The Skyview Storm aren’t interested in writing the same script.
A number of similar plot lines from 2017 — loads of returning experience, high expectations, among others — are also that of this year’s Storm.
But if anything, senior Mason Wheeler said, it’s not last year’s 6-5 record in which the Storm reached the first round of the Class 4A state playoffs that he draws from most when looking at 2019.
It was two years ago when Skyview had returning experience on both sides of the ball only to have its season end without a playoff run.
“You see what happens when you have the talent but don’t work,” Wheeler said. “That experience has prepared us to this point.”
This article is part of The Columbian's High School Fall Sports 2019 special section, published in print on Sept. 1. View it online.
That’s what has this year’s Skyview team poised for bigger things beyond reaching the playoffs for the 12th time in 13 seasons.
Much of the 21 new faces in starting position a year ago are back, including three receivers, much of the defensive line, and a healthy set of running backs and tight ends. Senior Jalynnee McGee, a returning all-leaguer, is the team’s most experienced as a soon-to-be three-year starter. His junior season ended prematurely with a foot injury in Week 8 before Skyview made its playoff run.
A plus with so much experience at various positions is adding more components on offense and defense, longtime coach Steve Kizer said.
“There’s good stuff there,” the coach said.
That’s why there’s no excuses now,” senior quarterback Yaro Duvalko said. Week 1 will be his, and many others’ 12th game as a starter.
“We’ve been everywhere we’ve wanted to go,” said Duvalko, a Utah State commit. “All the stuff on paper we need to do, we’ve done, except win a state championship.”
3 things to know
— Skyview’s reached the postseason in 12 of the past 13 years.
— Jalynnee McGee (starter since 2017) is the team’s most experienced returning starter.
— Skyview’s last 4A GSHL title came in 2011.
