Washington 4A Title Contender: Skyview HS
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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…
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Continue ReadingA 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.
Skyview went 8-3 last season, losing in the 2nd 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.
Returning co-conference POY Jake Kennedy 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.
Kennedy will have a host of familiar targets returning and 1st team all GSHL RB Trey Jacob Trey Jacob 5'8" | 180 lbs | RB Skyview | 2024 State WA 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 Levi Webb Levi Webb 5'10" | 200 lbs | DL Skyview | 2025 State WA , who garnered a host of experience as a sophomore, and the Storm should be in good shape.
On the perimeter Skyview is loaded with one of Washington’s top 2025 athletes in Gavin Packer Gavin Packer 5'10" | 175 lbs | WR Skyview | 2025 State WA back, after earning 1st 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 10th 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.
2nd team all-conference WR Riley Artis Riley Artis 5'9" | 160 lbs | WR Skyview | 2024 State WA also returns, along with TE Gavin Poffenroth who projects on D but should be one of the top targets in the conference.
Up front 6-6 270-pound 2nd team all-conference tackle Noah Thomas Noah Thomas 6'6" | 280 lbs | OL Skyview | 2025 State WA 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.
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 1st team honors at DE.
Other athletes returning who will be listed among the top players in the state at their position include 2024 DB Cameron Crooks Cameron Crooks 5'11" | 180 lbs | DB Skyview | 2024 State WA and talented LB’s Colby Warner 24′ and Hezachariah PoChing Hezachariah PoChing 6'0" | 235 lbs | LB Skyview | 2025 State WA 25′. Crooks and Warner both earned 1st team all-league honors with Cameron being one of the more underrated kids in the state in my opinion.
Po-Ching is another one of those athletes who can change a game for you. His 2nd team all GSHL honors as a sophomore speak to his abilities and the experience he will bring to the table this coming season.
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.
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.