Bothell travels to Pasco, knocks off Chiawana

Top-seeded Union is next for Cougars in state playoffs.

By Andy Nystrom • November 11, 2018 10:30 am

Bothell High’s football squad journeyed to Pasco on Saturday and made the road trip a stellar one with a 40-14 victory over Chiawana in the 4A state playoffs at Edgar Brown Stadium.

The Cougars (9-2) will next take on No. 1-seeded Union (11-0) in the quarterfinals at 1 p.m. Nov. 17 at McKenzie Stadium in Vancouver. Union beat Skyline, 50-10, in their playoff matchup.

On Saturday, Bothell led 13-0 at halftime and 40-0 after three quarters.

For Bothell (seeded ninth), Ryan Metz scored on a 62-yard interception return; Branden Bird tallied on a 1-yard run and a 42-yard pass from Erik Bainter, who also scored on a 30-yard run; Colin Fisherkeller scored on a 1-yard run; and Riley Morrison found the end zone on a 96-yard pass from Bainter. Mason Locknane hit five PATs.

Bainter said the Cougars’ defense was vital in keeping them in the game in the first half after they started out a little slow on offense.

Defensively, Darius Kubalanza had six tackles and an interception, Blake Bickhaus had a pick and Fisherkeller recovered a fumble.

Chiawana (8-3) was seeded eighth in the playoffs.

Bothell’s players were quiet and focused on the 220-mile bus ride to play Chiawana, however, the trek home was party time with plenty of singing.

“These trips are what make teams really good in my opinion. Great team bonding and brotherhood,” said Bainter, noting that it was a key experience for the freshmen on board as well.

A strong Union squad will provide an immense challenge for Bothell, said Bainter, adding, “As always, we need to get way better each and every day and play our best game of the season against them and that will give us our best shot.”