Bellevue football program exudes class in defeat

Wolverines football team is gracious in defeat against Eastside Catholic

By Shaun Scott • December 9, 2014 1:48 pm
Bellevue quarterback Justus Rogers tries to escape the grasp of Eastside Catholic defensive player Brandon Wellington in the Class 3A state championship game at the Tacoma Dome.
Bellevue quarterback Justus Rogers tries to escape the grasp of Eastside Catholic defensive player Brandon Wellington in the Class 3A state championship game at the Tacoma Dome.

The somber faces said it all as the Bellevue Wolverines gazed across the field, watching the Eastside Catholic Crusaders celebrate their first state football championship in school history on Dec. 5 at the Tacoma Dome. Eastside Catholic’s 35-13 win against Bellevue snapped the Wolverines 67-game winning streak and denied the school a seventh straight state crown.

There was a mixture of tears, hugs and dejected faces on the Wolverines sideline and rightfully so after a hard nosed battle between Eastside powerhouses. Despite the loss, the Wolverines handled the setback with class and humility following the game. Sometimes when a team suffers a heartbreaking defeat, coaches or players may avoid talking with members of the media. This wasn’t the case with the Wolverines. Immediately following the game I interviewed Bellevue head coach Butch Goncharoff and two Wolverines players. They were gracious in defeat and very complimentary of the stalwart performance unveiled by the Eastside Catholic Crusaders. I even watched Bellevue offensive lineman Henry Roberts mill around the field long after the game had ended so he could personally greet and congratulate Eastside Catholic’s quarterback Harley Kirsch. I was one of the last reporters on the field interviewing Kirsch. When my interview was complete, Roberts made a point to shake his rivals’ hand and congratulate him on the state title before heading to the locker room.

The Wolverines definitely are not a program used to losing, but the way the players handled it showed their character. The Bellevue football program will rebound from its setback against Eastside Catholic. The coaching staff is top notch and their attention to detail and discipline creates champions on the field and off field. The Wolverines return a bevy of players from this year’s team next season. Quarterback Justus Rogers, cornerback Isaiah Gilchrist, receiver Tyson Penn and running back Ercle Terrell are talented playmakers who will be senior leaders for the Wolverines in 2015. Another lengthy winning streak is definitely on the horizon for Bellevue.

Shaun Scott: 425-453-5045; sscott@bellevuereporter.com