After narrowly missing the playoffs last season, the Bellevue Christian football team is eager to take the next step this fall.
The Vikings went into the final game of their 2018 season with a playoff spot on the line, but a 21-0 loss to Klahowya brought an end to the season.
This year, head coach Todd Green is hoping his team can learn from last year and extend its season.
“We felt good about the effort (last season),” Green said. “But we definitely want to build off that. We want to make the playoffs this year.”
At the quarterback position, the Vikings will be relying on Samuel Cornett, a 6-6, 190-pound sophomore. Cornett started two games last season as a freshman, but Green isn’t worried about his lack of game experience because he put in a lot of work during the offseason.
“We look for him to make good decisions, he’s got a live arm,” Green said. “He’s also a good leader and a good character-guy.”
Cornett wants to throw the ball and he will surely be targeting senior receivers Trent Paulson and Luke Leinweber plenty this season. Green said if it was up to Cornett, they would be passing every play.
On the offensive and defensive line, the Vikings will rely on veteran Sam Tefft, a 6-3, 289-pound senior.
“Sam’s just a force on both sides of the ball,” Green said.
If they hope to make the playoffs, Green said the team needs to focus on what they do on the field.
“We can’t control what anyone else does,” Green said. “We have to show up every game, because we’re not good enough to look past anybody. There’s enough equity in the league that there’s no one we can look past.”
Before their first game, Green said the schemes are pretty much already in place and he is more focused on the team coming together and building chemistry.
“Just putting in more plays doesn’t benefit us in week seven if the guys aren’t galvanized,” Green said. “We want to build on that chemistry so they play hard for each other.”
BELLEVUE CHRISTIAN Schedule
Sept. 7 at Life Christian Academy, 7 p.m. (Harry Lang Stadium)
Sept. 14 home vs. Friday Harbor, 6 p.m. (Sammamish High)
Sept. 21 home vs. King’s Way Christian, 6 p.m. (Sammamish High)
Sept. 27 at Vashon Island, 7 p.m.
Oct. 5 home vs. Cascade Christian, 6 p.m. (Sammamish High)
Oct. 11 at Port Townsend, 6:30 p.m. (Memorial Field)
Oct. 19 home vs. Chimacum, 6 p.m. (Sammamish High)
Oct. 26 home vs. La Conner, 6 p.m. (Sammamish High)
Nov. 1 home vs. Charles Wright Academy, 7 p.m. (TBA)
Vikings head coach Todd Green addresses his defense during practice. Benjamin Olson/ staff photo
