The Bothell High School football team showed why it is ranked in the top 10 in most polls, blasting Curtis 31-3 during the first round of the state playoffs Saturday at Pop Keeney Stadium.

Bothell running back Danny Wilson showed why he is so valuable, fighting through leg cramps to scramble for 82 yards on the ground and two touchdowns.

But it was Bothell’s defense, forcing five turnovers, which gave the Cougars a big advantage during the contest.

The Cougars began the game with a quick 7-0 lead, as Wilson scored on the team’s fourth play from scrimmage, a 19-yard touchdown run. Curtis got a little back with a 28-yard field goal, but it was all Bothell for the remainder of the game.

Rilyn Gherardini hit a 42-yard field goal on the Cougar’s ensuing possession to push the lead back to seven points.

Wilson then extended the advantage, carrying multiple defenders into the end zone on a 4-yard run. Darrin Laufassa added to the lead with a two-point conversion.

The turnovers began to mount for Curtis during the second half and Bothell’s Aaron Wilks made the Vikings pay for the biggest mistake of the game. Wilks took an interception on the 10-yard line in for a touchdown, giving the Cougars a 25-3 lead during the third quarter.

Bothell added a fourth touchdown during the final quarter, as Kizhan Proctor scored on a running play from 10-yards out.

The Cougars advanced to the round of 16 during the state playoffs with the victory and will play Bellermine Prep on Saturday.