Skyview football preview: Despite 21 new starters, Storm don’t expect to have a down season

But that’s just fine, he added. There’s challenges, and by that, good challenges arise, too.

“They’ve all battled; competition breeds better guys,” Kizer said.

Junior running back Jalynnee McGee is Skyview’s only returning starter in what otherwise was a senior-heavy offense and defense. While McGee had some skepticism entering the off-season — “I didn’t know what was going to happen,” he said — all worries were washed away with an impressive work ethic and continued progression by his teammates.

New faces in new places doesn’t mean the cupboard is bare.

“We pretty much have the same team we had last year,” McGee said, “minus a few position players. Other than that, we’ll be good this year.”

McGee also is projected to start at safety. The secondary — with Cooper Barnum, Mason Wheeler and Daniel Johnston — will likely be the cornerstone of Skyview’s defense.

Wheeler, another junior, said the growth that’s brought a closer bond, and a brotherhood has led Skyview to 12 consecutive postseason berths under Kizer.

“We feel confident in our whole team,” Wheeler said, “and we embrace each other and we trust each other. We trust our coaches and we look at every game like we’re going to go win it.”

3 THINGS TO KNOW

• Streak of 12 straight playoff-bound seasons was snapped last year.

• Team features 21 new starters after graduating 29 seniors from last year.

• Parker Henry, an assistant last year, now coaches linebackers at Portland State.

2017 season: 5-4, 2-2 4A GSHL.

Schedule

Home games at Kiggins Bowl

League games in bold

Aug. 31 Yelm 6 p.m.

Sept. 7 at Columbia River 7 p.m.

Sept. 14 Mount Si 7 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Rogers (Puyallup) 7 p.m.

Sept. 28 at Battle Ground 7 p.m.

Oct. 5 Union 5 p.m.

Oct. 12 Olympia 5 p.m.

Oct. 19 at Camas 7 p.m.

Oct. 26 Heritage 8 p.m.