It’s official: The Blue Train is back on track and rolling towards the postseason. After starting the season with two non-conference losses to Issaquah and Bellevue, the Cougars have outscored their opponents 153-7 over the past three games, displaying the on-field dominance that the program has been known for the past few seasons.
In last Thursday’s game against Ballard, The Cougars put the pressure on early with their defense, with interceptions by seniors Nick Wiltz and team co-captain Kurt Stottlemyer, as well as a fumble recovery by Chris Dan Jumbo, all of which led to Bothell touchdowns—after only six minutes of play.
“It was good to se our defense playing well right now,” said Bothell coach Tom Bainter.
The struggling Beavers (0-5) did not earn their initial first down of the game until there were only two minutes left in the first quarter.
The Cougars led 42-0 with 8:01 left in the second quarter, giving Bainter an opportunity to rest his starters.
Running back Patrick Ottorbech, who finished with 95 rushing yards, scored four of the team’s eight touchdowns on runs of 1, 6, 13 and 27 yards.
The Cougars spread the wealth, with sophomore running back Luke Proulx rushing for 105 yards, including a 57-yard carry that went all the way.
Bothell quarterbacks Mitch Muller and James Korn performed phenomenally when they did. Muller finished the game 4-for-5 and 67 yards passing, while Korn, who ran in a two-point conversion early in the game, connected with his only pass for 16 yards.
The Cougars managed 405 total yards of offense for the game.
“We’ve played well the last three weeks, and practiced well… we’re starting to become a team that understands that they need to do that on a daily basis,” Bainter said. “I’m really proud of them to see the progress day-to-day, and they’re working hard.”
Bothell will have a test next week against Woodinville (5-0).
“We’re feeling good—we’ve played three sound football games in a row,” Bainter said. “It will be a great game, the toughest opponent we’ve played in a couple weeks now. It will be a challenge for us, and we’ll have to get better.”
