Bellevue wins another state title in football, Interlake softball team gets to 3A tourney | Best of Bellevue Sports 2013

The moments, stories and triumphs that were the year in Bellevue sports.

By Josh Suman • December 30, 2013 1:49 pm
Bellevue's Budda Baker is considered the state's top prospect and finished his prep career with another state title.
Bellevue's Budda Baker is considered the state's top prospect and finished his prep career with another state title.

Team of the Year: Bellevue football

A sixth consecutive state championship, another unbeaten season, and a consecutive wins streak that now is the longest in state history and still going, were just a few of the accomplishments Bellevue’s football team garnered in 2013.

The Wolverines blew out Skyline to begin the season, trounced every KingCo foe they faced and stormed through the playoffs, highlighted with a 66-0 win over Shadle Park and its explosive offense and a 52-20 win over Eastside Catholic in the title game.

That victory made it 54 straight for Bellevue, its last loss coming during the 2010 season to Skyline.

When the 2014 season begins, even without a host of All-State selections and the region’s top player in Baker, the road to the state title will still roll through Wolverine Way.

Game of the Year: Bellevue-Auburn Mountainview girls soccer, 3A state quarterfinals

Bellevue had a season for the ages on the girls soccer field in 2013.

The Wolverines made their first ever trip to the state tournament after capturing the program’s first KingCo title, and were far from finished.

In the first game at state, Bellevue won 5-0 over Glacier Peak before coming back to face Auburn-Mountainview with a spot in the state semi-finals on the line.

After leading 1-0 for most of the contest, the Wolverines watched as their lead evaporated on a late goal.

But with only seconds remaining, Clarice Bruch found the back of the net for the game-winner, sending her team to the semi-finals.

A 2-1 loss to Kamiakin ended the hopes of a state title, but Bellevue rebounded from that loss to beat state power Seattle Prep 2-1 to end the season in third place at state.

Only four players from this year’s team graduate, as 11 players with varsity experience will be eligible to return in 2014.

Coach of the Year: Jesse and Sarah Brown, Interlake softball

The Saints made the state tournament on the softball diamond in 2012, reaching the field for the first time in school history in any classification.

Last season, with Interlake again a member of Class 3A, the feat was more difficult, and more satisfying as well.

The Saints won a pair of games at the Sea-King District tournament, and rebounded from its only loss to beat Blanchet 14-4 and finish in third place, punching a ticket to state in the process.