Spartans defeat Wolves in plateau showdown
The annual Battle on the Plateau, on Friday, Oct. 3 at Skyline, brought intensity from the opening whistle as the Skyline Spartans delivered a 25-14 win over the Eastlake Wolves.
Unable to convert their first possession into points on the board, the Spartans were forced to punt and give the Wolves an opportunity. On their first play, Ryder Barrysmith connected with Chase Hanschka for a long bomb that put the visiting team deep into Spartan territory. Another pass into the end zone put Eastlake up, 7-0, on their opening drive.
Skyline quickly answered back. Between a productive running game, including a pair of quarterback keepers for Ben Odom, and sharp passing, the Spartans moved the ball steadily downfield. The first period closed with a short pass to Masen Goodrich in the end zone to tie the game, 7-7.
The Spartans’ momentum carried into the second quarter. With Colin Shamp grinding out yards and Luke Morgan finding space in the secondary, Skyline struck again, this time with a touchdown pass from Odom to freshman Ari Gibbons.
Adding to the excitement, the Spartans took a risk with an unexpected two-point conversion. The series of maneuvers included a hand-off to Goodrich, who tossed a short pass to the right to Owen Seethoff. Jeffery Walker, quadruple covered by a pack of Wolves in the end zone, pulled down the short pass from Seethoff for an additional two points and a 15-7 Skyline advantage to end the first half.
Eastlake came back from the break determined to close the gap. Landon Johnson gave the Wolves a boost with a strong return that quickly put Eastlake on the 46-yard line in Spartan territory. Significant yardage was gained on another long completion to Hanschka while Myles Johnson and Landon Johnson powered through the line for key gains.
The Wolves, on the 2-yard line and ready to score, almost lost the ball when a botched snap flew over Barrysmith’s head. Thinking fast, he snatched the ball and zigzagged right and then left to run up the middle to avoid a group of Skyline defenders for a touchdown, reducing the , 15-14, Skyline.
The Spartans, however, responded immediately. Odom found Owen Seethoff and Seyler Jones for first downs before connecting again with Bupe Chisanga in the end zone. The extra point extended the Spartan lead to 22–14 to end the third quarter.
As time ran out in the final quarter, frustration became the theme and tempers occasionally flared. While both teams came close to scoring, neither team added a touchdown to the board. A field goal for the Spartans was the only addition in the fourth quarter, and Skyline delivered a 25-14 victory for the Spartans.
The Eastlake Wolves will play the Mt. Si Wildcats at Eastlake on Oct. 10 at 7 p.m.
The Skyline Spartans will face the Bellevue Wolverines at Skyline on Oct. 10 at 7 p.m.
