Skills and Drills Preview

For the seventh-straight year, Skyline (WA) High School will put on their annual 7-on-7 tournament and lineman challenge - now called Skills and Drills on the Hill - this Saturday and Sunday. Over 20 of the top teams from the Evergreen State will be represented, including some of the top talent for the 2012 and 2013 recruiting classes.

The tournament is hosted by the Skyline Gridiron Club, with help from volunteers and parents of players, as well as the Skyline Youth Association. "Everybody feels like they can be a part of it, from flipping hamburgers to being involved in the games, to cleaning up," Skyline Head Coach Mat Taylor told Scout.com. "It really creates a sense of camaraderie for everybody.

"It's turned into a great community event. Everyone does a fantastic job of keeping things organized and on time.

On Saturday, the 7-on-7 tournament starts at 9 am, with eight full fields going at one time. At lunchtime will be the Kicking/Punting Competition. On Sunday, the 7-on-7 tournament begins again at 9 am, with the lineman challenge starting roughly 30 minutes later. As always, the lineman challenge will ends with the Tug of War.

7-on-7 tournaments have become a big part of off-season training for high schools. The Skyline event won't be a 'tournament' per se, because the Spartan coaches decided it was more practical to just let the players play and the coaches coach.

"The biggest thing that helps that it's a time to teach and a time to get as many repetitions against top talent," Taylor said. "The coaches can stop a play, talk to kids about a technique, but still build up that competitive edge."

This year's Skills and Drills on the Hill Presenting Sponsor is Prep Sportswear. Other sponsors include Swedish Hospital; Sports Authority; G2 Sports Therapy; Sportsworx; Sports Psychology Consultants; PowerAde, Goodyear, Pacer Propane, and others.

Here's a list of the participating teams, as well as some of the top prospects from those teams expected to compete:

1 - Bonney Lake Panthers
2 - Bothell Cougars - Trent Sewell, Danny Wilson, Austen Dahl
3 - Curtis Vikings - Ty Saathoff, Chris Folk, Kaden Del Toro
4 - Davis Pirates (Yakima) - David Trimble, Charles McRae Jr.
5 - Eastlake Wolves - Matt Uhlar, Keegan Kemp, Gino Bresolin
6 - Eastside Catholic Crusaders - Trey Reynolds, Chevy Walker
7 - Enumclaw Hornets
8 - Ferndale Golden Eagles
9 - Ferris Saxons (Spokane) - Drew Sharkey, Kurtis Karstetter, Cole Lemer
10 - Glacier Peak Grizzlies
11 - Graham Kapowsin Eagles - Drew Austin, Kahlil Dawson
12 - Inglemoor Vikings - Michael Tupou
13 - Issaquah Eagles - Eric Lemke
14 - Kamiak Knights - Anthony Berg
15 - Kentwood Conquerors - Visa Thach
16 - Lake Washington Kangaroos
17 - Mercer Island Islanders - Jeff Lindquist, Nicky Sinclair
18 - Meridian Trojans
19 - Mountlake Terrace Hawks
20 - Peninsula Seahawks (Gig Harbor)
21 - Redmond Mustangs
22 - Seattle Lutheran Saints
23 - Skyline Spartans - Max Browne, Nic Sblendorio, Damian Greene, Peyton Pelluer