University of Georgia bound Lake Stevens Vikings quarterback Jacob Eason unleashed a pass toward the end-zone with a berth in the Class 4A state finals on the line in a battle against the Skyline Spartans.

Skyline, which was clinging to a 37-34 lead, forced Lake Stevens into a fourth down play at Skyline’s 32-yard line with just three-seconds left on the clock. Eason evaded Skyline’s front line before hoisting a pass toward down the right sideline as time expired. The pass was under thrown and Skyline defensive back Danny Sinatro leapt for the interception, preserving Skyline’s dramatic 37-34 win against Lake Stevens in the Class 4A semifinals on Nov. 28 at the Tacoma Dome.

“The adrenaline was pumping. I knew they were going deep and I knew they were going to the end zone because there was three-seconds left. I knew their quarterback could sling it. He is a hell of a player. I just went out there and made the play,” Sinatro said. “These moments don’t come by often. It feels so surreal right now. I’m speechless.”

Skyline’s defense didn’t allow a point on Lake Stevens final three possessions of the fourth quarter. Skyline took the lead for good when quarterback Blake Gregory connected with Bradley Kim on a 27-yard touchdown strike, giving the Spartans a 37-34 lead with 6:51 left in the fourth quarter. Gregory’s high velocity pass against the grain soared past a well-positioned Lake Stevens defensive back for the go-ahead score. On the Vikings’ ensuing offensive possession, they faced a fourth down with 23 yards to go at their own 18-yard line with 4:19 left in regulation. Eason’s pass was nearly hauled in by Lake Stevens receiver Ian Schneider down the left sideline but fell incomplete, giving the ball back to Skyline. Skyline’s offense didn’t gain any yards on its next drive and Jack Crane missed a 35-yard field goal attempt. Lake Stevens regained possession of the ball at their own 20-yard line with 3:52 left in the game. Eason completed three passes and was driving his team down the field until the biggest miscue of the game. While running the ball, Eason fumbled and Skyline’s Alex Diegel recovered the fumble at Skyline’s 28-yard line with 1:52 remaining in regulation.

The game appeared to be Skyline’s but Lake Stevens forced Skyline to punt on their ensuing offensive possession which gave Lake Stevens one last chance with 38 seconds on the clock. Eason drove his team to the 32-yard line but was denied the comeback win on Sinatro’s interception on the final play of the game. Eason finished the game with 390 yards passing and two touchdowns. Skyline offensive/defensive lineman Henry Bainivalu said the defense rose the occasion.

“I’m so proud of the secondary. I knew the pressure was on them today,” Bainivalu said. “Overall I’m ecstatic with how our defense did and I couldn’t be more excited to go to the state finals.”

Gregory had the best game of his high school career on the biggest stage. Gregory went 22-for-28 for 436 yards passing and three touchdowns passing as well as a rushing touchdown. Kim hauled in two of his touchdown catches and Sinatro scored on a 81-yard catch and run in the first quarter. Skyline running back Rashaad Boddie scored on a 1-yard touchdown run as well.

Skyline head coach Mat Taylor said in August that by the end of the season everyone would know who Gregory was.

He was right.

“I think he is such a special player. I probably sound like a broken record. He makes such good decisions and he makes such good throws,” Taylor said following the win against Lake Stevens.

The always humble Gregory said he just wanted to execute the game-plan the coaching staff put together.

“There is a lot of pressure on a big stage like this but I always try to stay within myself, do everything the coaches ask me to do and not try to do too much,” Gregory said.

The senior signal caller was confident the Skyline defense would make one final stop on Lake Stevens final drive of the game.

“We knew they didn’t have any timeouts left so we were just trying to play prevent defense and not let anything behind us. Our defense did an outstanding job closing out the game,” he said.

The Spartans will play Gonzaga Prep in the Class 4A state championship game at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 5 at the Tacoma Dome.