By Chris Parker
Skyline football will look to take a step forward in coach Sean Kelley’s second season after a third consecutive two-win season in 2024.
The program has taken strides from this time last year to now.
“(The) biggest difference is experience in terms of scheme, expectations, and culture,” Kelley said. “We are beginning to understand those things and how we want to be as a team.”
This year’s team features experience but is still a young roster overall.
“We will have experience and good numbers,” Kelley said. “We will still be very young with only two seniors on the roster and many sophomores and juniors with 10 games of varsity experience, and with 33 total kids and some excellent young players we should be able to get good looks week in and week out.”
Six offensive and five defensive starters return led by two-way star Carter King. King earned all-conference honors as a quarterback and defensive back last season. He ran for 1,009 yards and 17 touchdowns and threw for 1,178 yards and five more scores.
Kenton Owen returns after earning all-conference honors at wide receiver where he caught 31 passes for 333 yards.
Mason Bilbeau and Blake Millbern also return at receiver. Bilbeau had 20 catches for 274 yards and two touchdowns.
“Bibeau has excellent speed and quickness,” Kelley said. “Millbern is physical kid who we can move around into the backfield at times.”
Noah Long is a newcomer who brings athleticism and size with good speed to the receiver position. Trey Read will look to play a role at tight end.
Tanner Hammers will see time at running back.
The offensive line brings back experience with Logan Moppin and Wyatt Stoner leading the way. Carson Sullivan saw time up front after injuries last season. Wyatt Neisler, Colton Owsley, TaeVon Harris and Ryker Mitchell are also options on the offensive line.
On the defensive side of the ball, Moppin and Sullivan will lead the defensive line. Moppin earned all-district honors last season. Andrew Cooley and Neisler are newcomers on the defensive line.
Stoner earned all-conference honors at linebacker on the strength of a 66-tackle season.
“Wyatt loves the game of football and has been the core of the defensive unit for a while now. He’s a leader who leads by example day in and day out with his work ethic and tenacity,” Kelley said. “He’s relentless in his pursuit of the ball and plays with a motor at 100 percent. Again, pure love of the game drives him and it’s fun to watch.”
Hoyt Miller, Colton Lake and Reed will also be at linebacker.
The secondary will feature King, Millbern, Long and Parker Owen.
“We want to fly around and create confusion for opposing offenses,” Kelley said. “A bend-don’t-break attitude with dudes who are constantly hungry to get to the ball.”
Skyline travels to Warsaw on Aug. 22 for a jamboree with the host Wildcats, Eldon and Buffalo. Skyline opens the regular season on Aug. 29 at home against Sarcoxie.
“We are still winless in conference; wins are the goal but getting established with some conference success is a top priority,” Kelley said. “Then, obviously you want to be playing as long as you can in late October-November.”
