Storm will try to rebound from loss to top-ranked Eastside Catholic

Skyview Storm (1-1)

Week 1: Skyview 31, Sunset (Ore.) 21
Week 2: Eastside Catholic 49, Skyview 21
Week 3: Skyview vs. O’Dea, 5 p.m. Friday at Seattle Memorial Stadium

Yes, every team in Southwest Washington had little practice time due to the poor air quality. However, Skyview was the only team that had to play the top-ranked Class 3A team in the state.

Not all bad for Storm:

Eastside Catholic is as good as advertised. And sure, this one got ugly in a hurry. But there were still a few highlights for Skyview.

Austin Nolan tipped a pass away on the first play from scrimmage. And on the second play, he stopped the quarterback scramble for a 2-yard gain. Eastside Catholic would go three-and-out, punt on that first series. At that time, no one could have predicted four EC touchdowns in the first quarter.

A double interception? Tavis Pinkney came down with an interception at the 1-yard line, and if he didn’t pick it off, it’s very possible Carter Hill would have for the Storm. That is because both played this one so well.  The EC quarterback pumped left before throwing deep right. Pinkney and Hill were not fooled. They had that play covered. Pinkney, Hill, and the EC receiver jumped. Pinkney came down with the ball. Had he not been there, Hill was in better position than the receiver.

Not track season yet: Pinkney got his hands on the ball on offense via the reverse and ran for a long touchdown. As he crossed the goal line, he moved his head forward and stuck out his chest as if he were trying to break the tape at a 100-meter dash.

Coach speak:

What did Steve Kizer learn about his team in Week 2? “We gotta tackle better. They handled us on special teams. That’s not going to win games. Gotta fix some stuff there. That’s not good.”

Coaching staff’s pick for MVP of the offense: Jevon Kelly. The offensive lineman “held his own with those guys. Played pretty good against freakin’ pretty good guys,” Kizer said.

Coaching staff’s pick for MVP of the defense: Linebacker Austin Nolan. “He never stopped fighting. Played his butt off,” KIzer said.

Thoughts on Week 3 vs. O’Dea: “It’s nice to be outside practicing,’’ Kizer said. “That should help. O’Dea has a big-time running back and a big O-line. We didn’t feel we played very well last year (35-32 O’Dea). We kind of get a do-over.”