Bothell hopes to return to the state title game behind the arm of Hekker.

Bothell (2-0, 1-0 League)

4A Kingco League

Head Coach - Tom Bainter


2007 Results:


Week 1 Chugiak (Eagle River, AK) W-45-7

Week 2 Redmond (WA) W-45-7

Bothell was outstanding last season, finishing 12-2 (8-0 Conf.). The Cougars made it to the state championship, but lost to Oak Harbor 21-14.



Returning Starters:

Offense - 1

Defense - 5


Senior Leaders:

John Hekker QB - 6-foot-5 - 200-pounds
-You can't teach Hekker's size, but that's not the only thing this talented QB has going for him. "He's the best throwing QB I've ever had," said Bothell's head coach Tom Bainter. "He can throw the ball 65 yards with what appears to be ease." In Bothell's last game, Hekker completed 16-24 passes for 255 yards, with three touchdowns and one interception. On the season, Hekker has thrown for six touchdowns to only one interception. Hekker also serves as the team's kicker.


Jon Kirchner RB/LB - 5-foot-11 - 195-pounds
-Kirchner is Bothell's lone returning starter on offense. Hekker may be the premier player on offense, but don't overlook Kirchner's experience. "He's a leader and a great team player," said Bainter. Kirchner has been relatively quiet through the first two games, but expect him to make noise.


Cory Burk S/LB/RB - 5-foot-8 - 165-pounds
-Burk made the move from linebacker to safety this season and has taken to it well. Burk also plays some running back. "Cory is a tremendous athlete," said Bainter. "He has good speed, good quickness - he's tough and he's strong." Burk scored twice in Bothell's win over Redmond - once threw the air and once on the ground.


Nate Proulx S - 5-foot-11 - 175-pounds
-Proulx possesses valuable experience, as he started every game last season. "Nate is very smart and he understands the game," said Bainter. "He's more physical this year. He's increased his strength - I think he gained about 10 pounds." The Cougar defense will call on Proulx to not only make big plays, but also provide leadership. Expect Proulx to answer.


The Future:

Perry Conricode WR - Junior - 6-foot-3 - 180-pounds
-This junior receiver will make a name for himself this season as he and Hekker terrorize opposing secondaries. "Perry runs great routes and has very good hands," said Bainter.


Trey Burwick LB/RB - Junior - 5-foot-9 - 200-pounds
-This bruising linebacker is quite possibly Bothell's most physical player. Burwick also plays running back. In Bothell's win over Redmond, Burwick scored two touchdowns.


Patrick Ottorbech LB/RB - Junior - 5-foot-9 - 180-pounds
-"Patrick is probably the team's most explosive player," said Bainter. This two-way star started every game last season and will probably project as a linebacker in college. Ottorbech will serve as Kirchner's primary back-up this season. However don't expect much, if any drop off when Kirchner graduates. Ottorbech possesses big play ability, which was obvious with his 30-yard touchdown run against Redmond. Although Ottorbech lacks the ideal size college coaches look for, he certainly doesn't play like it. "Patrick in right around 5-9, but he plays like he's 6-foot," said Bainter.


Season Outlook:

Matching last season's success will be hard, but Bothell has the team to do it. The Cougars are considered a top 5 team in the state amongst many who follow Washington football. "Kingco is a tough league, but I feel like we are good enough to win it," said Bainter. "Our summer workouts went well and we have a lot of optimism right now."

Bothell handled it's first two opponents with ease, blowing them out by a combined score of 90-14. Look for the Cougars to put up big numbers on offense behind the arm of Hekker. I look for Bothell to be undefeated going into the month of October, when the toughest part of the schedule comes. Bothell has consecutive games against Woodinville, Eastlake and Inglemoor. "I feel like we can duplicate last year's success," said Bainter. Time will tell for this talented group of ball players.