The Matchup: State Semifinals - Bothell Cougars (12-0) vs. Newport Knights (10-2)
Kickoff: November 29, 2014. 7:30 PM. Tacoma Dome in Tacoma, WA.
Preview: After a dominant win over Bellarmine Prep to break the curse last week, Bothell will make a trip to the Tacoma Dome for the first time since 2009. The Cougars enter the game with an undefeated record and a 47-13 victory over Newport already under their belt. The Knights haven't lost a game since that day in September though, and they are completely healthy for the first time all year. Newport's high expectations for this Saturday's matchup has resulted in motivation for the Cougar squad. Sam McPherson took to social media to fire up the student body.
Kickoff: November 29, 2014. 7:30 PM. Tacoma Dome in Tacoma, WA.
Preview: After a dominant win over Bellarmine Prep to break the curse last week, Bothell will make a trip to the Tacoma Dome for the first time since 2009. The Cougars enter the game with an undefeated record and a 47-13 victory over Newport already under their belt. The Knights haven't lost a game since that day in September though, and they are completely healthy for the first time all year. Newport's high expectations for this Saturday's matchup has resulted in motivation for the Cougar squad. Sam McPherson took to social media to fire up the student body.
“We’re pretty unstoppable with our full squad. I’m scared for whoever has to play us, I truly am.” -Newport QB #FTK http://t.co/27lXM8Ob5t
— Sammy MickFearSon (@SamMcPherson17) November 23, 2014
To say the least, Bothell wants to end the Newport discussion quickly.
Keys to the Game:
Bothell: The Cougars' biggest test will be trying to stop Newport RB David Kim. Kim had been out most of the season with a foot injury, but has returned at a convenient time for the Knights as they have just reached crunch time in the 4A State Tournament. The Bothell front-seven, made up of big names such as Jacob Johnston, Tyler Wharf, and Shawn Munro, should be coming into this week's matchup with a decent amount of confidence following the dominance they had against Bellarmine's ground attack last week. In addition to stopping the Newport run game, Bothell could relieve a lot of pressure by starting the game strong like they have all season.
Newport: The main thing that the Knights will have to focus on Saturday night is finding a way to get to Ross Bowers. All year long, Ross Bowers has been left to roam the pocket with plenty of time thanks to his offensive line. This, along with Bowers' accuracy, has been crucial to Bothell finding such success through the air this year. Creating havoc in this part of the game could be fatal for Bothell. The consequences for letting Bowers hit his receivers all day long will be simple; if Newport doesn't, their season is over.
Prediction: Newport will be able to find some offense, while getting some defensive stops. The Knights will give Bothell their best game of the year so far, but Bothell will prove to be the better team on both sides of the ball. The Blue Train will roll once again. FINAL SCORE: Bothell 35, Newport 24
Keys to the Game:
Bothell: The Cougars' biggest test will be trying to stop Newport RB David Kim. Kim had been out most of the season with a foot injury, but has returned at a convenient time for the Knights as they have just reached crunch time in the 4A State Tournament. The Bothell front-seven, made up of big names such as Jacob Johnston, Tyler Wharf, and Shawn Munro, should be coming into this week's matchup with a decent amount of confidence following the dominance they had against Bellarmine's ground attack last week. In addition to stopping the Newport run game, Bothell could relieve a lot of pressure by starting the game strong like they have all season.
Newport: The main thing that the Knights will have to focus on Saturday night is finding a way to get to Ross Bowers. All year long, Ross Bowers has been left to roam the pocket with plenty of time thanks to his offensive line. This, along with Bowers' accuracy, has been crucial to Bothell finding such success through the air this year. Creating havoc in this part of the game could be fatal for Bothell. The consequences for letting Bowers hit his receivers all day long will be simple; if Newport doesn't, their season is over.
Prediction: Newport will be able to find some offense, while getting some defensive stops. The Knights will give Bothell their best game of the year so far, but Bothell will prove to be the better team on both sides of the ball. The Blue Train will roll once again. FINAL SCORE: Bothell 35, Newport 24