When it was all over, tears streamed down the faces of multiple Bellevue Christian Vikings football players as they gathered in the center of the field for the final time in 2018.
The Klahowya Eagles earned a 21-0 victory against the Vikings on a rainy Saturday night on Nov. 3 at Sammamish High School in Bellevue. Klahowya advanced to the Class 1A state playoffs with the victory while Bellevue Christian was eliminated from playoff contention. The Vikings finished the season with an overall record of 5-5.
It was the final night seven seniors would suit up as football players at Bellevue Christian. Vikings’ senior defensive end Jack Sirich reflected on the accomplishments of his comrades following the game.
“I’m all over the place (emotionally). I really wish we could had made it to the playoffs but we had so many highlights this year. It was the first time we’ve beat Port Townsend, it was the first time we beat Charles Wright. It was the second time ever in school history we had a five-win season. It was just huge steps for the program,” Sirich explained. “It feels great to have been part of it. I love this team. It was so much fun.”
The Vikings exuded heart and resiliency all season long. The majority of its varsity players started on both sides of the ball. Bellevue Christian offensive lineman/defensive lineman Sam Tefft battled through an injured shoulder throughout the second half of the season. Bellevue Christian senior quarterback Mick Larsen missed the final game because of a concussion.
Vikings’ head coach Todd Green told his squad following the game in the postgame huddle they were the toughest team he’s ever coached.
“Just top to bottom, they’re an extremely tough group. The injuries they have battled through and the adversity they have gone through together is just inspiring. Our kids have bought in and they understand they’re grinding for something that is bigger than themselves,” Green said with pride. “I thought we played close to the best of our ability tonight. It just wasn’t enough. Hats off to Klahowya. They are a very good football team. I think they should make some noise in the playoffs.”
Bellevue Christian Vikings defensive back Ike Schneidler tries to bring down Klahowya quarterback John Hartford in the open field. Photo courtesy of Rick Edelman/Rick Edelman Photography
