Hekker played a solid game in leading his Cougars to a win.

The Bothell High Cougars (3-0, 2-0 4A Kingco) proved why they are considered one of the top teams in the state, beating the Roosevelt Rough Riders (1-2, 1-2 4A Kingco) 56-13 Friday night in Seattle's Memorial Stadium.

"We're pleased with the score. For the most part, we played well," said Bothell head coach Tom Bainter. "We won big, and that's what you're supposed to do. Every kid got in, so we're pleased with that."

The high powered Cougar offense, led by rising senior QB John Hekker, struck early and struck often. On Bothell's second drive of the game, senior RB/LB Jon Kirchner busted what would have been 52 yard run deep into Roosevelt territory, but the play was called back 15 yards on a holding call. However, the penalty didn't hamper Bothell's spirits and play. On the very next play, Hekker found junior RB/LB Trey Burwick for a 26 yard touchdown pass.


Kirchner led all rushers on the night with 86 yards on 10 carries with two touchdowns.

Hekker played a very efficient game, completing 16-22 passes for 277 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. Hekker did an exceptional job distributing the ball, evident by the six Bothell receivers who had two or more receptions.

"John Hekker had a great game. He's playing good football right now and he's finding his receivers. Our offensive line's pass protection was very good tonight," said Bainter.

Bothell's third drive was all about senior RB/DB Cory Burk. Burk fielded the punt return, where he managed to pick up a few yards. However it wasn't the yards he picked up that was impressive, rather the nasty stiff arm he gave to the defender that was trying to push him out of bounds. Needless to say, the play got the Bothell team and fans fired up. Burk then proceeded to carry Bothell to the Rough Rider's one yard line with two receptions of five yards and 59 yards respectively.

"Cory is a kid who finds himself all over the place," said Bainter.

A few plays later, Burwick pounded in a one yard touchdown run, his second score on the night, which made the score 14-0. On the night, Burwick caught two balls for 42 yards, ran for 18 yards on six attempts and added a team high four tackles on defense.

Roosevelt's junior QB Nick Foster never really got it going as he had trouble making plays and spreading the ball out. Foster mainly keyed in on senior TE/LB Andrew Jacobs. Jacobs played well, but the defense knew the ball was more than likely headed in his direction. This was none more obvious than towards the tail end of the second quarter when Roosevelt was threatening to score. Foster once again keyed in on Jacobs, but Bothell's senior DB/WR Ben Moschel picked off the pass in the end zone.

Moschel led all receivers with 67 yards on four catches with one touchdown to compliment his interception.

On another play, Foster underthrew a wide open junior RB/DB Phil Estocapio. Had Foster led him, Estocapio would most likely have scored.

Bothell junior RB/LB Patrick Ottorbech had a solid night, rushing for 63 yards on four carries with one touchdown. Ottorbech's score came on an electrifying 44 yard scamper.

The play of Jacobs and senior FB/DL Cameron Stephan were positives for Roosevelt though in the losing effort. Jacobs added a fumble recovery and Stephan had a touchdown run and a QB sack for -11 yards.

Although he was pleased with the team's performance overall, Bainter noted that there is room for improvement.

"We've got to get better this week and next week and the following week to match what [our opponents] are doing now, because Woodinville is in the strength of their schedule - they play Inglemoor this week. They're going to go tough game, tough game, tough game. We've got to get better each week, and that's what we're trying to do," said Bainter. "When you watch a game film, it's never as good as you think, it's never as bad as you think. It'll be interesting to see what it looks like from up on top. We'll see, we'll get better and we'll keep working."

Bainter had good things to say about Roosevelt following the game.

"I don't want to take anything away from Roosevelt. They've improved and their program is getting better and better," said Bainter. "Their kids were tough and they flew to the ball - they hit you hard. Hats off to them as well. They are some of the reasons why we made mistakes tonight."