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

Arlington’s Leyton Martin (2) poses for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Leyton Martin

Arlington’s do-it-all junior point guard led the Eagles to a district title and second straight Hardwood Classic.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Left to right, Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones, Glacier Peak’s Jo Lee, Everett’s Isaiah White, Arlington’s Leyton Martin, Jackson’s Ryan McFerran, and Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel pose for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area boys basketball teams

A look at the top prep boys basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (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.