Skyline wins thriller against Woodinville in game’s final seconds
The Skyline Spartans secured a thrilling 23-22 victory over the Woodinville Falcons on Friday, winning the game in the final seconds to delight a boisterous homecoming crowd. The Spartans’ win came down to a touchdown and a successful 2-point conversion with less than one minute to play in the game.
Woodinville started things off by receiving the opening kickoff, and gradually worked their way downfield, gaining confidence with each down. Eventually, Casey Larson completed a long pass to advance the ball deep into Skyline territory. However, just as their hard work was about to pay off, Skyline’s Bupe Chisanga quickly shifted momentum with an interception that set up Josh Menold to score the game’s first touchdown. The Spartans followed up with a successful 2-point conversion using a fake fly to give Skyline an early 8-0 lead.
Skyline continued their streak on the next drive when Menold added a 23-yard touchdown run to the board. Sean Lee’s successful field goal brought the score to 15-0.
However, the Falcons, refusing to fall too far behind, responded on their next possession when Larson connected for a 38-yard touchdown on fourth down. The extra point was good, and Woodinville was still in the game, 15-7, by the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter saw little action, with both teams struggling to change course. However, Woodinville opened the third quarter with a bang as Larson struck again with a 40-yard touchdown. The Falcons successfully completed a 2-point conversion, tying the game at 15-15. Holding the line, neither team managed to add to the board for the rest of the quarter.
With a tie game and pressure mounting, it all came down to the final quarter. Woodinville received the kickoff. After a 23-yard gain for the Falcons, Woodinville was once again within striking distance. On the next play, Larson broke through the Spartan defense to move the ball 10 yards into the end zone and the go-ahead touchdown for a 22-15 Falcon advantage, their first of the game.
Refusing to pack it in for the night, the Spartans fought hard to match the score. A long 27-yard bomb from Seylor Jones to Menold only added to the tension when the game tying touchdown pass was called back on a penalty and negated the much-needed addition for Skyline.
Despite the setback, the Spartans continued to press forward. With less than a minute remaining, Menold scored a 4-yard touchdown to bring the Spartans within 1 point of Woodinville.
The outcome of the game came down to Skyline’s final 2-point conversion attempt. With all eyes glued down field, Menold completed a risky 2-point conversion, securing an exciting 23-22 go ahead pivotal play to deliver a nail-biting victory for the Spartans.
After the game, Skyline head coach Peyton Pelluer reflected on the team’s performance, saying, “We weren’t set as an offense, so we just had to find a way.”
The Skyline Spartans will face the Mount Si Wildcats at Mount Si High School at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 25.
