The Matchup: State Finals - Bothell Cougars (13-0) vs. Chiawana Riverhawks (12-1)
Kickoff: December 6, 2014. 7:30 PM. Tacoma Dome in Tacoma, WA.
Preview: It all comes down to this. The Bothell Cougars, with a convincing win in the semifinals over Newport, enter Saturday's game undefeated and seeking the first state title in school history. Bothell is 0-2 all time in state championship games with losses in 2006 and 2007, both by the score of 21-14. A win against Chiawana this week would seal a magical season and hand Bothell their first state title in its 94-year football history. On the other hand, the Riverhawks come into the matchup defending their own state championship from last year. The two teams have never before met, and it is liable to be quite the clash when they finally do this weekend.
Keys to the Game:
Bothell: Offense will come against Chiawana, even though they have a very talented defense. Bothell will continue to be dominant there. The real problem that the Cougs will face is trying to stop RB Austin Urlacher. Urlacher has been absolutely unstoppable all year long, but Chiawana hasn't faced much of a challenge defensively (other than Camas, who they lost to). The front seven of Bothell will be asked to be great just one more time. If this can happen, Tom Bainter and his team will probably be holding up the golden football on Saturday night.
Chiawana: The Riverhawks are going to have their hands full against the Bothell offense, no doubt. The key to staying in the game with the Cougars is going to be finding a way to slow it down somehow. To do this, Chiawana will have to find a way to shut down Dayzell Wilson, the best receiver in the state. This will be critical to the Riverhawks' chances. If they can find a way to do this, they could end up with back-to-back state titles, but if they can't, they will likely be heading back to the Tri-Cities empty-handed.
Prediction: This year's 4A state title game will be one for the ages. The teams will be deadlocked most of the game, and a late score will seal it for someone. In the end, a couple big plays will be the difference in this game, and the Blue Train will finally roll to a state championship. FINAL SCORE: Bothell 28, Chiawana 24
Kickoff: December 6, 2014. 7:30 PM. Tacoma Dome in Tacoma, WA.
Preview: It all comes down to this. The Bothell Cougars, with a convincing win in the semifinals over Newport, enter Saturday's game undefeated and seeking the first state title in school history. Bothell is 0-2 all time in state championship games with losses in 2006 and 2007, both by the score of 21-14. A win against Chiawana this week would seal a magical season and hand Bothell their first state title in its 94-year football history. On the other hand, the Riverhawks come into the matchup defending their own state championship from last year. The two teams have never before met, and it is liable to be quite the clash when they finally do this weekend.
Keys to the Game:
Bothell: Offense will come against Chiawana, even though they have a very talented defense. Bothell will continue to be dominant there. The real problem that the Cougs will face is trying to stop RB Austin Urlacher. Urlacher has been absolutely unstoppable all year long, but Chiawana hasn't faced much of a challenge defensively (other than Camas, who they lost to). The front seven of Bothell will be asked to be great just one more time. If this can happen, Tom Bainter and his team will probably be holding up the golden football on Saturday night.
Chiawana: The Riverhawks are going to have their hands full against the Bothell offense, no doubt. The key to staying in the game with the Cougars is going to be finding a way to slow it down somehow. To do this, Chiawana will have to find a way to shut down Dayzell Wilson, the best receiver in the state. This will be critical to the Riverhawks' chances. If they can find a way to do this, they could end up with back-to-back state titles, but if they can't, they will likely be heading back to the Tri-Cities empty-handed.
Prediction: This year's 4A state title game will be one for the ages. The teams will be deadlocked most of the game, and a late score will seal it for someone. In the end, a couple big plays will be the difference in this game, and the Blue Train will finally roll to a state championship. FINAL SCORE: Bothell 28, Chiawana 24