While the Wolverines look to continue the most prolific run in school history, across town at Bellevue Christian the Vikings are looking to reestablish themselves in the Emerald City League and class 1A.
BCS missed out on a trip to state last year for the first time since 2000, was unable to capture the league championship and had a 50-game home winning streak snapped. All of that equalled a rejuvenated hunger and refocused approach for this season.
“It was a different year in that there was some false confidence,” Bellevue Christian head coach Mike Downs said of last season. “This year, the kids have come in with a real humble attitude.”
Downs, who is in his 31st season with the Vikings, said the transformation thus far has been impressive and the results have matched. The Vikings have won four of five to begin the year, including defeats of ECL foe University Prep and last year’s league champ Seattle academy, both by 15 plus points.
“Everybody has bought in,” Downs said. “There were several things that were a big disappointment and I think the guys are very willing to have everybody be on the same page.”
Senior Bryce Oldham has led the way thus far on offense, averaging 13.6 points per game. Nick Schubert and Jake Vandenbrink have also been consistent scoring options for the Vikings and Downs hopes the return of Rajan Hanstad and Kemper McQuaid from lingering injuries will only bolster the offensive firepower.
BCS will take on Overlake, Cascade Christian and Coupeville before a holiday tournament in Arizona.
Bellevue Christian Vikings
Coach: Mike Downs, 31st season
2010-11: 14-13, 9-4; Lost to King’s in district playoff
Players to watch: P, Bryce Oldham, SR; W, Tyler Hazen, SR; PG, Rajan Hanstad, SR; P, Jake Vandenbrink, JR; P, Nick Schubert, SR; PG, Kemper McQuaid, SR; G, Ethan Mitchell, SR
Critical matchups: Friday, Jan. 3 @ Cedar Park Christian; Friday, Jan. 13 @University Prep; Friday, Jan. 20 @ Seattle Academy
Key to success: The major concern for the Vikings is a simple one: health. After enduring its first-ever football season in 2011, BCS has a handful of players still getting over injuries from the gridiron, including Hanstad and Kemper McQuaid. Josh Catlett suffered an injury during the fall that will keep him out for the entire season.
