Eastlake reigns over Skyline in “Battle of the Plateau”
Eastlake continued its undefeated season against Skyline with a final score of 41-7 to deliver their sixth win of the season.
Judging from the first quarter, it appeared there really would be a “Battle of the Plateau.” Eastlake scored on their opening drive when quarterback Parker Barrysmith connected with wide receiver Griffin Miller in the end zone to take an early 7-0 lead.
Skyline forced an Eastlake fumble late in the quarter and took control of the ball. Quarterback Joaquin Valdez knew exactly what to do. He connected on a short pass to wide receiver Aidyn Clark who ran for 59 yards, untouched, into the end zone to tie the game 7-7 to end the first quarter.
In the second quarter, both defenses stepped up with impressive sacks from Skyline’s Hunter Neil and Eastlake’s Logan Eller. With only five minutes left in the half, Jack Peterson broke the stalemate with a 20-yard touchdown run for a 14-7 Eastlake lead that they would never relinquish. With just 1:06 remaining in the half, Peterson ran up the middle for a 15-yard touchdown, his second of the game, to put the Wolves up 21-7.
The Spartans seemed to regroup during halftime and neither team would score in the third quarter due to superb defense once again. Eastlake’s Noah Weintraub had an interception early in the quarter. The Wolves would get further defensive backup support from Will Woodward, Blake Borup, Logan Eller, and Owen Coomes. A second Eastlake interception during the quarter from Michael Kistner would help prevent Skyline from cutting into their lead.
Skyline’s defense held as well as Eastlake’s during the quarter. Michael Roni and Trevor Steinbach stopped Eastlake’s Michael Lester as he drove up the center early in the quarter to force a punt. With additional help from JT Weir, Carter King, Bronson Terpstra, and the other Steinbach brother, Tyler, Eastlake would be unable to add anything to the board.
That is when the momentum shifted in Eastlake’s favor. Jack Peterson scored his third touchdown of the night on a short pass from Parker Barrysmith early in the fourth quarter. The extra point was blocked when a Skyline defender got a piece of the ball, bringing the score to 27-7 Eastlake.
Skyline would make little progress on their next drive, punting it back to Eastlake after a three-and-out. Eastlake’s return man, while waving off his team from the bouncing ball, instead had the ball carom off his arm. Skyline defensive lineman Blake Gorski recovered to give the Spartans an unexpected opportunity. Unfortunately, the Skyline offense just could not break the red wall and punted back to the Wolves after a fruitless series.
With 8:32 left in the game, Parker Barrysmith connected with Michael Lester for another Eastlake touchdown to bring the score to 34-7. With Skyline well behind, they tried to force the ball downfield, but Eastlake’s Logan intercepted and tiptoed down the sideline for another Eastlake touchdown. The extra point by Noah Weintraub brought the final score to 41-7.
Despite an extraordinary number of penalties called on Eastlake, making for an extra-long game, the Wolves brought home a decisive win and bragging rights in this year’s installment of the cross-town rivalry.
Next, Eastlake (6-0) will play Mt. Si (4-2) on October 15 at home at 7:00 p.m., while Skyline (2-4) will be at Redmond (5-1).
