2016 4A Gridiron Classic
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2016 3A Gridiron Classic
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Tag Archives: Bellarmine Prep
2016 Gridiron Classic
Bellarmine Prep vs. Sumner
Audio Game Recap
Dick & TJ on Varsity Football Live
Varsity Football Live – Game Recap – TJ Cotterill
Bellarmine Prep vs. Sumner
Dick and TJ Cotterill talk about this 4A SPSL game as the Lions battled the Spartans.
Simply click on the PLAY BUTTON below.
Read T.J. Cotterill’s full article at TheNewsTribune.com
Bellarmine Prep vs. Olympia
Audio Game Recap
Dick & TJ on Varsity Football Live
Varsity Football Live – Game Recap – TJ Cotterill
Bellarmine Prep vs. Olympia
Listen to Dick and TJ Cotterill break down the action in this high scoring shootout.
Simply click on the PLAY BUTTON below.
Read T.J. Cotterill’s full article at TheNewsTribune.com
4A State Rankings
Football Week #2
WASHINGTON STATE RANKINGS WEEK #2
| 4A | LIVE 5! | Football | Week #2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| # | School | League | Record | |
| 1 | Sumner | South Puget Sound | 2-0 | |
| 2 | Camas | Greater St. Helens | 2-0 | |
| 3 | Graham-Kapowsin | South Puget Sound | 2-0 | |
| 4 | Richland | Mid-Columbia | 2-0 | |
| 5 | Bothell | KingCo | 2-0 | |
| 4A | IN THE HUNT | Football | Week #2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| # | School | League | Record | |
| 6 | Bellarmine Preparatory | Sound Puget Sound | 2-0 | |
| 7 | Skyline | KingCo | 1-1 | |
| 8 | Monroe | WesCo | 2-0 | |
| 9 | Chiawana | Mid-Columbia | 2-0 | |
| 10 | Skyview | Greater St. Helens | 1-1 | |
| 4A | ON THE BUBBLE | Football | Week #2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| # | School | League | Record | |
| - | Battle Ground | Greater St. Helens | 2-0 | |
| - | Olympia | South Puget Sound | 2-0 | |
| - | Union | Greater St. Helens | 2-0 | |
| - | Eastlake | KingCo | 2-0 | |
| - | Lake Stevens | WesCo | 2-0 | |
Lakes vs. Bellarmine Prep
VFL Audio Game Recap
Dick & TJ on KJR-AM
Varsity Football – Live Game Recap- Lakes vs. Bellarmine Prep
Listen to T.J. Cotterill’s game recap by clicking on play button below
Game Recap 9/9: T.J. Cotterill from The News Tribune
9-9-16
4A State Rankings
Football Week #1
WASHINGTON STATE RANKINGS WEEK #1
| 4A | LIVE 5! | Football | Week #1 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| # | School | League | Record | |
| 1 | Sumner | South Puget Sound | 1-0 | |
| 2 | Graham-Kapowsin | South Puget Sound | 1-0 | |
| 3 | Gonzaga Preparatory | Greater Spokane | 0-1 | |
| 4 | Camas | Greater St. Helens | 1-0 | |
| 5 | Bothell | KingCo | 1-0 | |
| 4A | IN THE HUNT | Football | Week #1 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| # | School | League | Record | |
| 6 | Richland | Mid-Columbia | 1-0 | |
| 7 | Monroe | WesCo | 1-0 | |
| 8 | Chiawana | Mid-Columbia | 1-0 | |
| 9 | Skyview | Greater St. Helens | 1-0 | |
| 10 | Skyline | KingCo | 0-1 | |
| 4A | ON THE BUBBLE | Football | Week #1 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| # | School | League | Record | |
| - | Battle Ground | Greater St. Helens | 0-1 | |
| - | Mount Si | KingCo | 1-0 | |
| - | Bellarmine Preparatory | Sound Puget Sound | 1-0 | |
| - | Lake Stevens | WesCo | 1-0 | |
| - | Kennedy Catholic | North Puget Sound | 1-0 | |
Final 4A Girls Power Rankings
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.
Varsity Hoops Live – Paul Valencia – GSHL Regionals
Varsity Hoops Live Game Recap- GSHL Regionals
Listen to Paul Valencia’s game recap by clicking on play button below
Game Recap 2/26: Paul Valencia from The Columbian
2-26-16
West Central District 3: First Round Recap
West Central District 3: First Round Recap by Nic Beckman
West Central District 3 playoffs got underway with eight home games for the top seeds as 16 teams from the SPSL and Narrows leagues vie for the 6 WCD3 state tournament seeds. Home court advantage was evident as 7 of the 8 host teams came away with wins.
The top two seeds in the SPSL continued their dominance. #1 seed Federal Way had the Tornados of Yelm blow into the Eagles nest. After a close first quarter 17-12, coach Jerome Collins’s Eagle team pulled away. Behind the 19 points of Ferron Flavors and a 29-10 third quarter, Federal Way still undefeated with a comfortable win moves on. The Final Score FW 78 Yelm 41.
The #2 seed Curtis Vikings, undefeated in league play until a 63-61 loss to Federal Way at the ShoWare in the SPSL tournament championship defended their home court. Coming off a 66-63 win over Kentwood, the Vikings faced another SPSL Northeast foe in Kentlake. Aushanti Potts-Woods with 27 and Glenn Jordan with 19 combined for more than the Falcons could total as a team. The Final Score Curtis 83 Kentlake 45.
Narrows #1 seed Bellarmine matched up with SPSL South Spanaway Lake. The Lions 18-3 on the season with an unblemished 12-0 league record under the direction of head coach Bernie Salazar represented for their league with a home court opening round win over the Sentinels. The Final Score Bellarmine 75 Spanaway Lake 65.
The #2 seed out of the Narrows coach John Kiley’s Olympia Bears at 18-3 on the season and 10-2 in league play, had the Todd Beamer Titans in the house for first round action. The Bears continue on their quest to the Dome getting a 20 point win over Beamer. The Final Score Olympia 70 Todd Beamer 50.
Emerald Ridge travelled north to Kentwood to face the Conquerors. Jason Cassens and the Jags were up 12-11 after the first quarter, but coach Blake Solomon’s Conk’s were ready for the challenge. Kentwood with four players in double digits would be led by Darius Lubom with 20 and Rayvaughn Bolton with 12 as Cassens with 10, was the only Jaguar to reach double digits. The Final Score Kentwood 58 Emerald Ridge 41.
Coach John Callaghan’s Wolves of South Kitsap crossed the bridge to come play the Vikings in Puyallup. Daniel Tomkiewicz with 9 second quarter points to lead all scorers at half with 11, saw his team down 34-30. The Viks were paced by Jaden Vollmen and Tony Gutierrez each with 9. Tomkiewicz would add 8 3rd quarter points and tie the game at 42. SK down 1, 44-45 heading into the final period. Coach Scott Campbell turned up the Viking pressure and held the Wolves without a point in the quarter until 3:24 remaining. By that time Puyallup was up 54-45, Tony Gutierrez in his first game back from a quadriceps injury hit 6 of the Puyallup 13 3’s enroute to game high honors with 23. South Kitsap’s Daniel Tomkiewicz finished with 22 and Eric Wattree added 16. The Final Score Puyallup 59 South Kitsap 55.
Kent Meridian facing rival Kentridge was able to overcome an 11 point halftime deficit to tie it at 57 at the end of regulation. But Mahlik Hall with 23 and Romaine Jackson with 18 for the Royals were not enough to get their team over the hill. The Chargers held home court with a 12 -7 overtime period, Joran Ticeson led the Chargers with 19. The Final Score in OT Kentridge 69 Kent Meridian 64.
The Blazers of Timberline after finishing third behind Bellarmine and Olympia in Narrows league play, had to go to Thomas Jefferson for their first round match-up. The Raiders of the SPSL Northwest behind leading scorer Darius Anderson were unable to defend their home court. Timberline gets the only visitor win on the night. The Final Score Timberline 52 Thomas Jefferson 48.
Friday night will see winners bracket match ups Federal Way vs Timberline at 6pm, followed by Olympia vs Kentwood at 7:45pm at Auburn Mountainview HS. Bellarmine vs Kentwood at 6pm and Puyallup will face Curtis for the third time this season at 7:45pm at Mt. Tahoma HS. Winners will move on for #1 through #4 seeds.
On the loser out side of the the bracket, Yelm vs Jefferson at 6pm, then Beamer vs Emerald Ridge at 7:45pm will be played at Stadium HS. Spanaway Lake vs Kent Meridian 6pm and South Kitsap vs Kentlake at 7:45pm are playing at Auburn HS. The winners all working for the final 2 seeds from the West Central District 3 heading into the state regional round the final week of February.
Varsity Hoops Live – T.J. Cotterill – Bellarmine Prep vs. Olympia
Varsity Hoops Live Game Recap- Bellarmine Prep vs. Olympia
Listen to T.J. Cotterill’s game recap by clicking on play button below
Game Recap 1/29: T.J. Cotterill from The News Tribune
1-29-16
4A State Basketball Rankings
theFinalScore.TV
4A State Basketball Rankings
By Steve Dion
As league play is in its final weeks and the playoffs are on the horizon, here at the top ten rankings for the 4A classification!
1) Federal Way: 18-0 (7-0)
Defending champs will be perched at the top until somebody knocks them off. Don’t expect this to happen anytime soon.
2) Curtis: 17-1 (10-0)
The Vikings continue their undeafeated mark against Washington state teams.
3) Cascade: 15-0 (9-0)
Gotell’s 51 points in Friday’s didn’t hurt the Bruins’ cause in solidifying themselves high in the rankings.
4) Gonzaga Prep: 14-1 (12-1)
Matty McIntyre’s Bullpups are the Beasts of the East. Many familiar names from the football championship squad.
5) Bellarmine Prep: 13-3 (8-0)
Can’t drop the Lions too far down considering their only in-state losses were to Lincoln and Curtis…by a combined seven points!
6) Union: 12-2 (7-0)
The Titans don’t rebuild, they reload.
7) Issaquah: 13-3 (11-1)
The second Eagles team in the top ten rankings is flying high once again on the Sammamish plateau.
8) Lewis & Clark: 12-3 (11-2)
The Tigers are hot on the heels of the Bullpups for the GSL lead.
9) Central Valley: 12-3 (10-3)
One of the top teams in one of the strongest leagues in 4A earns the Bears top ten honors.
10) Woodinville: 12-3 (9-3)
Tony Miller is a force to be reckoned with. Scored 20 in a win last week, 42 in a loss. Go figure.
On the Bubble
Kentwood
Olympia
Richland
Todd Beamer
Wenatchee
Same Matchup, Different Result Between Bothell, Bellarmine
| Saturday | Nov. 22 | 2014 | 4A | Boys | Football | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Tahoma High School | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final | |
| Bothell | 13 | 21 | 3 | 0 | 37 | |
| Bellarmine Prep | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 14 | |
Game Recap below
Same Matchup, Different Result Between Bothell, Bellarmine
By Steven Dion
364 days ago, Bellarmine Prep advanced to the state semifinals over Bothell in overtime. The Cougs had a shot at redemption Saturday as the perennial 4A powers squared 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 at this point. 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. Did Bothell avenge last season’s loss?
Coach Bainter clearly did not adjust his commitment to the running game without his workhorse McPherson as he fed his runners early and with great frequency. Caleb Meyer found an opening which led to a 24 yard touchdown to get early momentum. The enormous Bothell crowd roared as the “Blue Train” grabbed an early lead. Steven Weedin added a pair of field goals in the first frame from 30 and 35 yards. The choice to attack the north endzone played a big role for punts and place-kicking for Bothell in the first half with howling winds from the south. Leading 13-0, the Cougs continued the scoring spree when Ross Bowers connected with Dayzell Wilson from 61 yards. The domination continued as two more Bellarmine turnovers resulted in touchdowns to put Bothell up 34-0 at the break.
Even with a clear victory locked up for Bothell, Bellarmine continued to battle and found the scoreboard in the second half. Ahmad Lewis was rewarded for his strong running with a 6 yard touchdown. In the waning moments of the contest, Jared Richardson found Wilcoxen in the back of the endzone on a 29 yard strike to end the one-sided game on a good note for the Lions. Bothell advances to face the winner of Federal Way and Newport. The FinalScore 37-14.
Top Performers:
Bothell
Caleb Meyer-2 rushing touchdowns (5, 24)
Bellarmine Prep vs. Bothell Preview
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.
Coach Interview with
Timberline’s Nick Mullen
2014 Varsity Football Live Interview
Timberline Blazers – Head Football Coach
Nick Mullen
A Tale of Two Seasons
Join us as Steve Dion talks with Coach Nick Mullen about the games the Blazers have played so far and Timberline’s identity as they change classifications.
Coach Mullen has a winning record in 5 of his first 6 years, but is facing new challenges this season.
“4A is a lot different – we were pretty strong in the 3A Narrows for a long time … I think our kids figured out sometimes a loss teaches you more than a win does.”
Going forward, Coach Mullen observes there is now a much different level of competition, with larger schools having more players.
His coaching philosophy includes very sound words of wisdom for his Blazers team, from “the harder you work, the harder it is to quit” – to knowing “you can only control what you can control.”
To catch the complete radio interview with Timberline Coach Nick Mullen,
simply click on the PLAY BUTTON below.
Wilson Dominates First Half but Squeaks by Bellarmine
| Saturday | Dec 21st | 2013 | 3A-4A | Boys | Basketball | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ShoWare Center | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final | |
| Bellarmine Prep | 4 | 10 | 19 | 6 | 39 | |
| Wilson | 10 | 23 | 5 | 13 | 51 | |
Wilson Dominates First Half but Squeaks by Bellarmine
By Colin Caruso
In the second to last game at the Muscle Milk pre-season tournament in Kent, the Bellarmine Prep Lions took on the Wilson Rams in another non-conference matchup. Bellarmine jumped out to an early 4-0 lead, converting on two easy layups, but were unable to score for the remainder of the first quarter. Wilson closed the quarter on a 10-0 run that continued into the second.
That run extended to a 20-0 run with five minutes left in the second, on the back of a solid diamond press that Bellarmine could not break, leading to easy Wilson transition layups. Seven Rams were able to score in the first half, compared to just four Lions. The Rams took a commanding 33-14 lead into the half.
Bellarmine received a good talking to from Coach Salazar at the break and turned their offense on to start the third quarter. An 18-1 run for the Lions cut the Wilson lead just two with one minute remaining in the frame. Bellarmine won the quarter 19-5 and only trailed by five entering the fourth.
The Lions’ leading scorer Mar’kese Jackson fouled out with 4:30 remaining in the fourth, really stifling the colossal comeback effort for Bellarmine. The five point margin would be the closest the Lions would come, as Wilson began to battle on the interior and taking advantage of their bonus free-throws. Wilson closed with a strong third quarter and finished with a 51-39 win.
Top Performers:
Bellarmine Prep
Mar’kese Jackson – 16 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals
Drew Griffin – 9 points, 9 rebounds
Wilson
Alphonso Anderson – 11 points, 14 rebounds
Too Much Hennessey for Bellarmine, Camas Advances to 4A State Final
| Saturday | Nov 30th | 2013 | 4A | Boys | Football | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tacoma Dome | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final | |
| Bellarmine Prep | 7 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 21 | |
| Camas | 21 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 49 | |
Too Much Hennessey for Bellarmine, Camas Advances to 4A State Final
By Colin Caruso
In the primetime game at the Tacoma Dome on semifinal Saturday, the Bellarmine Prep Lions faced off against the Papermakers of Camas for a trip to the 4A state final. Bellarmine came into the contest with two losses this season, Camas entered undefeated.
The Papermakers came out strong in this contest, scoring two touchdowns in the first five minutes of the game, both on passes from Reilly Hennessey to Zach Eagle. Bellarmine was able to respond with a Garrett McKay touchdown catch later in the quarter, but the Papermakers kept the pressure on with another scoring drive to close the quarter with a 21-7 lead.
Of the Papermakers six first half possessions, five resulted in touchdowns. Bellarmine could not find a way to slow down the Papermakers, who amassed 406 first half yards. Camas led 35-14 at the break.
Scoring slowed down in the third quarter, with only a Jason Vailea touchdown run for the Papermakers, his second on the night. Bellarmine did put together a great drive in the quarter but a fourth down touchdown pass by Lou Millie was negated by an illegal forward pass which gave the ball back to Camas.
With the game in hand, both teams added another score in the fourth quarter. Camas closed Bellarmine Prep’s season with a commanding 49-21 win. The Papermakers will play Chiawana on December 7th for the 4A state championship.
Top Performers:
Bellarmine Prep
Lou Millie – 13/25 for 183 yards and 2TD
Garret McKay – 5 catches for 89 yards and 2TD
Camas
Reilly Hennessey – 21/32 for 343 yards and 3TD
Zach Eagle – 11 catches for 170 yards and 3TD
Nate Beasley – 27 carries for 128 yards and 1TD
Bellarmine Advances to State Semifinal in OT Thriller
| Saturday | Nov 23rd | 2013 | 4A | Boys | Football | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mt. Tahoma Stadium | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final | |
| Bothell | 0 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 17 | |
| Bellarmine Prep | 7 | 3 | 0 | 7+3 | 20 | |
Bellarmine Advances to State Semifinal in OT Thriller
By Colin Caruso
With the stands packed at the newly constructed Mt. Tahoma Stadium, the Bellarmine Prep Lions hosted the 4A state quarterfinal matchup against the Bothell Cougars. Defense was the story throughout, as both teams struggled to put together strong drives that resulted in scoring.
Bellarmine broke the 0-0 tie late in the first quarter with an 11 yard touchdown run from junior Jamal Ervin. The Lions added a 33 yard field goal later in the second as well, taking a 10-0 lead. But Bothell put together a strong drive in the waning seconds of the first half to punch their first score in, an 11 yard pass from junior Ross Bowers to classmate Dayzell Wilson to close the gap to 10-7 at half.
The Cougars put the only score on the board in the third quarter, a 2 yard run from junior tailback Sam McPherson. But again both teams played stellar defense, as both secondaries intercepted the opposing quarterback in the quarter.
Bothell added a field goal early in the fourth to take their largest lead of the game, seven points. But Bellarmine drove down the field and answered immediately, a pass from Lou Millie to Nick Selden tied the game at 17. Bothell put together a great drive on their next possession, with a first and goal at the six yard line. Just two plays later, Bowers lofted a ball towards the sideline and was intercepted again, returned close to midfield. With 3:11 on the clock, Bellarmine was poised to put together a game winning drive. But penalties and a sack forced the Lions out of field goal range and the game went to overtime, 17-17.
Bellarmine kicked another field goal on their first possession to put the pressure on the Cougars, who were again with a first and goal situation. But Lion Garrett McKay wanted nothing to do with a Cougar touchdown, and intercepted Bowers again, to win the game 20-17. The Lions will play Camas in the state 4A semifinal.
Top Performers:
Bellarmine Prep
Team defense – 4 interceptions, sack, forced fumble
Matthew Philichi – 2 field goals of 37 and 33 yards
Bellarmine Rallies to Shock Newport
| Saturday | Nov 16th | 2013 | 4A | Boys | Football | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newport High School | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final | |
| Bellarmine Prep | 0 | 14 | 7 | 17 | 38 | |
| Newport | 14 | 14 | 0 | 7 | 35 | |
Bellarmine Rallies to Shock Newport
By Steven Dion
The second round of the gridiron postseason featured a marquee matchup between a strong pair of 4A programs in Newport and Bellarmine Prep. Both teams entered the contest with a 7-2 record and a ticket to the final eight up for grabs. Despite cold temperatures and chilling winds, both sidelines were packed with enthusiastic fans rooting on their schools.
The home team got down to business early as the Knights found the end zone twice in the first frame; once through the air and the other on the ground. A 51 yard Drew Sample reception and 52 yard scamper by Conner Baumann created an early 14-0 lead. Baumann’s 6’3 222lb frame continued to punish the Lions’ front seven by notching two more TDs in the first half. The Lions built some momentum late in the 2nd by punching in two scores from QB Lou Millie to Garrett McKay. After trailing 21-0, it was evident that if Bellarmine were to stage a comeback, they would not be able to surrender another score. At the half, the Knights led 28-14.
Both teams exited the locker room with a mindset of increased defensive intensity. Lion linebacker Brandon Thompson and Knight D-line captain Bennett Long were two standout performers on defense, assisting in the process of forcing punts. The lone fumble of the contest was recovered by Newport at the 7:19 mark of the third and appeared a touchdown was the only thing separating them from securing a victory. Minutes later, Bellarmine found themselves in the end zone on a Jamal Ervin run. Newport’s fifth and final TD came early in the 4th, a 54 yard grab by Sample. Trailing 35-21 with only three minutes remaining, the Lions pulled within a score on a McKay touchdown. After a quick three-and-out by the Knights offense, Bellarmine had the ball once again. A run by Ervin and a two point conversion that appeared incomplete to the Newport sideline brought the game to a 35-35 tie.
The hungry BPHS defense forced a turnover on downs less than a minute later and set up kicker Matthew Philichi for a game winner from 20 yards out. The ball sailed through the uprights and sealed an improbable comeback for the 2012 state runner-up. Bellarmine ventures on, Newport finishes with a respectable 7-3 record.
Top Performers:
Bellarmine Prep
Garrett McKay – 3 rec TDs of 57, 12, and 12 yards
Newport
Conner Baumann – 3 rushing TDs of 54, 52, and 4 yards
Bellarmine Lights up Knights in Opening Round of Playoffs
| Saturday | Nov 9th | 2013 | 4A | Boys | Football | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mt. Tahoma High School | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final | |
| Kamiak | 14 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 21 | |
| Bellarmine Prep | 28 | 21 | 7 | 7 | 62 | |
Bellarmine Lights up Knights in Opening Round of Playoffs
By Steven Dion
On the same night Bellarmine Prep Lions’ former quarterback Sefo Liufau made his homecoming as starting quarterback for the Colorado Buffaloes against the Washington Huskies, Bellarmine was set to host a first-round playoff game at Mt. Tahoma High School in Tacoma. The perennial 4A powerhouse from the Narrows League was the runner-up in the state finals last year with Liufau at the helm and ended the regular season at 7-2 eager to visit the Tacoma Dome in December once again. However, the Kamiak Knights from the Wesco League were eager to apply their ground-and-pound attack to challenge the Lions.
The scoring spree started early as BPHS Lou Millie tallied a touchdown on a 19-yard QB keeper. On the ensuing kickoff, Bellarmine recovered a fumble and capitalized on one of Nathan Goltermann’s four scores of the ball game. Kamiak responded by incorporating their big tight end Henderson Belk in the aerial attack, culminating in a 24-yard TD reception. However, the Knights could not stop the balanced offense of Prep and trailed 42-14 at halftime.
An early touchdown after the half by Goltermann allowed the clock to roll without stoppage as Bellarmine led by over 40. Kamiak found the end zone for the third and final time on a one-yard QB sneak by Connor Alexander. The Lions’ reserves were incorporated in the second half and a 56 yard scamper for six by Ahmad Lewis put an exclamation point on a well-executed game by the home team.
Bellarmine advances to the round of sixteen, Kamiak’s season is over.
Top Performers:
Bellarmine Prep
Nathan Goltermann – 4 rushing TDs of 56, 8, 3, and 2 yards
Bellarmine Prep gets by Federal Way, advances to regionals
| Friday- Feb. 15 | -4A- | WC | SW | District | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mt. Tahoma | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final | |
| Federal Way | 10 | 15 | 6 | 15 | 46 | |
| Bellarmine Prep | 12 | 12 | 14 | 10 | 48 | |
Bellarmine Prep gets by Federal Way, advances to regionals
By Colin Caruso
In a great atmosphere at Mount Tahoma gym, the Bellarmine Prep Lions faced off against the Federal Way Eagles with a trip to regionals on the line in the West Central/Southwest District match-up. Both teams came out evenly matched and neither team built a lead greater than two points in the first quarter. Bellarmine Prep senior Sefo Liufau led the way for the Lions with five points and five rebounds in the quarter to take a two point lead into the second.
Federal Way began to use more zone defense in the second quarter, mixing in a 2-3 and a 1-3-1 to try and break up Bellarmine’s rhythm. The defensive scheme seemed to catch the Lions off guard, and the Eagles forced six turnovers in the quarter and took a 25-24 lead into the half. Brayon Blake led the comeback for the Eagles with six points in the second.
Behind two three-pointers in the third from seniors Isaiah Flynn and Carson Hollyoak, Bellarmine captured their biggest lead in the game 38-31 with 1:44 remaining in the third. Despite turning the ball over six times to Federal Way’s two, Bellarmine played excellent half court man defense to hold Federal way to just six third quarter points. The Lions took a seven point lead to the fourth.
Federal Way began their comeback early in the final quarter, cutting the lead to just two on a free-throw from sophomore Malik Montoya with 3:42 remaining. Lucas Meikle for the Lions answered with two free-throws of his own, but Brayon Blake responded with a layup and a one for two showing from the line to cut the lead to just one. Bellarmine added free-throws from Jacob Salazar to extend the lead and eventually closed out the contest with a win, 48-46.
It was a great game to watch.
Top Performers:
Federal Way
Malik Montoya (16 points, 4 rebounds)
Brayon Blake (14, 6 rebounds)
Bellarmine Prep
Lucas Meikle (13 points, 7 rebounds)
Sefo Liufau (10 points, 10 rebounds)