Bothell vs. Bellevue: Top coaches, friends meet for first regular-season matchup
Last updated September 11, 2008 9:20 p.m. PT
By MICHAEL MCLAUGHLIN
P-I REPORTER
This past week, it's been a tug of war for the attention of Bellevue coach Butch Goncharoff.
His Wolverines, off to a 1-0 start after dismantling 6A Oregon power Central Catholic 41-13 Saturday at PGE Park in Portland, are preparing to face Bothell, the Washington 4A state runner-up the past two seasons.
During the Central Catholic contest, Goncharoff was constantly peeking at his cell phone because his wife is expecting their first child.
"The baby will obviously be stubborn, just like dad," Goncharoff quipped.
The excitement in Goncharoff's voice was obvious, especially in contrast to the guarded approach Bothell coach Tom Bainter is taking as the Cougars try to bounce back from a 24-13 league loss to Issaquah in both teams' season opener.
Tonight's game between the Wolverines and Cougars was circled as one of the biggest nonleague matchups of the regular season, but some of the luster was dulled with the Cougs' loss in week one.
"I don't know if we felt some sense of entitlement because of our success the past two years," Bainter said. "Our seniors only know winning and playing for state titles. I even talked to Butch (Goncharoff) about it before we played Izzy. There has been some complacency within our program, and right now our expectations greatly exceed our work ethic. It is extremely frustrating when your kids aren't playing to their full potential and ability."
It turns out Bainter and Goncharoff have formed a solid friendship through mutual experiences and respect for one another.
Bainter first met Goncharoff four years ago at a clinic where the Bellevue coach was giving a talk about developing game-situation drills and was immediately impressed.
"I remember thinking it was no wonder they win so many games," Bainter said. "He's an incredible backfield coach, as well as head coach."
The two coaches arranged to have their skill kids meet and play 7-on-7 and soon decided to have a spring scrimmage. The coaches began calling each other more frequently, and a friendship developed.
"Now I call him and congratulate him on another state title," Bainter said. "And he calls me and wishes me well. We seem to have a lot in common and a similar passion for football."
Both coaches took over their current programs in 2000. In the past eight seasons, Goncharoff has a record of 87-8 with five 3A state titles, while Bainter has gone 75-18 with back-to-back runner-up finishes at 4A state.
Friday will be the first regular season matchup between the coaches.
With Bellevue's big win in Oregon and Bothell being 0-1, the Wolverines appear to be the favorites, but Goncharoff warns against looking past the Cougars. Bellevue lost a half-dozen players to injuries in week one and may start four new players on each side of the ball against Bothell.
"I'm curious to see what we have," Goncharoff said. "Don't read too much into Issaquah beating Bothell. Tom will be back, and so will his kids. His teams always play the right way, with a ton of heart and discipline. It would be tough to beat them if we were 100 percent, but if we give a solid effort, I'll be happy, win or lose."
FIVE GAMES TO WATCH
Bothell (0-1) at Bellevue (1-0), Friday, 7 p.m.: Big Blue Train jumped the track in Week 1 and faces a tall task rebounding on the road against a banged-up Bellevue squad. P-I pick: Bellevue 27, Bothell 21
Eastside Catholic (1-0) at Archbishop Murphy (1-0), Friday, 7 p.m.: Murphy beat a solid Lynden team last week and faces a similar challenge with the Crusaders. P-I pick: Murphy 20, EC 14
Franklin (1-0) at West Seattle (1-0), Friday, 7 p.m.: Franklin returns to Metro 3A play and faces a West Seattle squad ready to welcome the Quakers back -- with a loss. P-I pick: West Seattle 24, Franklin 23
Kentwood (1-0) at Auburn (1-0), Friday, 7 p.m.: Awesome matchup of Auburn's speed and motion against Kentwood's smash-mouth mentality. P-I pick: Kentwood 27, Auburn 20
Snohomish (1-0) at Marysville-Pilchuck (1-0), Friday, 7 p.m.: RB Austin Denton had four rushing TDs last week for Tomahawks but faces a tough Panthers d-line. P-I pick: Snohomish 28, M-P 13
P-I reporter Michael McLaughlin can be reached at 206-448-8187 or michaelmclaughlin@seattlepi.com.
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