Blanchet’s Big Fourth Quarter Earns Braves Fifth Seed, Bulldogs Sixth

Posted on November 1, 2014 by Randall Novak

Friday	Oct. 31st	2014	3A	Boys	Football
Memorial Stadium	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Garfield	0	7	0	0	7
Bishop Blanchet	3	14	0	14	31

Game Recap below

Blanchet’s Big Fourth Quarter Earns Braves Fifth Seed, Bulldogs Sixth
By Steven Dion

For many in attendance at Memorial Stadium, it is probably hard to believe tonight marks the 39th anniversary of arguably the greatest high school football game in the history of the state between Bishop Blanchet and Garfield. Members of both teams from 1975 were the honorary captains during the coin toss including Bruce Harrell and Joe Steele. That game had nearly thirteen thousand fans in attendance and ended in the fourth overtime with BBHS the victor. This playoff game would not replicate the one from four decades ago.

Both squads were determined to run the football into the teeth of the opposition from the start. The Braves’ featured back Oshea Trujillo has racked up nice numbers this season, but the Bulldogs have an improving front seven that kept him at bay early. Blanchet drew first blood on a 27 yard field goal by Liam vanLeynseele after the Braves drive stalled. Garfield had a difficult time moving the chains in the first half and had to continually return the ball to the green and yellow.

Blanchet struck again on a double reverse in which wideout David Gats hurled an 18 yard flair to Jack Sendelbach to put them up by ten. The lead grew when Davine Tullis tossed a dart to Sendelbach for his second score and a 17-0 lead. On the ensuing kickoff with twenty-two ticks remaining, the squib was recovered near midfield to give Garfield a chance to score. At the buzzer, Rashad Jones was in the endzone on a 35 yard post route to give the Bulldogs momentum heading into the locker room.

The third quarter was slightly less eventful as both teams refused to put up points and turnovers continued to pile up. The Bulldogs were trailing by ten heading into the fourth, but they couldn’t take advantage of several scoring chances. A fumble recovery for touchdown at the eleven yard line of Garfield by Gats zapped the Bulldogs energy. Elijah Davis scored late to give BBHS their final points and a 31-7 victory. The Braves have captured the fifth seed and Bulldogs take sixth in Metro heading into playoffs next week.

Top Performers:
Bishop Blanchet
Jack Sendelbach LB/TE
14 Tackles, 2 for Loss – 1 Fumble Recovery
2 Receptions 33 yards, 2 TD’s

David Gats
18 yd TD pass, 11 yd fumble recovery TD

Garfield
Rashad Jones – 35 yard TD Reception

Fans are called to Unite this weekend! Tragedy has….

Posted on October 30, 2014 by Randall Novak

2014 Varsity Football Live Interview
Garfield Bulldogs – Athletic Director and Head Basketball Coach
Ed Haskins

Tragedy has struck at the heart of the Marysville-Pilchuck and Seattle communities this week, affecting people throughout the state of Washington. This weekend we call all FANS to unite and attend a high school football game. We wish to show our support for your local schools and the people of Marysville-Pilchuck and Seattle by filling the stands with everyone wearing something WHITE signifying HOPE and HEALING.

This includes fans, parents, students, administrators and staff attending any and all football games on Friday and Saturday. So grab anything white; a hat, scarf, a big t-shirt that can fit over your coat! We want the people of Seattle and Marysville-Pilchuck to know the entire state is behind them.

It is at times like these that we must come together to support one another, even if we aren’t personally affected. We express our thoughts and prayers by coming together as ONE and wearing WHITE as a symbol of hope for a better tomorrow.

Dick Fain caught up with Ed Haskins from Garfield High School today regarding Seattle Schools support of two communities. They also touched on the renewal of the game classified as “The Game of the Century”.

Garfield takes on Bishop Blanchet this Friday night – 39 years after the historic battle between the same schools in front of 13,000 fans at Memorial Stadium. It took 4 overtimes for Blanchet to come up with the victory and Garfield is looking to grab a win on Friday.

The Region is asked to join together. We encourage everyone to attend a high school football game in your area and show support by WEARING WHITE AS A SYMBOL OF HOPE.

To catch the complete radio interview with Garfield Coach Ed Haskins,
simply click on the PLAY BUTTON below.

Crusaders Cruise Over Blanchet in Saturday Showdown

Posted on October 12, 2014 by Randall Novak

Saturday	Oct. 11th	2014	3A	Boys	Football
Auburn High School	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Eastside Catholic	7	21	14	7	49
Bishop Blanchet	0	0	6	6	12

Game Recap below

Crusaders Cruise Over Blanchet in Saturday Showdown
By Steven Dion

The high school football season is at the halfway point and the weather has behaved nicely for virtually the entire duration. Saturday would be a surprise at kickoff as rain hit hard an hour before kickoff following morning sunshine. Regardless, there was a game to be played between perennial goliath Eastside Catholic led by Jeremy Thielbahr and Aaron Maul’s up-and-comer Bishop Blanchet.

On the opening drive, ECHS coughed up the football giving Blanchet early momentum. However, minutes later Daniel Carlton picked off Davine Tullis which set up an 18 yard slant to Matt Laris for a touchdown. At this point Harley Kirsch was just getting warmed up. In the second frame, he connected with Laris again and Hunter Bryant for 53 and 7 yard scores respectively. A powerful goal-line run by Dominique Fetui capped off a 21 point second quarter for the Crusaders. Blanchet was yet to score at the break.

The Eastside onslaught continued in the third as Kirsch found Matt Kveck and Jake Jackson in the endzone for two more of his five touchdown passes on the day. Bishop Blanchet played an inspired second half starting with a pick by Oshea Trujillo midway through the quarter. That set up a play which was improvisational brilliance by the Braves’ featured halfback Trujillo. A shotgun snap sailed over BB quarterback Alex Freeman’s head. Trujillo, who was the lone man in the backfield sprinted to the loose ball. As the swarm of defenders rushed to pick up the football, the BB back picked up the pigskin and let it fly toward the endzone. The act of desperation resulted in Blanchet’s first points of the game; a 10 yard touchdown reception for Elijah Davis in the corner of the endzone.

Despite a running clock from a Crusader lead of forty points or more, the home team continued to battle. The final play of the contest was a 20 yard dart through multiple defenders from Freeman to David Gats who moments prior hauled in an extraordinary one-handed grab. However, Eastside Catholic would claim a 49-12 victory heading into next Friday against league powerhouse O’Dea. Maul’s Braves will put this one behind them and build on a much better second half of a runaway contest.

Top Performers:
Eastside Catholic
Harley Kirsch- 5 touchdown passes (7,15,18,36,53)

Bishop Blanchet
Oshea Trujillo- 10 yard touchdown pass, Defensive INT

2014 VFL Coach Interview
Eastside Catholic
Head Coach Jeremy Thielbahr

Posted on October 1, 2014 by Randall Novak

2014 Varsity Football Live Interview
Eastside Catholic Crusaders – Head Football Coach
Jeremy Thielbahr

Ahead of Schedule on a Great Journey

Join us as Dick Fain chats with Coach Jeremy Thielbahr about 4th ranked Eastside Catholic’s football program, being in the playoffs 3 years in a row, and in 2 state championship games the last 2 years.

Since Coach Thielbahr and his staff took over in 2011, it seems the road to winning in 3A always goes through Bellevue, so he hopes this is the season his Crusaders can win it all.

“We had to do some things to get our minds and our kids to this level of competitive camaradarie and aggressiveness on the field – and I think we’ve done that.”

How is Coach Thielbahr able to focus on the Metro league instead of the upcoming state championship game ? “We’ve got great talent, smart kids who understand what we’re asking them to do, have faith in their coaches, and believe in what we do.”

With a healthy program of good senior, junior, sophomore and freshman players, they are excited to see where the season will take them and looking forward to being able to win year after year.

To catch the complete radio interview with Eastside Catholic Coach Jeremy Thielbahr,
simply click on the PLAY BUTTON below.

2013- Coach Interview with
Bishop Blanchet’s Aaron Maul

Posted on August 22, 2014 by Randall Novak

2014 Varsity Football Live Interview
Bishop Blanchet Braves – Head Football Coach
Aaron Maul

Winning Tradition is back at Bishop Blanchet

It’s been a long time since Bishop Blanchet won the Metro League Championship in 1985 – and even longer since they won the State Championship in 1974, but Aaron Maul and his coaching staff are making amazing strides toward winning those honors once again.

We recently had the opportunity to catch up with Coach Maul for some insight on his Bishop Blanchet Braves, who are currently ranked 9th in the State. Dick Fain chats with him about the remarkable progress the team has made over the past four seasons.

Coach Maul attributes much of their success to great preparation, and the trust and familiarity developed by strong leadership from seniors on the team. He feels they have become more confident and have learned to believe in what they are trying to accomplish on a Friday night.

“I’m very passionate about defense … and playing physical is something we pride ourselves on.”

Coach Maul challenges his players to compete to their greatest ability and give their greatest effort to each other, “It’s not about the guy that’s across from you, it’s about the guy that’s next to you.”

To catch the complete radio interview with Coach Maul,
simply click on the play button below.

Back to Back State Titles for Cleveland

Posted on March 20, 2014 by colincarusoZUMA

: Bishop Blanchet takes on the top team in the state in the 2014 3A State Championship Game.
(theFinalScore.TV / ZUMA Media)

: Blanchet made it an all Metro League Final.
(theFinalScore.TV / ZUMA Media)

: Myzhanique Ladd poured in 16 points in the final game of the season.
(theFinalScore.TV / ZUMA Media)

Saturday	March 8th	2014	3A	Girls	Basketball
Tacoma Dome	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Cleveland	18	15	6	15	54
Bishop Blanchet	12	13	10	10	45

Back to Back State Titles for Cleveland
By Colin Caruso

Both the girls 3A and boys 3A state championship games featured teams from the Metro leagues in Seattle. This girls state championship game saw the Cleveland Eagles, undefeated in the state of Washington and 23-2 overall against the 20-4 Bishop Blanchet Braves. They faced off earlier this season just one time, resulting in a 65-50 Cleveland victory.

Cleveland won the state title last season over the Seattle Prep Panthers and the Eagles returned four of their five starters from that team. They were clearly the title favorites going into the year, and their perfect in state record kept them favorites in this matchup.

Led by 11 points from star guard Makayla Roper in the first quarter, the Eagles jumped out to an early lead. With balanced scoring the Braves closed the Eagle lead to six going into the second. With Roper not scoring a point in the second frame, the Eagles were still able to extend their lead. Myzhanique Ladd picked up what Roper left behind, adding seven points in the second to take a 33-25 lead into halftime.

The scoring dramatically slowed on both sides in the third quarter. Just six points from the Eagles allowed the Braves to get back into this ballgame. Great defense on both sides sparked the lack of offensive production. Blanchet cut the lead to four entering the fourth.

Blanchet continued to battle with the mighty Eagles in the final quarter. The lead was five for Cleveland with three minutes to play. Ladd was fouled on a coast to coast layup attempt and hit one of two to put the Eagles up six. After a Blanchet miss, Jayde Christopher converted on a layup to extend the lead to eight with under two minutes to play. After a Braves turnover Ladd added a floater to go up ten, effectively ending the game. This makes back to back titles for the Eagles, and three in the last five years for Coach Stephenie Wheeler-Smith.

Top Performers:
Cleveland
Myzhanique Ladd – 16 points, 9 rebounds, 4 steals
Makayla Roper – 17 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals

Bishop Blanchet
Jadyn Bush – 10 points, 12 rebounds

Cleveland Defeats Blanchet for Back-To-Back Metro League Titles

Posted on February 21, 2014 by colincarusoZUMA

Friday	Feb 14th	2014	3A	Girls	Basketball
Garfield High	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Cleveland	19	20	11	13	65
Blanchet	19	10	10	11	50

Cleveland Defeats Blanchet for Back-To-Back Metro League Titles
By Steven Dion

Garfield High School played host to the boys and girls 3A championship games for the Metro League tonight, the first of two the girls game featuring Cleveland and Bishop Blanchet. Cleveland won this game last year over Seattle Prep and eventually won the state title. Bishop Blanchet is a team on the rise that seems poised to be in contention for years to come. Would the Eagles repeat as Metro champs or would the newcomers shock everyone at the GHS gym Friday night?

The first half was back-and-forth as Bishop Blanchet traded three pointers from freshman guard Taylor Chambers with buckets from Cleveland’s variety of scoring options. It appeared we were set for a high octane game as the first quarter score read 21-19 in favor of the defending champs. The Eagles eventually found their groove of suffocating defense in the second quarter as a number of turnovers in the backcourt on successive possessions resulted in a growing lead for CHS. When playing Cleveland, it is understood that field goals count for twice as much because they score in bunches. At the half, Cleveland held a double digit lead.

Bishop Blanchet caught their opponent on the heels early in the third quarter as the Eagles’ lead was cut to six midway through the frame. Jaydn Bush played solid on both sides of the floor as the freshman blocked several shots as well as made several buckets for the Braves. Blanchet battled throughout the game, but Cleveland is the defending state champs for a reason as senior Makala Roper buried several clutch shots down the stretch to put the game out of reach for the challenger. When the buzzer sounded, the Eagles raised the hardware for the second consecutive year by the final score of 65-50. After first round byes, Cleveland will face the winner of Liberty/Seattle Prep and Bishop Blanchet will take on the victor of Juanita/Holy Names in the first round of the SeaKing district playoffs.

Top Performers:
Cleveland
Cleveland-Myzhanique Ladd, Jayde Christopher, Alexia Mefi, Makala Roper (All double-digit scorers)

Blanchet
Bishop Blanchet-Taylor Chambers, Jaydn Bush (double-digit scoring, strong defensive effort)

Winning is Deja Vu with Inglemoor’s Strother

Posted on January 6, 2014 by colincarusoZUMA

Friday	Jan 4th	2014	3A-4A	Girls	Basketball
Bishop Blanchet High	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Inglemoor	19	11	9	11	50
Bishop Blanchet	4	10	8	12	34

See game recap below

Winning is Deja Vu with Inglemoor’s Strother
By Steven Dion

Bishop Blanchet has established itself as a contender in the Metro League in this young season as their pair of dynamic freshmen in Jaydn Bush and Taylor Chambers complement an experienced Braves roster. Bryan Willison’s squad had a true test on Saturday as last year’s sixth place finisher in 4A Inglemoor made a visit for a non-league matchup. Blanchet would give up length in this contest as Inglemoor entered with a significant size advantage. If Inglemoor could neutralize Blanchet’s speedy guards, the Viks would have a good chance to pick up a quality road win.

The first quarter set the tone for the game as cold shooting from both teams in the opening minutes changed in favor of the Vikings as sophomore Deja Strother entered the game. The 6’4” center registered five field goals in the first frame after coming off the bench and Inglemoor grabbed a 19-4 lead after quarter one. Strother’s physicality and rebounding ability outmatched the Blanchet opposition all game long. BBHS remained resilient in the second quarter as Chamber buried a pair of three pointers and Bush knocked down five of six free throws before the break. At halftime, Inglemoor grabbed a commanding lead at 30-14.

The Vikings continued their relentless play on both sides of the floor as John Augustavo’s team made highlight blocks on defense and quality offensive possessions at the other end. Bishop Blanchet was able to keep pace, but trailing by double digits meant they would have to find a way to outscore the Viks. The home team just did not have the recipe to make the comeback happen. Inglemoor chewed up the clock in the fourth quarter to secure the victory. When the buzzer sounded, the Vikings were victorious by the score of 50-34. Look for Inglemoor to make a deep playoff run this season as Strother’s presence on the floor changes the complexion of the game. The dynamic sophomore disrupts most shots for opposing teams and is a lethal scoring option in the front court.

Top Performer:
Inglemoor
Deja Strother – 15 points

In a Battle of Two Undefeated Teams, Bishop Blanchet Prevails

Posted on December 21, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

Wednesday	Dec 18th	2013	3A	Girls	Basketball
Bishop Blanchet High	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Holy Names Academy	10	0	9	8	27
Bishop Blanchet	11	6	6	11	34

See game recap below

In a Battle of Two Undefeated Teams, Bishop Blanchet Prevails
By Steven Dion

In a potential preview of a late-February contest, Bishop Blanchet squared off against another undefeated Metro League squad in Holy Names on Tuesday Night. From the opening tip, there was a tangible energy in the game that led to an exciting finish that was not sealed until late in the fourth quarter. At the end of the thirty-two minutes, only one unbeaten team would remain.

Both teams were willing to run a fast-paced first quarter where most of the points came in transition and there were several turnovers forced by each squad. Blanchet freshman Jaydn Bush was playing like a senior as she collected rebound after rebound. Her ability to give her team second-chances was an integral part in BBHS’s success. After holding Holy Names scoreless in the second quarter, the Braves led 17-10 at halftime.

It was apparent that Holy Names head coach Rhonda Smith made adjustments in the locker room as the Cougars went on a third quarter run that brought her team back within reach. Camariah King accounted for 13 total points, including four three-pointers. The Cougs were unable to convert on a few critical possessions down the stretch and an old fashioned three point play by Bush late sealed the victory for Bishop Blanchet. The final score was 34-27 in favor of the home team.

Top Performers:
Bishop Blanchet
Jadyn Bush – 11 points

Basketball Has Begun! Seattle Prep Dominates Bishop Blanchet

Posted on December 4, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

Tuesday	Dec 3rd	2013	3A	Boys	Basketball
Bishop Blanchet High	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Seattle Prep	13	17	25	17	72
Bishop Blanchet	15	6	5	10	36

See game recap below

Basketball Has Begun! Seattle Prep Dominates Bishop Blanchet
By Colin Caruso

A great way to tip off the basketball season is a rivalry game. That is what showcased on Tuesday night, as the Seattle Prep Panthers made the three mile trip to Bishop Blanchet to battle the Braves. These teams have shared some amazing games in the past, but this one did not live up to any hype.

Blanchet held the lead after the first quarter on the back of Matt Welch, who scored 13 of his teams 15 first quarter points. Amazingly enough, he actually totaled 28 of his teams first 30 points in the contest. Unfortunately, Blanchet didn’t break the thirty point barrier until midway through the fourth quarter.

On the back of 16 points from 6’6″ junior Jordan Kitchen and 14 points from 6’7″ sophomore Sean Gummersall, the Panthers dominated the final three quarters, outscoring their rivals 59-21 to close out the game. Aside from Welch’s 28 points, no one on Blanchet scored more than two, and the Panthers completely controlled the paint and the three point arc throughout.

In speaking with Coach Mike Kelly at the end of the contest, he is excited about the competition this year in the always dominate Metro league. Metro 3A has taken the state crown in 10 of the last 12 seasons.

Top Performers:
Seattle Prep
Jordan Kitchen – 16 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks, 2 steals
Jack Stewart – 13 points, 5 steals, 3 rebounds
Sean Gummersall – 14 points, 5 rebounds

Bishop Blanchet
Matt Welch – 28 points, 6 rebounds

O’Dea Shuts Out Undefeated Bishop Blanchet

Posted on October 12, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

Friday	Oct. 11	2013	3A	Boys	Football
West Seattle Stadium	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Bishop Blanchet	0	0	0	0	0
O'Dea	6	15	7	7	35

See game recap below

O’Dea Shuts Out Undefeated Bishop Blanchet
By Colin Caruso

In the twentieth anniversary of Blanchet’s last win over the O’Dea Fighting Irish, the Braves fans and sideline were expecting something special. This was a very dominate Blanchet team, coming in to this Catholic matchup at 5-0, looking for an upset. But the Irish had other plans.

O’Dea took down the Bishop Blanchet Braves by a final of 35-0. Granted, the score wasn’t as indicative of the game play, as Blanchet had two drives inside the O’Dea ten yard line, and a total of six drives finishing in O’Dea territory. The Braves’ big crutch was penalties and four costly turnovers which all eventually turned into O’Dea scores.

O’Dea stuck with their typical ground and pound offense, with Myles Gaskin getting the bulk of the carries for the Irish. He scored their second touchdown of the game, and quarterback Pierre LeDorze capitalized on three short runs, all resulting in touchdowns. Blanchet will have to wait one more year to see if they can top the Irish. With their outrageously strong sophomore class, there is a chance that this now 20 year losing streak could come to an end soon.

Top Performers:
Bishop Blanchet
Oshea Trujillo – 15 carries for 68 yards
Alex Freeman – 16/28 for 164 yards, 3INT

O’Dea
Myles Gaskin – 14 carries for 159 yards, TD
Pierre LeDorze – 3 rushing TD, 1 passing TD
Davarea Proctor – 2INT
Justus Ross – Sack, Forced Fumble, INT

Bishop Blanchet Dismantles Bainbridge on Homecoming

Posted on October 6, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

Saturday	Oct. 5	2013	3A	Boys	Football
Mickey Naish Field	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Bainbridge	0	0	0	0	0
Bishop Blanchet	34	27	7	7	75

See game recap below

Bishop Blanchet Dismantles Bainbridge on Homecoming
By Steven Dion

A sunny October afternoon at Mickey Naish Field served as the setting for Bishop Blanchet’s homecoming as they welcomed Bainbridge. The visiting Spartans squad has been battling injuries to many of their players which placed even a greater advantage to the host Braves team. Blanchet made their first of many trips to the end zone less than two minutes into the game on a 51 yard pass from Jacob Wheatley to Ray Siderius. Less than two minutes later, Nico Mutiloa blocked a punt and ran it back 29 yards for the score. Bishop Blanchet tailback Oshea Trujillo scored two of his four touchdowns in the first frame. Bainbridge was overmatched in every aspect of this contest. The front seven of the Blanchet defense pressured Spartan quarterback Connor Teddy all day. In addition, the tackling and blocking of the Braves was ferocious. At halftime, Blanchet led 61-0.

The running clock rule was implemented to begin the second half. At this point, BBHS changed personnel on the field and the high-octane scoring began to wane. Teddy found fellow Spartan Casey Brink for a big gain in the second half. Unfortunately, they failed to score on the drive. Blanchet’s Jon Flanagan notched six in the third on a goal line run. The Braves last score came on a fumble recovery by David Gats. The final score was 75-0 in favor of Bishop Blanchet. This program has been on the rise the last handful of years and it was evident this game served to even the score from the Bainbridge victory over the Braves a few years ago.

Top Performers:
Bishop Blanchet
Oshea Trujillo – 4 rushing TDs (2,3,12,23)

Blanchet Rolls Over Ballard

Posted on September 7, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

Friday	September 6	2013	4A-3A	Boys	Non-Conference Game
Mickey Naish Field	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Ballard	0	0	0	0	0
Blanchet	14	6	23	0	43

See game recap below

Blanchet Rolls Over Ballard
By Colin Caruso

In both team’s opener, the Blanchet Braves dominated the Ballard Beavers by a final of 43-0. Blanchet started early and kept the pressure on Ballard for the entire game. The Braves’ first play from scrimmage was a halfback pass that went for 48 yards, followed by a 12 yard touchdown run by senior running back Chamroeun Pen. On the next Braves drive, quarterback Alex Freeman hooked up with senior wide receiver Greg Petschl for a 6 yard touchdown catch. The Braves took an early 14-0 lead, less than 5 minutes into the contest.

Both team’s defenses picked up the pressure for the remainder of the first quarter and the first ten minutes of the second quarter, until Blanchet found themselves on the right side of a few favorable plays. A Blanchet reception on the sideline followed by a clear tackle was missed by the official, and the Braves receiver got up from the tackle and ran for an additional 35 yards on the play. Two plays later, a fumble on the goal line that was picked up by Ballard was overturned and called down by contact. Blanchet running back Oshea Trujillo ran the ball in the next play, to send the score to 20-0 at the half.

Despite being down 20 points going into half, Ballard was competitive and the line of scrimmage battle was equal. Neither team showed great success moving the football, but mistakes by the Beavers put this game out of reach. The opening kickoff of the second half was fumbled by Ballard and returned for a touchdown. The next two offensive plays for the Beavers also resulted in fumbles, one of which again returned for a touchdown, and the other giving Blanchet great field position to capitalize on a field goal. Amazingly, Blanchet had 18 yards of offense in the third quarter, but scored 23 points, to seal the game at 43-0.