Sunday, November 11, 2007 - Page updated at 02:05 AM
4A Football | Bothell earns a rematch
By Brian Lewis
Special to The Seattle Times
BOTHELL — Think Bothell's 4A state quarterfinal game was fun last year? Better buckle up, next week's showdown promises to be just as spectacular. Don't be surprised if it takes a dozen overtimes.
By shredding Central Kitsap 31-17 on Saturday at Pop Keeney Stadium, top-ranked Bothell gets a much-anticipated rematch of last year's state-championship game, drawing Oak Harbor at home next week. Oak Harbor defeated Bothell 21-14 in the 2006 final.
"I'm looking forward to getting revenge," said Bothell senior defensive back Cory Burk.
Bothell (11-0) has reached the state quarterfinals each of the past four times they have qualified for the state playoffs dating to 2002.
Burk was Johnny-on-the-spot all game for Bothell, recovering two fumbles and recording a sack while running for a touchdown on offense.
Burk's second fumble recovery was the most pivotal, coming after a bone-crushing sack by Craig Monson jarred the ball loose on Central Kitsap's first possession of the second half. Bothell had just scored a TD to take a 21-10 lead took the ball back at the 24-yard line.
Jon Kirchner scored on a 8-yard run to make it 28-10 in favor of Bothell.
"That was huge to score twice like that," said Bothell coach Tom Bainter. "Turnovers have been huge for us all year. We were plus-21 coming in. We did turn over the ball [Saturday] more than we usually do, but it's playoff football."
Bothell scored 17 points off four CK turnovers and recorded four sacks. Three different ball carriers helped Bothell run for 165 yards, led by Patrick Ottorbech's 64 yards on eight carries and a TD. Kirchner added 56 yards on 17 carries.
A well played first half saw the two teams trade scores as the lead changed hands three times.
After recovering a CK fumble at the 10-yard line, Bothell converted the turnover into a TD to take a 7-3 lead with 5:49 left in the first half on Johnny Hekker's 5-yard TD pass to Ben Moschel.
But Central Kitsap (9-2) answered when junior Howie McDonald streaked 54 yards down the right sideline for the TD to put CK ahead 10-7.
With 2:35 left in the half, Bothell responded by going 70 yards in five plays, capped off when Burk took a direct snap and ran in from 11 yards to put Bothell in front 14-10.