The wait seemed like an eternity for Alexa Smith.
Academic reasons forced the senior to the bench for Issaquah’s first three games. Then heavy snow came, postponing the Eagles’ next two contests.
The answer wasn’t hard for Issaquah head coach Jeff Altchech to find.
A quick glance at the post-game statistics and he knew immediately what needed to be fixed after Monday’s 66-56 loss to South Kitsap.
The wintery blast that swept across the greater Seattle area last week provided students with extended winter breaks, and caused headaches for commuters.
Last season it was all about height for the Skyline boys basketball team.
Eastside Catholic boys basketball coach Steve Kramer hopes there’s some mojo left in the tank.
There might be a new face at the helm, but the philosophy remains the same for the Issaquah boys basketball team.
Mission accomplished for Skyline football team.
For the second straight season, the Spartans gathered at the Tacoma Dome 50-yard line and hoisted a championship trophy toward the hollow concrete roof — something they envisioned from the start of the season.
Their athletes have collided on fields, courts and tracks countless times.
But Friday, the intense athletic rivalry between Skyline and Issaquah will move to one of the state’s largest stages when the schools clash for the 4A state football championship at the Tacoma Dome.
Grant Engel let out a ferocious yell, pumping his fists toward the hundreds of Skyline faithful who traveled across the state to watch the Spartans play.
Gavin Schumaker was more upset at himself than any teammate or coach. Just before halftime, the normally sure-footed kicker nicked the tee and missed a 26-yard field goal by a good 10 yards.
Panic isn’t in Skyline’s vocabulary.
It showed again Saturday afternoon, as for the second straight week the Spartans fell behind early and battled back to crush an opponent. Skyline emphatically defeated previously unbeaten Auburn, 38-2, moving into the state semifinals, Nov. 29 against Ferris in Spokane.
When Zach Cuaresma’s 25-yard pass skipped off the fingertips of wide receiver Troy Perry Friday night, a look of disbelief swept across the Eastside Catholic sidelines.
When the Issaquah football players hopped on a bus, in uniform, with bags over their shoulders a 4:50 p.m., Saturday, Kentwood fans were left wondering if they arrived at the wrong field.
With the game on the line and 4 minutes remaining, Issaquah left itself one option Saturday night — hand the ball to Grant Gellatly.
As he’s done all season, the 5-foot-10, 180-pound junior answered his team’s call. Gellatly, who rushed 31 times for career-best 313 yards, had five consecutive carries for 27 yards in the final three minutes. As a result, Issaquah ran out the clock and sealed a 31-28 win over Kentwood.
Skyline junior Andie Taylor added to her impressive list of prep accomplishments Saturday afternoon, notching her fifth career state championship at the 4A state meet in Federal Way.
In 10 contests, no opponent had scored before Skyline this season. In fact, no one managed a single point in the first quarter — until Federal Way made its way to the Plateau Friday for the opening round of the 4A state playoffs.
For the first time since its week-one statement victory over Bothell, Issaquah’s sideline was clear of crutches and casts.
And the Eagles took full advantage of their refreshed roster on Saturday night, cruising past previously undefeated Marysville-Pilchuck, 36-18, at Everett Memorial Stadium.
It wasn’t an ideal start, but Skyline isn’t complaining about the end result of Tuesday night’s KingCo 4A championship.
The mighty Skyline Spartans proved they were human Thursday night.
Behind a lot of focus and a little help from a rival, the Skyline volleyball team locked up second place in the KingCo 4A on Tuesday night.
