Skyline Spartans: 2019 Washington high school 4A football preview

Here is an inside look at the 2019 Skyline Spartans football team. Links: Skyline team page | 2019 schedule | Roster 2018 IN REVIEW 6-5 in 4A KingCo Crest

Here is an inside look at the 2019 Skyline Spartans football team.

Links: Skyline team page | 2019 schedule | Roster

2018 IN REVIEW

6-5 in 4A KingCo Crest (third place); lost to Union in 4A first round

COACHING RESUME

Mat Taylor, 12th season

114-26 record

RETURNING STARTERS

Offense - 5. Defense - 6.

TOP OFFENSIVE PLAYERS

QB Daniel Buxton, 6-4, 220, jr.

OL Sarath Kakani, 6-3, 270, sr.

WR Sam Park, 6-2, 180, sr.

WR Luke Rohleder, 5-10, 165, sr.

WR Cameron Trencher, 6-1, 175, jr.

TOP DEFENSIVE PLAYERS

DL Schuyler Alton, 6-3, 205, sr.

LB Jackson Dean, 6-0, 205, sr.

LB Marques Ovena, 5-6, 175, sr.

DL Tyson Whitfield, 5-10, 270, jr.

DB Dominic Wieburg, 6-1, 175, sr.

THREE TO SEE

Schuyler Alton, defensive lineman

Taylor said he has “old school” motor, which means pass rusher ultimately finds target

Dominic Wieburg, defensive back

Did not play entire junior season (knee), but could be Pac-12 recruit in next few months

Daniel Buxton, quarterback

Hasn’t started a varsity game yet, but already hailed as school’s next great signal caller

OUTLOOK

If you are looking for the model 4A program over the past two decades, look no further than the team that has captured seven state titles (five in 4A).

Last season, the Spartans upended Beamer in the district playoffs to extend their state playoff appearance streak to an astounding 15 consecutive seasons.

And yet, the school has not won a 4A KingCo crown since 2015 -- and comes into this year flying under the radar.

Buxton might be the one that puts the league -- and state -- on alert very quickly. His deep passes are already legendary around the program, and he will have a rotation of eight wide receivers to throw to, including two big-time athletes outside in Trencher and Wieburg, and the shifty Rohleder in the slot.

If the defense holds up its end, especially with Alton coming off the edge, and Wieburg shutting down top opposing pass catchers at cornerback, the Spartans could return to their previous normal position -- atop the 4A KingCo standings.

2019 SCHEDULE

Sept. 5: at Kentwood, 7 p.m.

Sept. 13: Peninsula, 7 p.m.

Sept. 19: at Hazen, 5 p.m.

Sept. 27: Newport of Bellevue, 7 p.m.

Oct. 4: Bothell, 7 p.m.

Oct. 11: Eastlake, 7 p.m.

Oct. 18: at Mount Si, 7 p.m.

Oct. 25: at Issaquah, 7 p.m.