Coach: Steve Kizer

2018: 6-5, won state preliminary playoff; lost in first round of Class 4A state playoffs; 2-2 GSHL, third place

The Skyview Storm return the most all-league players in the 4A Greater St. Helens League. That has them thinking big things going into the season. Photo by Mike Schultz

Biggest offseason news:

Quarterback Yaro Duvalko announced his intention to sign with Utah State. Various recruiting sites have him listed as one of the top quarterbacks in Washington in his class. Skyview has had a history of strong play with second-year quarterbacks. “That’s when we’ve made the biggest runs. When the trigger man is coming back, it’s always a good thing,” Kizer said.

Yaro Duvalko of Skyview is one of the top quarterback recruits in the state for his class. He plans on signing with Utah State. Photo by Mike Schultz

At stake in 2019:

For years, it was Camas. Then the last couple of years belonged to Union. Well, before all that, it was Skyview running the 4A GSHL. The Storm believe it is time they return to the top. A year ago, they shut out the eventual state champion Union Titans in the second half in what was a close loss. Then again, a year ago, Camas scored 48 points on the Storm. With a number of top players returning, they know they were close against the best but they also know they have a lot of work to do to get past either or both of the teams that finished ahead of them in the 4A GSHL. “It is a damn tough league,” Kizer said.

Spring/Summer standouts and stories:

Ahmani Williams: “He is so much bigger, stronger, faster than he was last year,” Kizer said of the linebacker. “They weren’t able to block him.”

Gavin Baskette: A huge surprise for the Storm’s coaching staff this offseason, this wide receiver has turned himself into the deep threat.

Team spent four days at the Western Oregon University camp.

Skill position players of note:

Yaro Duvalko. “Just a solid leader. He’s such a hard worker. We’re hoping that pays off,” Kizer said of the quarterback.

Jalynnee McGee. A foot injury has limited him during the offseason, but Kizer said it will be hard to keep him off the field once the season starts. This running back is an instant threat whenever he touches the ball.

Skyview’s Jalynnee McGee is recovering from a foot injury. When healthy, he is a difference-maker. Photo by Mike Schultz

Mason Wheeler. Made all-league as a receiver last year. “He thinks he’s Julian Edelman. Great hands and can block.” Kizer said he is just as impressed with Wheeler’s defensive back skills.

Mason Wheeler is one of several talented receivers on the Skyview football team. Photo by Mike Schultz

Cooper Barnum. Quick, strong, and tough. Spent the summer playing a lot of baseball — he is a Washington State recruit — but also lifted with the football team. A beast on defense, and now looking to make an impact on offense, too.

Cooper Barnum is a future college baseball player but he also is one of the top high school football players in the county. Photo by Mike Schultz

Linemen of note:

Jack Nitschke. Starting center who will also see time on the defensive line. The leader of the offensive line.

Lineman Jack Nitschke’s got game to go with his football name. Photo by Mike Schultz

Micah Baylous. So good, he was all-league on offense and defense. On offense, he’s a tight end, and on defense he excels as a defensive end. Just an all-around football talent.

Jake Miller. A linebacker on defense, he will be a guard on offense. Kizer said his technique is off the charts.

Coach Talk:

“We’re going to work our butts off. But I’m not making any Super Bowl predictions,” Kizer said.

Biggest games on the schedule:

This is the 4A GSHL. There are three “games of the year” games, and Skyview is in two of them. The Storm take on defending state champion Union in Week 6, Oct. 11, at McKenzie Stadium. In Week 8, the Storm will host Camas on a Thursday night, Oct. 24. If Skyview wins those two, that will (likely) mean a league championship.