Spartans’ talented roster has aspirations of advancing deep into the postseason

Skyline football team has a bevy of returners in 2018.

By Shaun Scott • June 14, 2018 2:56 pm
Skyline Spartans sophomore wide receiver Karl Herrmann hauls in a pass during a spring football practice session on June 12 at Skyline High School in Sammamish. Shaun Scott, staff photo
Skyline Spartans sophomore wide receiver Karl Herrmann hauls in a pass during a spring football practice session on June 12 at Skyline High School in Sammamish. Shaun Scott, staff photo

Skyline Spartans senior defensive end Mason Ahlemeyer is determined to see his football team make history during the 2018 season.

Skyline, which finished the 2017 season with an 8-4 overall record, saw its season come to a close courtesy of a 41-0 loss to Central Valley in the Class 4A state quarterfinals.

“We’re looking to get Skyline back to its glory days. The last two years we’ve had great teams but we felt like we could had performed better. We’re trying to get back there. That is the ultimate goal,” Ahlemeyer said.

The Spartans captured state titles in 2000, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011 and in 2012. In 2015, the Spartans advanced to the Class 4A state championship game as well. Skyline’s offense will be in good hands with senior quarterback Joe Green under center. Green, who is being recruited by a bevy of collegiate football programs, is leading by example during spring practice sessions.

“It is always a huge advantage when you have a kid coming back with the caliber of Joe Green. He grew so much in our offense last year from the first game of the season to Week 12. We’re really excited about him,” Skyline head coach Mat Taylor said during a spring practice session on June 12.

Key Spartan returners this fall will include receiver/defensive back Chris Johnson, running back Brendan Bice, running back Beau Switzer, receiver Dominic Wieburg, offensive lineman Michael Oss and Ahlemeyer.

“Chris is a 6-foot, 4-inch super athletic receiver. I don’t think he really understands how good he can be. I think definitely Chris and Jonny Barrett from Mount Si are two of the best receivers in the state and they are in our own (KingCo 4A) conference,” Taylor said. “Michael Oss started every game for us last year and played every snap.”

Wieburg will undoubtedly be one of the fastest players in the KingCo 4A Conference on the perimeter.

“Dominic got sixth place in the 100 at the state track meet this year. The difference between the first- and sixth-place finishers was .12 or .20 seconds. He was that close to winning state,” Taylor said. “He is only going to be a junior and we’re really excited about him.”

Taylor, who will be in his 11th season leading the Spartans this fall, thoroughly enjoys the camaraderie shared amongst the coaches in the KingCo 4A Conference.

“First and foremost, I love the respect that we have for each other as coaches. We bring out the best in each other,” he said.