Skyline fall sports make bids for state titles

Volleyball

 Skyline volleyball had a great season and a good run at the state playoffs. The Eagles finished the year with an overall 28-5 record, seized the region championship title and finished third place in the 4A state playoffs at UVU Nov. 5.

 Skyline was undefeated in region play and in many of its extensive preseason and tournament matches as well, losing only to Layton Aug. 20 at Skyline’s own Tournament of Champions, to Coronado, Nev. Aug. 26 and Westlake, Calif. Aug. 27 at the Las Vegas Invitational and to Morgan in an exhibition game Oct. 19.

 The Eagles cruised through their first two rounds at state, defeating Region 5 fourth-place Mt. Crest in three games, 25-18, 25-17, 25-17, and Region 6 second-place Bountiful in four games, 25-21, 16-25, 25-22, 25-20 Nov. 4.

 Their run for the title was stopped, however, in a five-game battle against Region 8 second-place Timpview, 25-20, 25-22, 14-25, 18-25, 15-9, that knocked the Eagles into the consolation bracket. Timpview went on to defeat Salem Hills for the state title, while Skyline defeated Olympus 3-0 for third place.

Football

 Skyline football’s 7-4, Region 6 second-place season ended in a heart-break last minute loss to East Nov. 4 in the second round of the 4A state playoffs, after soundly defeating Region 7 second-place Sky View 49-24 Oct. 28.

 Two field goals by senior Izik Yappias (23 yards, 37 yards) and a one-yard touchdown run by Zach Williams left the score tied until East scored with only minutes left in the fourth quarter to move ahead. Skyline drove the entire field, only to lose possession of the ball with only seconds to spare and just a yard away from the goal line, and a chance to advance to the semifinals.

 Senior Maurice Mapps, Jr. lead the team in rushing this year, carrying the ball for 1,038 yards and 13 touchdowns, with junior Garrett England contributing 908 yards and nine touchdowns and senior Zach Williams rushing for 665 yards for 10 touchdowns.