The Bothell High School football team showed why they are ranked No. 4 overall in the state Friday night with a big 41-19 victory at Eastlake High School in Sammmish.

The game did not start in Bothell’s favor though, as the Wolves scored a touchdown on their opening possession. After trading turnovers with Eastlake, the Cougars responded from long distance. Running back Sam McPherson tied the game at 6-6 with a 35-yard run to the end zone and the extra point put Bothell up by one.

The teams again traded turnovers before Bothell took control from their own 15-yard line. A pass from Cougar quarterback Ross Bowers to wide receiver Dayzell Wilson resulted in a long 85-yard touchdown strike to extend the lead. A two-point conversion made it 15-6 and Bothell never looked back.

Steve Weedin extended the advantage to 18-6 on a 35-yard field goal for the Cougars.

But Eastlake would not give in, scoring from five-yards out to cut the lead to 18-13.

McPherson’s best play of the game would put Bothell back up by 12 points, as he scampered 75-yards for a touchdown. The run put the senior over the 100-yard mark just prior to halftime.

The second half yield more long-distance scored for Bothell, as Bowers once again teamed up with Wilson for a 50-yard touchdown pass to start the third quarter. Bowers wasn’t done, opening the fourth quarter with a 60-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Corson.

Eastlake would score one more time but it was too little too late.

Bothell will host Issaquah at 7 p.m. Sept. 12 at Pop Keeney Stadium.