1380 AM

Twitter: @aaronlommers, @Krueger_David and @heraldnetpreps

Herald Pick: Lake Stevens

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 8-17

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 8-17. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Silvertips’ playoff picture coming together as season hits final week

Everett is officially the Western Conference’s No. 3 seed and is likely heading into a matchup with Kelowna or Vancouver.

Los Angeles Rams offensive guard Tremayne Anchrum (72) against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Seahawks add to position of need, sign guard Tremayne Anchrum Jr.

The 25-year-old has played in 31 games, starting once, since being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 2020.

Everett Community College head coach Chet Hovde watches as the women's team practices on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 in Everett, Wa. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
EvCC coach Chet Hovde, who ‘lived for’ basketball, dies at 77

Coach Hovde graduated from Everett High School in 1965. He spent 33 years as the women’s basketball coach at the community college.

Jackson’s Ian Friedrichsen celebrates his goal with his teammates during the game against Bothell on Thursday, May 11, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep boys soccer: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines for this high school boys soccer season

Jackson’s Rachel Sysum is hugged by Leneyah Mitchell after hitting a home run during the game against Bothell on Friday, May 19, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep softball: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines to keep an eye on this high school softball season.

X
Prep roundup for Friday, March 15

Prep roundup for Friday, March 15: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Glacier Peak’s Samantha Christensen runs to home plate to celebrate her home run with her teammates during the game against Snohomish on Friday, March 15, 2024 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
GALLERY: Glacier Peak softball tops rival Snohomish

The Grizzlies prevail 9-5 in a clash of area powers.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

The Washington Wolfpack logo is revealed during the Everett AFL team unveiling at Tony V's Garage in Everett, Washington onThursday, Oct. 26, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Everett’s new arena football team to have 4 televised games

The NFL Network will broadcast 30 AFL games this season, including two Wolfpack home games.

Washington coach Mike Hopkins yells to the team during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against California, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, in Seattle. California won 82-80. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Looking back at Mike Hopkins’ turbulent tenure as UW men’s basketball coach

The departing Huskies coach had highs early, but the good times didn’t last long.

X
Prep roundup for Saturday, March 16

Prep roundup for Saturday, March 16: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.