Max Browne's record effort not enough; Skyline falls to Lake Oswego, 56-46
It was the first time the Spartans (1-2) have lost two straight games since 1998, the program's second year.
Seattle Times staff reporter
LAKE OSWEGO, Ore. — Mat Taylor's message was simple. Skyline's coach told his players they needed to execute the little things if they wanted rebound from last week's loss to Bellevue.
For everything the Spartans did well on the road at Lake Oswego Friday night, it was the little things that cost them in a 56-46 loss to the Lakers.
"We're in an unusual situation," Taylor said. "Skyline hasn't lost two games in a row in as long as I can remember. The bottom line is we have to get things turned around."
It was the first time the Spartans (1-2) have lost two straight games since 1998, the program's second year.
Two first-quarter Skyline fumbles led to 14 points for Lake Oswego (3-0) — ranked No. 3 in Oregon's Class 6A — and Skyline trailed 21-0 early.
"It's really frustrating," Taylor said. "I know these kids want it so bad. They work so hard. Those two turnovers were huge."
It didn't help that Lakers running back Steven Long rushed for 428 yards and seven touchdowns on 28 carries — five touchdowns going for more than 30 yards.
"The offensive line just stepped up," Long said. "We had a scheme all week and we went with it. They're a tough team. Max Browne is a phenomenal quarterback. I've got the utmost respect for him."
It was Browne who helped rally the Spartans. The junior completed 40 of 53 passes for 459 yards — a school record — three touchdowns and one interception.
"We walk into this locker room feeling like we should have won the game," Browne said. "We just gave them too many chances."
Browne led methodical drives, while Long broke free for long touchdown runs. The Spartans made their share of big plays, like Browne's lateral to Trevor Barney, who threw a 34-yard touchdown pass to Andrew Giese with 45.4 seconds left in the first half to cut the Lakers' lead to four points.
After stopping a fake punt on Lake Oswego's first drive of the third quarter, the Spartans stopped themselves with a bad snap on third-and-one at Lake Oswego's 15. "The kids never gave up," Taylor said. "We had chances to get back into it and then (Long) would break an 80-yarder."
