Skyline shuts out Mount Rainier to advance to State
The Skyline Spartans rolled over the Mount Rainier Rams in their first game of the postseason, earning a 31-0 victory.
After scoreless possessions for both teams, the Spartans finally began to find ground when running back TJ Crandall received a punt at the Skyline 20-yard line. Weaving his way through the Ram defense, he put the Spartans on the board with a spectacular 80-yard touchdown run. A missed field goal meant Skyline settled for a 6-0 lead.
With another quick four-and-out, Skyline was on the offensive again. A series of short receptions and quick sideline rushes between wide receivers Nate Fischer and JT Weir brought the Spartans to their 44-yard line. Another completed pass to wide receiver Mike Roni enabled a sideline advance, bringing the Spartans downfield to the Ram 30-yard line. A hand-off to running back Josh Menold earned the Spartans their second touchdown of the half for a 12-0 lead.
As the third quarter opened, the Rams kicked to the Spartans, and they wasted no time putting points on the board. Menold rushed downfield from the 27-yard line to score yet another touchdown, widening the gap to 18-0.
Not ready to give up yet, running back Sione Kongaika led a slow, calculated Ram counteroffensive through the middle of the field. An incredible 30-yard reception from wide receiver Reagan Bingonda at the Spartan 25-yard line brought the Rams within striking distance for their first addition to the scoreboard. But Skyline refused to let them in with superb defense from outside linebacker Bryton Bunch and strong safety Fischer and the Rams were forced to punt after a frustrating and fruitless possession.
Marcus Angiuli received a punt at the Spartan 23-yard line and carried all the way to the 41-yard line, requiring half the Ram defense to take him down. Weir made another reception, bringing the ball to the Ram 23-yard line. Repeating the same play, Weir carried the ball into the end zone for the fourth Spartan touchdown and a 24-0 advantage. A successful point-after-touchdown by kicker Maddie Spurlock resulted in a 25–0 lead.
Angiuli would find the end zone one more time in the third quarter, giving Skyline a resounding 31-0 victory.
A new set of Spartan defenders including middle linebacker Ara Gyonjyan entered the field and the Rams floundered through the rest of the match, unable to add anything to the Mt. Rainier side of the board.
Skyline has advanced to the WIAA State Tournament. Their next game is at home against Federal Way on Saturday, Nov. 12, at 5:30pm.
Correction: The original version of this article incorrectly identified Jack Johnson as the Skyline player who scored the final touchdown in the third quarter. It has been changed to Marcus Angiuli.
