One of the keys to a big win is having a great leader.  Especially when your heading out into new territory.  When the Skyview Storm hit the Tacoma Dome last  Saturday to play Lake Stevens they were indeed hitting new territory but they had the right man for the job in QB Kieran McDonagh.

The powerhouse QB from Vancouver was spectacular in his efforts leading the Storm in the Semi-Finals against an undefeated Lake Stevens squad.  At 6’2″ and 236 pounds McDonagh is a load to bring down and he showcased that as he ran for 70 yards and 2 TD’s.

Adding to that was his passing which  was even better as he threw for 336 yards and 2 more TD’s.

McDonagh would finish for 22 of 31 with one interception.

Skyview threw over and ran through the Lake Stevens defense Saturday night at the Tacoma Dome, completing a 38-14 victory over the Vikings in a Class 4A state semifinal game.

The Storm (11-2) will take on Skyline of Sammamish in the championship game, next Saturday night in the Tacoma Dome.

McDonagh is one of the premier QB’s in the Pacific NW Region but is lesser known then other QB’s.  Something that happens to kids who grow up on the Oregon and Washington border along the mighty Columbia River.  They are 170 miles away from Seattle and not really part of Portland.  This historically has  created a situation like a no fly zone.  The talent is however there and more so now then ever.

Right now McDonagh has 2,959 yards passing and 28 TD’s through the air and 372 yards and 7 TD’s on the ground.  All of that with only 2 intercpetions.

“I have to give the credit to the linemen and my receivers,” said Kieran humbly.

But one of his top targets Junior WR Forest Russell sees it differently.

“He finds us if we get open,” said Russell.  “His vision is excellent and he makes things happen.”

And there is a matter of respect too.  McDonagh says the team rallied around a number of Seattle area press goof ups and used that as energy for the big win over Lake Stevens.

“A number of press releases called us Skyline instead of Skview.  So that fired us up.  And at least one paper if not more pre-released a bracket showing Lake Stevens and Skyline in the finals.  And we took offense to that and earned our respect out there in the Dome,” said a calm but resolute QB.

Parker Henry, Skyview’s star RB and LB,  is a Player of the Year candidate in our book.  And Lake Stevens schemed on stopping him which they did somewhat holding him to 79 yards and TD.  They had to as he had put 250 yards and 4 TD’s on #1 Bellermine Prep the week before eliminating them from contention.

“Parker was a distraction.  And they had to stop him.  But while they were doing that guys like Forest were grabbing 8 or 9 catches.  We also had guys like David Garlington making catches and he had 2 picks in the second half with a cast that is like a club on his wrist.  So we took advantages where we had them,” added  McDonagh.

Now as he faces the big show and a battle against the best QB in the Region in Skyline’s super Junior Max Browne McDonagh had a moment to reflect on his potential as a collegian.

“Max is amazing.  I am a huge fan.  But I feel I have some equally good skills too.  We are different styles and depending on a schools needs I think I can really contribute.”

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Dirk Knudsen

I am the Founder of the Northwest Prep Report. For 17 years I have led the way to the best of my ability to promote the best talent from the Pacific NW free of charge. It is my pleasure to continue to serve High School athletes from all over the Pacific NW and beyond. Formerly with Rivals.com my sites have now crossed over 8,000 stories, 7 MILLION Video Views, and 15,000 regular followers. Together with the best football people in the USA we pursue excellence for our NW athletes.