Written by: Keller Sherman
Skyview’s first season back at the 4A classification after a four year stint at the 5A ranks did not go as smoothly as many would have hoped. Even after an 0-5 start, Skyview still made it into the playoffs, but were soundly defeated by Sandpoint in the first round. The Hawks welcome in a new head coach this year in David Robinson, but he’s a familiar face. Robinson spent the last 18 years as an assistant coach at Skyview, including 15 as the Hawks’ Offensive Coordinator.
Mason Krahn may be the most talented player on the Hawks’ roster in 2023. He is the only returning first team all conference selection, receiving those honors at linebacker. He is also a skilled wide receiver as he earned all-conference honorable mention at that position. Other notable returning Hawks include Ayden Martinez, Eddie Garcia, Nathan Graviet, Leon Henslee, Henry Downey, DJ Rosti, and Blaze Storer. Of these players, three were honorable mentions at the conference level with Martinez, Downey, and Graviet receiving honors at wide receiver, linebacker, and defensive back respectively. In addition, Ryker Oswald was a second team selection at defensive back.
Skyview sent three players from its graduating class to play at the college level. Quarterback Max Cutforth will walk on at Boise State. Offensive lineman Jacob Peck is heading north to play at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington. And Chris Lupkes, another star offensive lineman, will take his services to Dillon, Montana to play for Montana-Western.
Additional graduated players that will be missed include wide receiver Thad Robinson, seen by his head coach as a tough catch guy, along with Adam Davenport and Andrew Schneider. Davenport was another tough guy offensive lineman while Schneider at running back is described by Robinson as a “running/ receiving threat out of the backfield”. Two incoming players include Cache Beus, a Melba transfer who should start right away at quarterback along with junior linebacker Brodie Fleshman.
The offense will look to accomplish big things both on the ground and through the air. “We are a balanced attack with a strong emphasis on running the ball and creating big plays in the passing game,” Robinson said. “Henry Downey will lead the way in the running attack. Ayden Martinez (10.8 100 m) is a threat to score on every play. Mason Krahn is a great possession receiver and match up issue. Eddie Garcia is our top returning offensive lineman.”
The offense scored 33 points a game in 2022 and will look to score even more in 2023. Robinson believes there is a lot to live up to and the Hawks will seek to especially run the ball well in addition to being strong in the pass game.
The defense utilizes a 4-3 base with strengths at the linebacker and defensive back positions. “Our strength is our linebacking corps with Mason Krahn, Brodie Fleshman, Henry Downey, and Blaze Storer setting the tone,” Robinson said.
“Our DBs are experienced and fast,” he added. “Ayden Martinez, Nathan Graviet, DJ Rosti, and Leon Henslee will be holding it down in the secondary.” Robinson believes that Skyview can be drastically improved if the team gets more stops. The Hawks allowed 45 points per game last season and this number will need to come down for the Hawks to improve on their win total in 2022.
The class of 2024 is what Robinson is most excited to see this season. He talks about his excitement to see how this senior class will do as he states, “This senior group has come a long way since they were freshman. It will be interesting to see how they finish their story at Skyview.” On what the x-factor to the Hawks’ success in 2023 will be, he adds, “The battle in the trenches on both sides of the ball is key to our success. If we can establish a presence up front we will compete with anyone.”
A Week 0 matchup against Elko, Nevada kicks off the 2023 slate for Skyview. The Indians cruised past the Hawks last season 61-35 and Skyview will look for revenge as the Hawks host this year’s game. Two games against teams from the 5A Southern Idaho Conference are up next as Skyview welcomes Kuna and travels to Middleton.
Conference play features two home games and three road games this season. The Hawks host Vallivue and Emmett before a road game at Columbia. Skyview then takes a brief break from the conference schedule to host its other crosstown rival Nampa before conference road dates at Ridgevue and Bishop Kelly close out the regular season.
The Wildcats and Warhawks were the only two victories for Skyview last season and they will play both on the road in 2023. The Hawks are expected by many to be improved this season, but still behind Bishop Kelly and Emmett in the conference race. Robinson offers some praise for the Huskies as he states, “Emmett is the best coached, most physical team in the league. Don’t sleep on Emmett.”
Skyview has a great opportunity for a bounce back season in 2023. If the Hawks can sneak into the playoffs as they did last season, watch out for them to potentially make a dark horse run.