Finally, Seattle can say that the Seahawks have won the Super Bowl. That is, the NFL-sponsored, high school level, preseason practice Super Bowl.
The Seahawks seven-on-seven team, primarily compromised of a Skyline offense and an all-state defense, recently was invited to New Orleans to play in a national tournament. The team went 11-0, defeating the New York Jets’ squad in the tournament Super Bowl.
It was the preseason’s largest tournament, and the Spartans had their say. The players from Skyline included wide receivers William Chandler, Jake Knecht, Kasen Williams, Gino Simone, and the almighty quarterback Jake Heaps. Other high schools represented on the team were Ferndale, Issaquah, Prosser, and Kennedy.
The seven-on-seven perfectly fits the past-first mold of the Skyline offense, and is practiced by many teams in regional tournaments to get a safe, before-season practice to test out plays and help players learn the system. And to show dominance, of course.
The victorious Seahawks played against the best high school players from 16 states such as California, New York, Georgia, and Texas. The team brought home the championship from New Orleans, and made a name for football in the Northwest, as it is usually dismissed when compared with annual powerhouses like those previously mentioned.
“We received a lot more respect from teams after each win,” said wide receiver Chandler, “We showed the rest of the country that this state can play football.”
The 100 degree heat and 80 percent humidity were not enough to slow down the Hawks. Skyline’s junior quarterback Jake Heaps was named the most valuable player of the tournament after leading the Seahawks through the air valiantly the entire way.
“Everything just seemed to be clicking,” said wide receiver Knecht. “Heaps found us open and we caught the ball. There were not that many misses or overthrows that I can remember.”
Tournament directors told the Seahawks that film from each game will be sent to colleges all around the country. Simone, Heaps, and Williams have already been given offers from several Division I schools, such as Washington, BYU, and UCLA respectively, among many others.
Just as valuable as the fore-mentioned players, Chandler remains optimistic that some of the forgotten ones will make a name for themselves this season, saying, “I believe that Jake [Knecht] and I have a real chance at making a name for ourselves this season. If we have a big enough year we might be getting some calls.”
Atlanta was the only team able to keep up with the Seahawks, but after five overtimes the Falcons threw a deciding interception that cost them the game.
The win in New Orleans only solidifies the players’ confidence in another successful offensive year at Skyline. Heaps, who had 45 touchdowns last year, will likely be better-prepared this season, and the receivers will bring a drastic improvement, as shown at the tournament.
“We have very high expectations for this year,” continued Chandler. “I expect nothing else than another state championship.”
Coach Chadd Barrett, Skyline’s Defensive Coordinator, was given the tournament’s Coach Character Award, and many of his players seem optimistic that he can reach greater heights.
“I think that we will see Barrett coaching at the college level within the next couple of years,” said Knecht.
Barrett has a shot to make a further impression on the field, as in January Skyline made some coaching changes. Mat Taylor was appointed the new Head Coach after Steve Gervais accepted an offer to be the University of Washington’s running backs coach, effectively making Barrett the new number two on the coaching ladder.
Although it is early for comparisons, Seahawks Head Coach Mike Holmgren made his start at the high school level just outside of San Francisco, California. Unlike Barrett, though, he didn’t have the experience of coaching the Seahawks that early in his career.
As for the new head coach, many of the players on the team are enjoying the changed atmosphere.
“Taylor is perfect for the job,” said Chandler. “Me and the rest of the guys are really enjoying it.”
Players, coaches, and fans are very optimistic about the Spartans’ chances this year, and after destroying some of the nation’s elite in New Orleans the team is cruising into training camp with enthusiasm, and confidence.
Seahawks Seven-On-Seven Roster
- D’Mario Carter Kennedy LB/RB Seattle, WA
- William Chandler Skyline WR/DB Issaquah, WA
- Grant Gellatly Issaquah DB/RB Bellevue, WA
- Jake Heaps Skyline QB Sammamish, WA
- Jake Knecht Skyline WR/DB Issaquah, WA
- Casey Lockler Ferndale QB/S, Ferndale, WA
- Kirby Moore Prosser DB/WR Prosser, WA
- Gino Simone Skyline WR/DB Sammamish, WA
- Nathan Tonani Ferris LB/FB Spokane, WA
- Nolan Washington Kennedy DB/QB Renton, WA
- Tre Watson Kennedy DB/RB Renton, WA
- Kasen Williams Skyline WR Sammamish, WA
- Chad Barrett Skyline Coach Covington, WA
- Mat Taylor Skyline Coach Snoqualmie, WA
Seahawks Game Scores
First Game - Seahawks 42 - 49’s 24
Second Game - Seahawks 24 - Giants 7
Third Game - Seahawks 27 - Redskins 14
Fourth Game - Seahawks 38 - Vikings 31
Fifth Game - Seahawks 24 - Panthers 0
Sixth Game - Seahawks 48 - Falcons 45
Seventh Game - Seahawks 24 - Saints 0
First Round Playoff Game - Seahawks 41 - Giants 17
Second Round Playoff Game - Seahawks 31 - Carolina 7
NFC Championship - Seahawks 24 - Falcons 14
Super Bowl Championship - Seahawks 37 - Jets 7
Comments
This is the best article I have seen on the New Orleans trip. It is nice that you got another perspective from players other than Heaps and Simone. I heard that Knecht and Chandler both had a great tournament.