The confluence of a freakish rash of serious injuries, 17 midseason additions, and the loss of 9 starters, including the league leading rusher midway deeply cost the Lightning, and led to a low voltage finish to 2007. Hope sprang eternal for Skagit Valley, having left the gate 3-0 in league play, pitching 8 shutout quarters on defense in the first 5 games, however massive naval deployments, and a huge influx of newcomers reset the learning curve,transforming the 07 hopes into 08 rebuilding in midseason. The Lightning took on all comers (10 playoff teams in 12 games) from the PNFC, NWFL, and EFL, displaying a magnitude of courage and grit. Players of note, 1st Team All-PNFC TE Tyler W. Nibarger, and 2nd Teamers, LB TJ Stephenson, LB JR Kialahi, CB Art Sanchez, G Michael Daly, G Dan Sequeira, P/K Kevin Flanagan and QB/Head Coach Brad Collins.

          Skagit Valley 3.0 seeks to reload following the loss of the entire right side of the offensive line, in addition to LB's Stephenson and Kialahi (Navy), G Daly (State Patrol), and 2007 leading WR (LaConner HS Sr) Alex Van Hine, now attending College of the Redwoods (Eureka, CA). The left side of the offensive line will be anchored by returner David Palm, and original Lightning Rod G Dan Sequeira (Canada). The rushing load will be divided between Nick James and Vann Vetch (Stanwood), and the receiving corp is recharged with veteran Everett transplants Brian Carter, Bryan Ensley,Scott Leonard, and Mt. Vernon grad Kyle Overcast. Brad Collins will again pilot the Lightning, while Cunningham clone QB Mike Henderson increases his amperage. Defensively, the 07 Midseason acquisitions of DE/cagefighter James Johnson, DT Lampton Lawrence proved invaluable. Veterans Art Sanchez, Jose Sanchez, Jason Smith and Deante Lawson, will round out the air patrol and stalwart DT Shelton Gourdine will captain warfare in the trenches. The development of newcomer LBs Danny Lauer, Ari Landworth, and Vince Jenner will determine who flanks the regulator, MLB Allen Kiernan (Canada). Up tempo, innovative offense, intelligent, efficient defense, and electrifying special teams will again be the standard for Lightning football.