The Bothell High School football team earned a “bowl game” in winning the 4A State title. But Miami Central, which has won four Florida state titles in five years, led from the first score to the final whistle, handing the Cougars its only loss this season, 38-27, during the Burger King State Champions Bowl Series at Florida Atlantic University.

The Rockets got on the scoreboard first during the first quarter, with a field goal, and led at halftime 17-7.

But Bothell fought back despite only rushing for 41 yards during the contest. Cougar quarterback Ross Bowers, wearing the No. 20 in honor of injured senior running back Sam McPherson, brought the Cougars back to within three points on a 33-yard pass play to Dayzell Wilson. Bowers finished the contest completing 20-of-41 passes for 277 yards and three touchdowns.

Miami’s home-field advantage proved to be too much, as they stayed just ahead of the Cougars through the rest of the third and fourth quarters.

Bothell’s Caleb Meyer scored inside the red zone, capping off a seven play 31-yard drive with a short touchdown run. But a botched extra point attempt left the Cougars trailing 31-20.

Miami would score on its next possession with a long touchdown pass to extend its lead. The Rockets finished with 462 total yards during the game.

Despite having less than two minutes left on the clock, Bothell kept playing hard and scored again with a long pass from Bowers to Sean Hanrahan but could not recover an onside kick with 18 seconds remaining.