Eastlake keeps Skyline in the dark, 28-21

SAMMAMISH — Sean MacDonald got up off the turf and sprinted toward the sideline.

After scooping up the game-clinching fumble with 31.2 seconds to play, Eastlake's senior middle linebacker was mobbed by teammates, holding the football up like a trophy.

Then the lights went out.

"Our energy killed it," MacDonald said. "I don't know why the lights went out, but it was fun. It prolonged our celebration."

For the first time in school history, the top-ranked Wolves knocked off Skyline, claiming a 28-21 victory Friday night. It was a victory punctuated by a power outage.

"That's the best way to end it," senior Bryan Cassill said.

Eastlake (8-0, 4-0 KingCo 4A Crest) will play ninth-ranked Woodinville in the KingCo title game at 7 p.m. Thursday at Pop Keeney Stadium.

"This is history for us, and we're so proud," said Gene Dales, whose team was 0-5 against Skyline. "For our kids, this has been so long coming. You've always been the stepchild and now, all of a sudden, you get to be on top of the throne here for a week."

As they have all season, the Wolves won behind a senior-powered team effort. After falling behind by a touchdown early, senior Colton Teglovic returned a kickoff 72 yards, setting up a 15-yard touchdown run from senior quarterback Keegan Kemp.

Then senior running back Ryan Lewis added two first-half scoring runs (68 and 2 yards) and tacked on another in the third quarter, scooping up an offensive fumble and scoring from 9 yards out.

"This means everything to us," said Lewis, who rushed for 198 yards on 22 carries. "We had never, ever beaten this team before and I know I've got to give credit to the offensive line and every single player out there, because we've been working our butts off."

Cassill intercepted a second-quarter pass, tipping the ball in the air before pulling it down and then batted away a fourth-down pass late in the game with the third-ranked Spartans (5-3, 3-1) driving for a potential game-tying TD.

And, with Skyline trying to string together one final drive, it was senior defensive back Brian Quick who had the hit that forced the fumble MacDonald recovered.

Spartans quarterback Max Browne, who was under pressure all night long, completed 29 of 48 passes for 305 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

"We've got great respect for them (the Spartans)," Dales said. "But it's just so nice to get a win."

Dales gathered his players afterward. He didn't have much to say.

"I'm so stinkin' proud of you guys," the coach said, before letting the celebration continue.

Mason Kelley: 206-464-8277 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it