‘Let them play’: Skyline’s high-scoring duo of Macy Marlow and Isley Dixon lead Grizzlies into state tournament

IDAHO FALLS – “We just let them play.”

Skyline girls soccer coach Jeremy Johnson might have the easiest job in the world.

Well, it’s probably not that simple, but when you have two of the top offensive weapons in the state ready to attack opponents, letting them play might be the best strategy.

“It’s worked great,” Johnson said of his dynamic duo of seniors Macy Marlow and Isley Dixon. “They just have this good connection. After four years of playing together, they’ve formed this bond and know where each other’s going to be and what each other’s thinking.”

The Grizzlies (14-4-3) enter the state tournament Thursday as the No. 4 seed and will face No. 5 seed and defending 5A champion Moscow.

Like most opponents, the Moscow coaching staff has likely scouted Skyline and seen the numbers among state leaders.

Points: 1. Macy Marlow 101; 2. Isley Dixon 97.

Goals: 1. Isley Dixon 37; 3. Macy Marlow 35.

Assists: 1. Macy Marlow 31; 5. Isley Dixon 23.

Let them play.

“It’s so fun to play with her,” Marlow said, noting the two have competed against each other in club play, but have found a connection since they were underclassmen at Skyline. “We’ve grown together throughout the years. We work so well together. We feed off of each other.”

In last week’s big 2-1 district tournament win over Pocatello, Dixon scored both goals and both were assisted by Marlow.

“Since we’ve been playing together since we were freshmen, we know how to pass together, we know what shots we like,” Dixon said. “I can really trust her. When I pass the ball to her I know she’s going to do good things.”

Let them play.

The Grizzlies won the consolation trophy at last year’s state tournament. Marlow was an All-State first-team selection and Dixon was a second-team pick.

Johnson said the goal this season was to win the program’s first blue trophy. That’s the goal every year, but with so much talent he figured this year might be special. Along with Marlow and Dixon, senior Lia Hendrix also has 28 goals.

“We feel confident going into state,” Dixon said.

Let them play.