The winning streak remains intact.

The Bellevue Wolverines, who have won the past six consecutive Class 3A state football championships, conquered the Serra High School Cavaliers (Gardena, Calif.) 31-14 at the Honor Bowl on Sept. 6 at Oceanside High School in Southern California. It was the 55th consecutive victory for the Bellevue football program.

The Honor Bowl in San Diego consisted of five games in two days featuring some of the top high school football programs on the West Coast. The trip to the San Diego region wasn’t just about the game for the Wolverines, it was about something much more important. The event allowed players from all teams the opportunity to meet with veterans and tour nearby Camp Pendleton where rehabilitation facilities are located for wounded soldiers.

“It’s just a humbling experience to firsthand look at what some of these soldiers go through and be able to honor them and play in a game,” Bellevue outside linebacker Ryan Gilbert said in a press release before the contest against Serra took place. Bellevue senior Ross Connors concurred with Gilbert’s sentiment. “It’s more than just a game because our football game isn’t the focus of it,” Connors said. “It’s a way to give awareness to a much more important thing than high school football.”

While the Wolverines undoubtedly enjoyed their time off the field, they dominated on the gridiron as well. Eight days prior to Bellevue’s showdown with Serra, Wolverines assistant coach Rick Brown said his team had its showdown with Serra circled on its calendar.

“They’re a formidable opponent and they mirror us in a lot of ways. It’s going to be an interesting matchup and will be a battle of supremacy in the national rankings,” Brown said on Aug. 29.

It’s no surprise the Wolverines rose to the occasion and took care of business against one of the most talented teams in California. The Wolverines pride themselves on preparation and it showed in a contest 1,221 miles away from the friendly confines of the 425 area code. Bellevue got the result it wanted with its 55th victory in a row.

The 2014 season couldn’t have started more perfect for the Wolverines in their quest to win their seventh consecutive 3A state championship at the Tacoma Dome this December. I can’t wait to see how the Wolverines perform on the football field during the 2014 season.

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