Bothell Drops Puyallup in First Round of Playoffs

Bothell Drops Puyallup in First Round of Playoffs
By Steven Dion

The Bothell Cougars had a full week to think about their loss to Skyline last Friday. The 10th ranked team in 4A earned the opportunity to host a first round playoff game versus Puyallup from the SPSL. The Cougs have protected Pop Keeney Stadium nicely this year by beating their opponents by the combined score of 173-34 at home. Tonight was no exception. The Cougs broke the game wide open early by forcing three-and-outs and capitalizing on offense. Sam McPherson returned a punt 70 yards for the score to put BHS up 12-0 in the first. Before halftime, Bothell opened the playbook to the back page by testing senior receiver Cameron Gale’s arm from the flat; a connection with Jackson Keimig in the back of the end zone. At half, the host was up 33-0.

Halftime did not seem to halt the Bothell onslaught as the second half kickoff was returned 100 yards by McPherson. The Viks responded and were finally able to sustain a drive that yielded a handful of red zone snaps, one of which ended with a DJ Winter touchdown. The running clock was in effect during the second half so the scoring subsided greatly. A late score by Bothell was capitalized by a made point-after-touchdown by junior kicker Nicole Daoura. The Cougar sideline erupted as the lone female on either roster notched her first score of the season. Puyallup scored once more on a reception by Levi Jordan to cease the offense for both sides. After four quarters of play, Bothell walked away with a 54-14 win in dominating fashion. The Cougs advance, the Viks end their season 6-4.

Top Performer:

Bothell
Samuel McPherson – 4 total TDs, 2 rushing of 11 and 9 yards, 2 kickoff returns of 70 and 100 yards