Bellarmine Prep vs. Bothell Preview
By Steven Dion
364 days ago, Bellarmine Prep advanced to the state semifinals over Bothell in overtime. The Cougs will have shot at redemption Saturday as the perennial 4A powers square off on Saturday at Mount Tahoma High School. Three weeks ago, Bainter’s Cougs appeared to be on a fast-track to the Tacoma Dome whereas Prep was unlikely to make the playoffs after suffering a 49-0 loss to Gig Harbor at home. Since then, Bothell’s star running back Sam McPherson is out for the season with a knee injury. Meanwhile, Tom Larsen’s Lions have rattled off back to back road wins against #7 Kentwood and #1 Camas.
Although undefeated, it is difficult to consider Bothell a clear favorite in this match-up. Bellarmine grabbed the victory last year as their defense had a monster game amassing four interceptions, a forced fumble, and a sack. Then junior Matt Philichi knocked a 37 yard field goal in OT to secure the win. Bothell wideout Dayzell Wilson had a reception touchdown in this contest. Round 1 was 20-17 in favor of Bellarmine. Can Bothell avenge last season’s loss? Here is a breakdown of the matchup:
QB’s
Ross Bowers (BOTHELL) v. Will Robertson (BELLARMINE PREP)-Advantage BOTHELL
The Cal commit Bowers is one of the best under center in the state
RB’s
Jamal Ervin + Nathan Golterman-Doyle (BELLARMINE PREP) v. Damani St. John Watkins (BOTHELL)-Advantage BELLARMINE PREP
The strong in-between-tackles Ervin and shifty Golterman-Doyle duo outmatches Coug run game without McPherson
WR’s/DB’s
Sean Hahrahan+ Dayzell Wilson (BOTHELL) v. Matt Ogard (BELLARMINE PREP)-Advantage BOTHELL
Cougs sure-handed wideouts Hahrahan and Wilson also impact players on defense.
LB’s
Damani St. John-Watkins+ Shawn Munro (BOTHELL) v. Noah Failauga+ Jamal Ervin (BELLARMINE PREP)-Advantage BOTHELL
Bothell defense hasn’t wavered all season with big anchors in the middle
ST’s
Matthew Philichi (BELLARMINE PREP) v. Chad Zaback (BOTHELL)
One of the best place-kickers in the state, Philichi hit the game-winner last year.