No. 2 Skyline gets back on track, routs Kentridge

SAMMAMISH — Skyline's fourth snap saw quarterback Jake Heaps fumble the ball away, a mishap familiar to the Spartans after turnovers played a major role in last week's KingCo 4A title game loss to Bothell.

Think it mattered this time around? Think again.

Heaps threw for three touchdowns and ran for another to lead No. 2 Skyline to a convincing 42-0 victory over Kentridge in the qualifying round of the 4A state playoffs. The Spartans (8-2) will travel to face the winner of today's South Kitsap-Heritage game.

"We told the kids it was the start of a new season," Skyline coach Mat Taylor said of rebounding after the Bothell loss. "They responded. We had the best week of practice since I've been at Skyline."

Despite a continuous downpour that grew worse as the evening went on, Skyline's high-powered offense was in fine form, gaining 467 yards. Heaps, a Brigham Young recruit, completed his first 10 passes and finished 20-of-24 passing for 298 yards and the three touchdowns. He ran for a score that put the Spartans on top 14-0 in the second quarter.

"There's no excuses," said Heaps, a two-time state champion playing for the last time on his home turf. "This is about coming out and enjoying the moment."

Skyline took a 7-0 lead on a 9-yard pass from Heaps to Jordan Simone, who was one of nine Skyline receivers to make a catch. A 42-yard bomb to Kasen Williams set up the Spartans' second score, and a blocked punt by Evan Zeger set up the third.

Kentridge (6-4) struggled mightily against a determined Skyline defense. Caleb Smith was 4-of-11 passing for 30 yards and two interceptions for the Chargers, while Alex Tyson managed just 24 yards on 15 carries. Kentridge tallied just 59 yards of total offense.

"We just had a vengeance in us," said Williams, who had five catches for 119 yards and a score. "We were so mad about losing that game against Bothell. No one expected that. But we definitely rebounded. The scoreboard says it all."

Said Heaps: "I think this team has the right mentality. We're happy with this one, but we've got a long way to go to get that state championship."