Washington 4A Title Contender: Skyview HS

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>&nbsp;A few weeks back I posted an article featuring the Top 20 Teams in the NW regardless of classification. Skyview came in at #7 overall and the #1 preseason 4A team in Washington, one spot ahead of Graham-Kapowsin. It's obviously early with a lot yet to be determined but the Storm have team depth and a few athletes who I would consider game changers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Skyview went 8-3 last season, losing in the 2^nd&nbsp;round of the playoffs to GK. There other two losses were by a field goal to top Oregon program Jesuit 24-21 in the season opener, and to traditional power Camas 36-33. They could have easily been undefeated heading into the playoffs with numerous underclassmen excelling.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Returning co-conference POY <strong>Jake Kennedy</strong> 24' is back at QB after helping his team average 34 points per game last season and looking like one of the most versatile QB's in the West. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kennedy will have a host of familiar targets returning and 1^st team all GSHL RB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1108362' first='Trey' last='Jacob']</strong> 24', who will help keep that ever so important balance with the run game. Jacob was a standout at the PRZ event in Oregon a few months back and more than looked the part. Add to that a very tough 5-10 205 RB in<strong> </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='348167' first='Levi' last='Webb'], who garnered a host of experience as a sophomore, and the Storm should be in good shape. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the perimeter Skyview is loaded with one of Washington's top 2025 athletes in [player_tooltip player_id='693684' first='Gavin' last='Packer'] back, after earning 1^st team all GSHL honors at WR, DB, and Kick-Returner as a sophomore. Very few if any athletes ever drop a trifecta from an accolade standpoint, especially as a 10^th grader. He is an unreal overall athlete and someone I would consider the favorite for 4A state player of the year honors this year. Bold statement, but Packer is different and an unquestioned D1 kid.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2^nd team all-conference WR [player_tooltip player_id='643395' first='Riley' last='Artis'] also returns, along with TE<strong> Gavin Poffenroth</strong> who projects on D but should be one of the top targets in the conference. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Up front 6-6 270-pound 2^nd&nbsp;team all-conference tackle [player_tooltip player_id='587332' first='Noah' last='Thomas'] 25' will lead. I would consider him one of the fastest rising recruits in Washington and someone that will have a handful of division 1 offers by season's end. If there is any question mark to this year's team it will be on the offensive line, so Thomas' presence will be that much more important.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively the Storm averaged a 34-16 margin of victory during the 2022 season. Packer has the potential of being the GSHL Player of the year on D with the 6-1 210-pound Poppenroth back after earning 1^st&nbsp;team honors at DE.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other athletes returning who will be listed among the top players in the state at their position include 2024 DB [player_tooltip player_id='884672' first='Cameron' last='Crooks'] and talented LB's <strong>Colby Warner</strong> 24' and [player_tooltip player_id='348165' first='Hezachariah' last='PoChing'] 25'. Crooks and Warner both earned 1^st team all-league honors with Cameron being one of the more underrated kids in the state in my opinion. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Po-Ching is another one of those athletes who can change a game for you. His 2^nd&nbsp;team all GSHL honors as a sophomore speak to his abilities and the experience he will bring to the table this coming season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In summary I think Skyview has a legit shot to make a playoff run and contend for a title. The season opener will be telling against a tough Jesuit team ranked #3 in Oregon to start the year. I will take Skyview in a close one, with the non-league contest versus Bothell being interesting as well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>4A is wide open in Washington this season and the Storm will have double digit all conference athletes on their roster. Coach Steve Kizer has been one of the best in the business and should have his guys ready to go.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->