League recap: Skyline tops Ballard to extend winning streak

Skyline extended the longest winning streak in 4A KingCo - Crown this week by beating Ballard, 64-17. This was the team's sixth consecutive win.

Newport was able to crack the Top 25 in the state rankings this week after defeating Roosevelt. The Knights came in at 17 in the state poll after placing at number 26 last week.

The Beavers' dynamic duo of Johnny Verduin and Nate Rauda proved tough for Skyline to stop, as they were the top passer and receiver in the league this week. Verduin threw for 293 yards and one touchdown and Rauda had 171 yards receiving. Dominique Smith helped Ballard's passing attack out by catching eight balls for 83 yards.

Bryan Shelnutt made the biggest impact on defense this week as Newport bested the Roughriders. The 5-foot-11 senior forced one fumble and recorded one fumble.

Conner Baumann was the most productive running back in the league this week. In 12 carries, he ran for 145 yards as Mike Miller's team fell to Matt Taylor's team. Teammate Eric Rodan added to the ground attack by rushing for 73 yards.

6-foot-5 quarterback Max Browne of the Spartans is the league leader in passing yards this season with 1613. He has also thrown 17 touchdowns. On the ground, the Knights' Isaac Dotson has rushed for 584 yards which leads the league. The leading receiver in the league this season is Rauda. The Ballard star has 26 catches for 573 yards.

The marquee game in 4A KingCo - Crown this week will be the clash between Newport and Skyline. The Knights enters the game ranked 17th in the state, while the Spartans ranks second.

There should be lots of points scored when Newport and Skyline face off this week. The top two offenses in the league, the Knights comes in having scored 207 this season, while the Spartans have scored 285. Newport scored 28 points last week as it beat Roosevelt.

The Knights and Matt Nelson's team played the most hotly contested game in the league this week, with the Knights eventually emerging with a 28-26 victory. Dotson threw for 82 yards and one touchdown and ran for 67 yards in the win.

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