The Bellevue Wolverines football team undoubtedly proved they’re ready for the playoffs to begin.
Bellevue unveiled a prolific performance on senior night in front of their hometown fans, cruising to a 45-13 victory in their homecoming contest against the Lake Washington Kangaroos on Oct. 27 at Bellevue Memorial Stadium. Bellevue improved its overall record to 8-1 with the win while Lake Washington dropped to 7-2 overall. The Wolverines, who have won eight consecutive games since losing to Richland in the season opener, dominated the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Bellevue senior running back Isaiah Ifanse rumbled for three rushing touchdowns against the Kangaroos. Wolverines’ senior running back/returner Stiles Satterlee had two rushing touchdowns as well in the win. Bellevue junior Quinn Sullivan scored on a 5-yard touchdown scamper with 7:13 left in the second quarter, giving the Wolverines a commanding 35-0 lead. Bellevue’s defense forced three Lake Washington turnovers in the first 24 minutes of play. Tyler Johnson and Hunter Hansen each recovered a fumble and defensive back Alex Reed picked off Lake Washington quarterback Michael Buchanan with 6:35 left in the second quarter. Bellevue head coach Mark Landes was thrilled with his team’s showing on the defensive side of the ball.
“It was fantastic. Rich Brown (defensive coordinator) has got the defense playing really well. We’re clicking and our communication has been great. It is fun to sit back and watch the defense play,” Landes said.
Ifanse credited the offensive line for busting open gaping holes for the team’s ballcarriers.
“They do their job really well. We’re really close and we always push each other to do better,” Ifanse said of the blockers up front. “We’re excited that we have that type of line in front of us.”
Landes marveled at Ifanse’s showing against Lake Washington in the regular season finale.
“He is a special kid. He is so fun to watch. He just brings it every play,” Landes said of Ifanse.
With the regular season officially in the rearview mirror, the Wolverines are completely focused on advancing as far as possible in postseason play.
“I feel like we’re going to do well in the playoffs if we just continue to get better week after week. We’re just excited to get the postseason back and prove to people that we are still Bellevue,” Ifanse said.
Landes said his team is amped to compete in the postseason this season.
“These kids are super happy about the opportunity. There is no next week until you take care of business this week. We absolutely have to take it one game at a time,” he said.
