Storm record sits at 2-2 after challenging non-league schedule

Skyview Storm (2-2)

Week 1: Skyview 31, Sunset (Ore.) 20

Week 2: Eastside Catholic 49, Skyview 21

Week 3: O’Dea 38, Skyview 7

Week 4: Skyview 49, Mountain View 21

Next: Skyview at Columbia River, 7 p.m. Friday

The Storm took advantage of Mountain View turnovers to turn this one into a blowout by halftime.

A game changer for sure and maybe a season changer:

Skyview will face district-rival Columbia River this week after going 2-2 in four challenging non-league games to start the season. Photo by Mike Schultz

The Thunder were “this” close to tying the game in the first quarter. Second and goal from inside the Skyview 1-yard line. Mountain View had already shown it could move the ball on Skyview. Now, the Thunder were a foot or two away from scoring.

Taylor Vo got the initial push from his defensive line position to slow the quarterback sneak. Then linebacker Tyler DeJong got the big hit to force a fumble.

Skyview coach Steve Kizer said this play, and what followed, might have changed the whole season around for the Storm, who were smarting from back-to-back losses against some of the best teams in the state in Weeks 2 and 3.

Four plays, 99 yards:

Skyview had the ball but did not have field position, starting at its 1-yard line after that fumble recovery.

No problem. Give the ball to Jalynnee McGee.

The sophomore running back followed a nice blocking combo from Jevon Kelly and Noah Hellyer to get past the first level.

Then McGee hurdled a Mountain View defender who tried to go low to tackle McGee. In fact, the defender even stuck his leg out, trying to do anything to get McGee to the turf. McGee jumped over the leg. He ended up with a 55-yard run.

Next came a 17-yard pass from Max Rose to Cole Grossman, followed by a 6-yard run from Angelo Sarchi.

The Storm then faked a wide receiver screen, with Grossman first acting like he was going to go block. Then Grossman turned upfield, beat his defender, and Rose floated a perfect ball for a 21-yard touchdown.

Five plays ago, the game was almost tied. Then Skyview got the turnover and went 99 yards, and the Storm were on their way.

Different TD runs:

Loved watching Sarchi’s 6-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. Nothing fancy. Just smart. Sarchi was patient as he shuffled to his right, waiting for the hole to appear. Then he hit it and was in the end zone.

Later in the half, McGee broke free on a 58-yard touchdown run. Nothing patient about this one.

But he did show he had an extra gear. A Mountain View defender appeared to be close to grabbing him, even extended his hand to try to grab some jersey. Instead, the defender grasped at air. McGee had turned on the jets and was gone.

Coach Speak:

What did Steve Kizer learn about his team in Week 4? “If we practice hard and come ready to play, we’re able to play with anybody, I think.”

MVP on offense: Jalynnee McGee. “He only had eight carries (162 yards) but he ran like it was the last time he was going to carry the ball,’’ Kizer said. “He ran hard.”

MVP on defense: Carter Hill, safety. “He made some tackles that if he doesn’t make, they go a long way,’’ Kizer said. “He made a pick, too. He saved a lot of big plays.”

Thoughts on Week 5 vs. Columbia River: “We’re just kind of worried about us, getting better each week,’’ Kizer said. “We have to get rolling here if we want to play with the teams in our league.”