Skyview wraps up postseason berth with 34-0 win over Union

One thing is for certain. Skyview football is headed to the postseason.

The Storm made sure of that with a 34-0 win over Union on Friday at Kiggins Bowl.

Who and where Skyview will play in a Class 4A state preliminary game will be decided by a seeding committee on Sunday.

Not that the details of that matchup matter much to the Storm. Bring on anybody anywhere, they say, after a second straight dominating win to wrap up the regular season at 8-1 and 2-1 in Class 4A Greater St. Helens League play.

“When we play Skyview football, we can beat anyone,” quarterback Jake Kennedy said. “I truly believe that.  We’ll play anyone, honestly. We’re not scared of anyone.”

Skyview’s defense rose to the challenge for a second straight week. After beating Battle Ground 49-10, the Storm turned in a shutout Friday despite Union having chances to score.

Two of those came in the first quarter, when Union ran 23 plays from scrimmage to Skyview’s seven. But Jerrid Secor intercepted a pass in the end zone, then Kaden Hamlin picked off a pass at Skyview’s 20 to turn away the Titans.

“The defense is really stepping up and the offense is putting up points,” Hamlin said. “There’s really nothing more we can ask for. We’re playing great football.”

Skyview’s running game began to impose its will in the second quarter. Rex Allinger’s 5-yard run put the Storm on the board after the junior rushed for 38 yards on the previous three plays.

Trey Jacob then put Skyview ahead 14-0. His 1-yard touchdown came one play after his 21-yard burst put the Storm on the doorstep.

Riley Artis provided the biggest thrill of the game late in the first half.

Union tried a 45-yard field goal, which was partially blocked. Artis tracked down the ball at the 2 yard line, scampered toward the left sideline, then reversed course and broke free down the right sideline for a 98-yard touchdown.

“I think that definitely pushed us and got us all hyped,” Kennedy said. “Then the third quarter, that starting drive got us going even more.”

That first drive after halftime started at Skyview’s 10 after a penalty on the kickoff return. But 90 yards later, Kennedy connected with Hamlin on a 2-yard touchdown pass to put the game firmly in Skyview’s control.

Chase Lofton caught 11 passes for 80 yards for Union (2-7, 0-3). Alex Olson rushed for 71 yards on 14 carries. But the Titans couldn’t score on four drives that crossed Skyview’s 30 yard line.

“The whole defense steps up,” Hamlin said. “We stay disciplined. Everyone does their job and we put up shutouts like we did tonight.”

SKYVIEW 34, UNION 0

Union 0 0 0 0—0

Skyview 0 21 13 0—34

Second Quarter

S — Rex Allinger 5 run (Ethan McClinton kick)

S — Trey Jacob 1 run (McClinton kick)

S — Riley Artis 98 blocked field goal return (McClinton kick)

Third quarter

S — Kaden Hamlin 2 pass from Jake Kennedy (kick failed)

S — Gavin Packer 17 pass from Kennedy (McClinton kick)

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING — Union: Alex Olson 14-71, Jordan Warren 2-8, Chase Lofton 3-1, Blake McDonlad 4-(minus-2), Adam Olson 4-4. Skyview: Trey Jacob 9-65, Gavin Packer 2-0, Jake Kennedy 4-55, Rex Allinger 9-73, Levi Webb 2-10, Rylan Clayton 2-1.

PASSING — Union: Blake McDonald 15-31-2-178. Skyview: Jake Kennedy 13-21-1-195.

RECEIVING — Union: Chase Lofton 11-90, Alex Olson 2-28, Jordan Warren 1-52, Ben Hallead 2-8. Skyview: Jerrid Secor 1-33, Cameron Crooks 1-31, Gavin Poffenroth 3-54, Gavin Packer 4-44, Kaden Hamlin 1-2, Riley Artis 3-13.