Bothell Rolls Past Grizzlies on Opening Night

Posted on September 4, 2016 by Steven Dion

Thursday	Sep 1st	2016	4A	Boys	Football
Pop Keeney Stadium	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Glacier Peak	7	10	6	6	29
Bothell	17	10	7	10	44

See game recap below

Bothell Rolls Past Grizzlies on Opening Night
By Steve Dion

A drizzly night at Pop Keeney Stadium in Bothell featured a 4A clash between Glacier Peak and host Bothell. This game had a college football feel in its heavy reliance on a passing attack leading to a high scoring affair that lasted well over three hours.

Glacier Peak struck first when Ayden Ziomas connected with Colton Bunt for a 65 yard score. Bothell quarterback Jacob Sirmon showed his tremendous arm strength on the following drive by launching a 58 yard bomb to Daniel Johnson off his back foot while taking a big hit from a Grizzlies linebacker at the point of release.

This set the tone for a back and forth affair leading to a 27-17 halftime score in favor of the home Cougars.

Bothell took a stranglehold on the game when Sirmon found Johnson again early in the third, this time for 75 yards. Peak scored shortly after on a Billy Lutali scamper up the gut, but the double digit deficit was too much to overcome.

The Final Score:
Bothell 44, Glacier Peak 29.

Top Performer

Bothell
Jacob Sirmon-4 passing TDs (19, 30, 58, 75)

Glacier Peak
Seiver Southard-2 receiving TDs (7, 41)

Team Preview:
Camas Papermakers
Dion & Valencia Talk GSHL

Posted on September 2, 2016 by Steven Dion

Team Preview Presented by theFinalScore.TV

Steve Dion and Paul Valencia talk about the Camas Papermakers dominance in the GSHL over the last few years. Can they continue to lead SW Washington?

Listen to our preview of the Camas Papermakers by clicking on the PLAY BUTTON below.

Camas Football Preview with Paul Valencia from The Columbian

Be sure to catch Paul Valencia every Friday Night on Varsity Football Live on Sports Radio 950 KJR
AND read his column at the Columbian.com throughout the football season!

For the full GSHL league preview, click here:
Greater St. Helens League Preview

Team Preview:
Graham-Kapowsin Eagles
Dion & Cotterill Take a Look

Posted on September 1, 2016 by Steven Dion

Team Preview Presented by theFinalScore.TV

Listen to TJ Cotterill’s team preview of the Graham-Kapowsin Eagles by clicking on play button below. For the full league interview, click here: http://thefinalscore.tv/wp/football-preview-npsl-spsl-with-tj-cotterill/

Graham-Kapowsin Football Preview with TJ Cotterill from The News Tribune

Football Preview: Graham-Kapowsin Eagles- TJ Cotterill from The News Tribune
8-31-16

Team Preview:
Sumner Spartans
Dion & Cotterill Break it Down

Posted on September 1, 2016 by Steven Dion

Team Preview Presented by theFinalScore.TV

Listen to TJ Cotterill’s team preview of the Sumner Spartans by clicking on play button below. For the full league interview, click here: http://thefinalscore.tv/wp/football-preview-npsl-spsl-with-tj-cotterill/

Sumner Spartans Football Preview with TJ Cotterill from The News Tribune

Football Preview: Sumner Spartans- TJ Cotterill from The News Tribune
8-31-16

Coach Interview with Gonzaga Prep Head Coach Dave McKenna

Posted on September 1, 2016 by Steven Dion

2016 Varsity Football Live Interview
Gonzaga Prep Bullpups – Head Football Coach
Dave McKenna

High school football has returned!

Listen as Steve Dion catches up with head coach of the 4A defending champion Gonzaga Prep Bullpups Dave McKenna. He talks about the offseason his team has had since the state finals last December and how his team has re-tooled to make another run in 2016. Also, he discusses the atmosphere at some of the top Eastern Washington football fields such as Joe Albi Stadium where his team plays under the lights on Friday nights in the fall. Have a listen!

To catch the complete radio interview with Gonzaga Prep Coach Dave McKenna,
simply click on the PLAY BUTTON below.

Final 3A Girls Power Rankings

Posted on April 10, 2016 by Steven Dion

theFinalScore.TV
Final 3A Girls Power Rankings
By Steve Dion

With the 2015-2016 season in the books, here are the final top ten rankings for the 3A Girls classification!

1) Bellevue (29-0):
One of the best teams in state history, the Wolverines captured the school’s first title since 1975 with a perfect 29-0 record.

2) Lynnwood (26-1):
The Royals were even better this season than the championship team from a year ago, but Bellevue foiled their plans of a repeat in the semifinal round.

3) Arlington (25-2):
The 3A runner up compiled 25 wins in a tough WesCo League with the only blemishes on the schedule compliments of Bellevue and Lynnwood who sit atop the Eagles in the power rankings.

4) Mt. Spokane (16-11):
Spokane’s Wildcats gave Bellevue a scare in the opening round of the Hardwood Classic demonstrating their strength to run with the best Washington has to offer.

5) Kamiakin (15-12):
Finishing in the Final Four this season is a tremendous feat for the Mid-Columbia representative Braves given the depth of the 3A classification.

6) Prairie (21-6):
The Falcons proved they could go toe-to-toe with just about any team they faced as untimely losses spoiled a higher finish in the overall standings.

7) Edmonds-Woodway (17-12):
A ten point win over Auburn-Riverside in the regional round raised some eyebrows for how prepared the Warriors were to make some noise in the postseason.

8) Lincoln (24-3):
The lone Tacoma-based team to finish their season within the confines of the Dome were 24-1 heading into state cementing their rank as a top-ten team.

9) Bishop Blanchet (23-3):
The young core group of Braves that nearly won the title in 2014 continues to churn out quality seasons, but does so amongst equally talented programs that are fighting to play in March.

10) West Seattle (22-4):
A state tournament caliber team drew Lynnwood in regionals to prevent a trip to Tacoma, but a fantastic campaign for first year head coach Darnell Taylor nonetheless.

Final 4A Girls Power Rankings

Posted on April 10, 2016 by Steven Dion

theFinalScore.TV
Final 4A Girls Power Rankings
By Steve Dion

With the 2015-2016 season in the books, here are the final top ten rankings for the 4A Girls classification!

1) Central Valley (28-0):
It is scary to think how good this team will be the next two seasons after a 28-0 record and a championship trophy with a team primarily composed of freshmen and sophomores.

2) Snohomish (22-4):
After starting 0-3, the Panthers rattled off 22 straight wins to propel themselves to the title game as the best representative to challenge the Bears.

3) Moses Lake (25-1):
It’s a shame the Chiefs met eventual 4A champ Central Valley in the quarterfinals riding an undefeated record. However, a fourth place finish in the state is nothing to be disappointed with.

4) Bothell (24-3):
The Cougs’ consistency earned them a trip to the final four and a strong sense of optimism heading into next season.

5) Todd Beamer (25-3):
The Titans did a remarkable job to retool after losing key pieces from the previous season to play basketball in March.

6) Lewis & Clark (18-7):
The battle-tested Tigers held their own in a loaded GSHL and were one of a small group to take Central Valley to the wire.

7) Skyview (20-6):
Perennial GSHL powerhouse added to their run of quality seasons falling just shy of 20 wins; a clear indication of their top ten recognition.

8) Kentlake (21-7):
The sharpshooting Falcons posting a 21-7 record was validated by a trip to Tacoma with a handful of gutsy wins the ticket to get them there.

9) Bellarmine Prep (17-8):
The thrill of advancing to the sweet sixteen was met with a tough departure in the regional round. A league title and a deep playoff run earn the Lions the ninth spot.

10) Chiawana (21-3):
The Riverhawks are worthy of including in the top ten in 4A given their ability to make the best teams in the classification earn everything against them.

Final 4A Boys Power Rankings

Posted on April 5, 2016 by Steven Dion

theFinalScore.TV
Final 4A Boys Power Rankings
By Steve Dion

With the 2015-2016 season in the books, here are the final top ten rankings for the 4A Boys classification!

1) Federal Way (29-0):
The Eagles defended their title by completing a perfect 29-0 season to capture back-to-back 4A championships.

2) Kentwood (22-7):
The junior-laden Conks went toe-to-toe with Federal Way through three quarters in the regular season and title game; an indicator of their strength.

3) Gonzaga Prep (23-4):
The Bullpups were mere inches from knocking off Federal Way in the quarterfinals as a three-pointer the buzzer for the win narrowly glanced off. Beware of GPrep next season!

4) Curtis (25-5):
Tim Kelly takes the Vikings on another deep playoff run to cap off another strong season as one of the top 4A squads in Washington.

5) Union (23-3):
Vancouver’s powerhouse fought back to capture a fourth place finish in the Hardwood Classic after a first-round departure to Gonzaga Prep on Thursday of the tourney.

6) Issaquah (21-5):
Champions of a tough KingCo conference and advancing to the elite eight secure the sixth spot for a quality Eagles campaign.

7) Lewis & Clark (18-7):
The Tigers faced the champs in round one of the tourney resulting in a quick departure but held their own against the best of the classification.

8) Cascade (21-2):
A memorable season in program history concluded in the regional round against the eventual runner-up Kentwood.

9) Woodinville (19-5):
The high-flying Falcons fell short of reaching the Tacoma Dome again, but were improved from the previous season.

10) Central Valley (20-6):
The Bears flew under the radar all season and when the dust settled finished at the Woodshed with a top eight finish in the state.

4A State Football Rankings

Posted on November 4, 2015 by Steven Dion

theFinalScore.TV
4A State Football Rankings
By Steve Dion

The regular season has concluded and postseason matchups are set for the first weekend of November. Here are the rankings for the 4A classification.

1) Lake Stevens: 9-0
Hard to not put the Vikings at the top spot when their lowest point total in a game this season is 42 with Lake Jake under center.

2) Gig Harbor: 9-0
The Tides are laden with veteran leadership that is taking the mold of a title contender.

3) Graham–Kapowsin: 9-0
The Eagles edged out Skyline for the second straight season as part of an undefeated regular season.

4) Camas: 9-0
Coach Eagle continues to churn out one of the best teams the state has to offer year after year.

5) Gonzaga Prep: 9-0
Bullpups loaded their schedule and escaped unscathed despite wins against Richland and Bellarmine Prep combining for 9 points.

6) Richland: 8-1
The distinction of the lowest scoring defense in the 4A classification belongs to the Bombers.

7) Skyline: 8-1
Mat Taylor has the talent to shift the Spartans into another gear. Will they find themselves at the Tacoma Dome once again?

8) Olympia: 7-2
The Bears have been impressive with the exception of a hiccup against Gig Harbor followed up by an overtime loss at Bellarmine.

9) Central Valley: 7-2
A win this weekend would double their win total in 2014. They’ll have to get past last season’s runner-up Chiawana to reach the mark.

10) Jefferson: 7-2
Their ability to go toe to toe with Graham-Kapowsin earns the Raiders a top ten spot.

On the Bubble
Battle Ground
Monroe
Moses Lake
Curtis
Kentwood

4A State Finals Preview, Bothell vs. Chiawana

Posted on December 5, 2014 by colincarusoZUMA

4A State Finals Preview, Bothell vs. Chiawana
By Colin Caruso

Talk about the matchup of the year in this one. The Bothell Cougars, widely regarded as the top team in 4A all season long, facing off against the defending champions, the Chiawana Riverhawks. I had the unbelievable privilege to watch the Riverhawks in the state final last year, in the best comeback in Washington state football history. Down 13 points with 1 minute to play, the Riverhawks pulled off a miracle victory over the Camas Papermakers. I have never felt so much remorse for a losing team, a team that played perfectly all season and 47 minutes in the championship game, but couldn’t close the door on a team driven by a tenacious defensive line and a quarterback with a will to win.

But this is a new season, and a new team for the Riverhawks. And their competition is tested and ready for battle. The Cougars have looked unbeatable all year. Bothell quarterback Ross Conners is looking like one of the top QBs in the state, but the loss of star running back Sam McPherson may prove costly. Chiawana had the best defensive line in 4A last year, and returned three of those starters last season.

Look for another spectacular game and finish in this one. Chiawana has just one loss this season, to the Papermakers of Camas. Bothell is undefeated and deservedly so, they have outscored their opponents 597-133 on the year. Who will lift the trophy in Tacoma? Come join the action on Saturday night, December 6th, at 7:30pm.