Bellevue Wolverines offensive lineman Henry Roberts’ dreams became a reality.
The Wolverines had blown out the vast majority of its opponents throughout the 2014 season but that all changed as the Marysville-Pilchuck Tomahawks and Wolverines were tied at 10-10 after three quarters of play in the Class 3A semifinals.
“We don’t really get a lot of competition so when it was 10-10 I was excited. I go to bed and I dream of games like this. That’s probably the most fun I have had all year,” Roberts said. “I’m just thankful they came in and brought their best. It was a great game.”
The Wolverines weren’t fazed by the hard charging Tomahawks and took the lead for good on a 14-play drive spanning 80 yards when Sam Richmond scored on a 2-yard touchdown run, giving the Wolverines a 17-10 lead with 8:04 left in regulation. Bellevue’s Kian Khodamoradi connected on a 19-yard field goal with 2:46 left in regulation to put the game out of reach. Bellevue’s defense held Marysville-Pilchuck on its ensuing offensive drive and the Wolverines registered a 20-10 victory on Nov. 28 at the Tacoma Dome to advance to the Class 3A state championship game.The Wolverines relied heavily on the legs of quarterback Justus Rogers and Richmond. Richmond had 29 carries for 100 yards and two rushing touchdowns. Rogers rushed for 93 yards on 11 carries. Rogers believes Richmond is one of the most underrated running backs in Washington.
“Sam’s a great player and is by far one of the best running backs in the state. He’s under the radar, but he is the engine for our offense,” Rogers said of Richmond.
Roberts counts Richmond as one of his best friends.
“He (Richmond) just played his butt off. I will do anything for that kid,” Roberts said.
The Wolverines struggled containing Tomahawks’ running back Austin Joyner. Joyner had 16 carries for 90 yards and was consistently breaking tackles with his bruising running style. The Tomahawks had all the momentum when Drew Hatch hauled in a 14-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Erik Lind, tying the game at 10-10 with three minutes left in the third quarter. Roberts said the Wolverines wore down the Tomahawks down the stretch.
“They came out and smacked us in the mouth. Those guys came off the ball and played hard all game long. Toward the end of the game we got it clicking and just kind of wore them down,” he said. “They have eight guys going both ways (playing both offense and defense). We knew we could move the ball five yards at a time.”
Bellevue head coach Butch Goncharoff was glad to see his team come out victorious against a tough Marysville-Pilchuck team.
“Justus Rogers showed up big as did the rest of the guys. We had to grind this one out,” Goncharoff said. “It was one of those types of games that you expect in the semis. Life goes on and we’re moving on (state title game).”
The Wolverines will face the Eastside Catholic Crusaders at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 5 in the Class 3A state championship at the Tacoma Dome.
“It will be a battle. We’re excited to play them,” Goncharoff said.
Shaun Scott: 425-453-5045; sscott@bellevuereporter.com
