Every season there are programs that cruise below the radar before the season starts, and then emerge for all to see when the games get underway.  Skyline was one such program last season.  On the heels of three consecutive 7-4 seasons, the Raiders earned their best win-loss record in the last 20 years by finishing 12-2.   Despite rolling over Arlington early, going toe-to-toe with Bowie, thrashing rival Carter 35-0, and dominating Tyler Lee in the first round of the playoffs, Skyline didn't really grab anyone's attention until their playoff game with Rowlett.  The week prior to facing Skyline, Rowlett pulled one of the upsets of the year by knocking off Allen.  The Raiders, apparently, weren't impressed as they demolished Rowlett 49-7.  Skyline advanced to the Region 2 championship game in Division 1 before falling to Plano. 

          Head coach Reginald Samples enters his fourth season in charge of the program and there's no doubt that he's got Skyline headed in the right direction.  Samples moved to Skyline from Dallas Lincoln after the 2004 season.  Key seniors must be replaced this season, but the Raiders have a wealth of talent returning to ensure the program continues moving forward this season.  A total of 28 lettermen and 10 All-District performers from last year's squad return to try and take Skyline to the next level.

          Junior QB Javiar Hall returns as Skyline’s leading passer.  Hall passed for 932 yards while completing 61 of 103 attempts for 11 touchdowns and five interceptions as a sophomore.  Senior Chris Frazier (6’0 195) will also take snaps.  Frazier will replace Troy Stoudemire as the dual-threat QB.  Both players figure to get quite a bit of playing time.

          Several backfield weapons return in addition to Hall and Frazier.  Senior RB James White (5’9 175), junior RB-LB Domonique Patterson, and junior all-purpose talent Tony Drake (5’9 165) combined for 1,857 rushing yards and 30 rushing touchdowns last season.  White and Hampton combined for the majority of that production.  All of the Skyline backs are good receivers out of the backfield.

          Junior Mike Davis (6’1 170) led Skyline in receiving as a sophomore and is a dangerous deep threat. Last season, Davis averaged 20.4 yards per reception.  Junior Tony Drake, mentioned above, was Skyline's second leading receiver a year ago.  Drake combined for 605 rushing and receiving yards as a sophomore, and averaged 10.5 yards per touch.  Senior Jonathan Rivers is another returning letterman that should make a contribution. 

         Five lettermen return on the offensive line.  Seniors OL Nick Young and OL Andreu Crutchfield anchor the line along with juniors OL-DL Tristen Turknett, OL Demarcus Shaw and OL Graylan Hawkins.  Considering the tremendous skill talent returning, if the line comes together, Skyline's offense could be even better than it was last season.

          Skyline had one of the state’s best defenses a year ago allowing less than 10 points per game and pitching 4 shutouts, but they'll have to replace all-star talents Alfred Dupree, Keanon Cooper, and Spencer Reeves.  However, don't expect much of a dropoff as the Raiders have experienced standout players back at each position.

          Senior DL Arthur Washington (6’2 245) and junior DE Corey Nelson (6’1 195) are two of the top returning players for Skyline up front.  Corey Nelson was named district Sophomore MVP in '07 and is being courted as an LB at the next level due to his tremendous athleticism.  Seniors Ryan Hamlett (6’0 215) and Darion Thompson could fill in the other two starting spots on the line.

          At linebacker, senior Reginald Reed (5’10 180) is a top holdover from last year.  Reed is being recruited as a defensive back.  Junior Domonique Patterson, mentioned on offense, will play at LB as well.  The secondary should be in great shape with players like senior Kerry Nation (5’9 160) and Steve Williams (5’9 160).  Williams is easily one of the most highly regarded DB's in the country and is currently committed to play for Oklahoma.  Seniors Chazz Paris and Dontrell Lawrence are two more returning lettermen who figure to contribute this fall.

          Not to be forgotten is senior kicker and punter Jose Serrano, who scored 61 points in 11 games as a junior and was also the first team All-District punter.

          Despite some key losses, Skyline is well stocked across the board to make another run in 2008.  A return trip to the regional finals would not be a surprise.  Returning skill talent is a major strength of this team.  Nearly every top contributor from last year is back.  There are experienced and tremendously talented players in each unit on defense as well.  Realignment moved Skyline and the DISD schools to 9-5A along with Carrollton Creekview and the Richardson schools.  Skyline would match up with a team from the Garland district (10-5A) in the first round of the playoffs.  If everything comes together for the Raiders a rematch with Plano is quite possible.  This time, however, they'd be playing for a right to earn a spot in the State Championship.

 

2008  Team  Outlook

Pre-Season State Top 25:  7th Pre-Season Rank (Region):  2nd (R2) Pre-Season Rank (District):  1st (9) Returning Offensive Starters:  4 QB Javiar Hall (Jr.) * part of QB rotation with Stoudemire in '07 RB James White (Sr.) WR Mike Davis (Jr.) WR Tony Drake (Jr.) Returning Defensive Starters:  5 DE Corey Nelson (Jr.) *'07 Dist. Soph. Defensive MVP DL Arthur Washington (Sr.) LB Reginald Reed (Sr.) DB Kerry Nation (Sr.) DB Steve Williams (Sr.) All-State Players (Team):  2 DE Corey Nelson (2nd) DB Steve Wiliams (2nd) Returning All-District Players:  9 RB James White (1st) DL Arthur Washington (1st) DB Kerry Nation (1st) DB Steve Williams (1st) P Jose Serrano (1st) WR Mike Davis (2nd) WR Tony Drake (2nd) DE Corey Nelson (2nd/So. of the Year) LB Reginald Reed (2nd) Other Players to Watch: QB Chris Frazier (Sr.) RB/LB Domonique Patterson (Jr.) OL Nick Young (Sr.) OL Andreu Crutchfield (Sr.) OL Demarcus Shaw (Jr.) OL Graylon Hawkins (Jr.) OL/DL Tristen Turknett (Jr.) DL Ryan Hamlett (Sr.) DL Darion Thompson (Sr.) DB Chazz Paris (Sr.) DB Dontrell Lawrence (Sr.) 2008 Schedule (Stadium): 9/5       @ Dallas Kimball (Kincaide) 9/12     @ Arlington Bowie (Maverick) 9/20     @ Plano East (Clark) 9/27     Lake Highlands (Forester) 10/3     @ Dallas Molina (Kincaide) 10/10   Richardson (Forester) 10/17   Rich. Berkner (Forester) 10/24   @ Carroll. Creekview (Standridge) 10/31   @ Dallas White (N/A) 11/7     Dallas Sunset (Forester) Opponents Combined Record:  37-59 Projected 2008 Record: 10-0 Key Games (Rank): @ Arlington Bowie @ Plano East vs. Richardson Berkner Strength of Schedule (Rank): 151.80 (183rd) Unit Rankings: Total Offense (7th) Total Defense (5th) Offensive Backfields (9th)   The Bottom Line: Strengths: 10 All-District Players Returning Well-Balanced Talent & Experience Majority of Offensive Production Returns High-end D1 Talent on Defense Reliable Kicking Game Weaknesses: Huge Losses at LB (Dupree, Cooper)