Bothell Cougars: 2019 Washington high school 4A football preview

Here is an inside look at the 2019 Bothell Cougars football team. Links: Bothell team page | 2019 schedule | Roster 2018 IN REVIEW 9-3 in 4A KingCo Crown

Here is an inside look at the 2019 Bothell Cougars football team.

Links: Bothell team page | 2019 schedule | Roster

2018 IN REVIEW

9-3 in 4A KingCo Crown (second place); lost to Union in 4A quarterfinals

COACHING RESUME

Tom Bainter, 20th season

170-53 record

RETURNING STARTERS

Offense - 6. Defense - 5.

TOP OFFENSIVE PLAYERS

RB Christian Galvan, 5-9, 180, sr.

OL Trent Suchut, 6-1, 210, sr.

RB Tala Tevaga, 5-10, 205, sr.

WR Jordyn Turner, 6-5, 180, sr.

OL Elijah Vaotogo, 6-1, 275, sr.

TOP DEFENSIVE PLAYERS

DB Evan Berry , 6-1, 175, sr.

LB Colin Fisherkeller, 5-11, 190, sr.

DL Gabe Johnson, 6-3, 200, jr.

DB Bryce McDonald, 6-1, 180, sr.

LB Ryan Metz, 5-10, 180, sr.

THREE TO SEE

Christian Galvan, running back

Book the 4A KingCo Crown MVP for 25 touches -- minimum -- a game this season

Ryan Metz, linebacker

A youth-league legend for winning games by himself, he led league last year in tackles

Elijah Vaotogo, offensive lineman

Pulling guard will likely pave biggest lanes for Galvan, Bothell’s power run game

OUTLOOK

There hasn’t been a more consistent program in 4A KingCo than Bothell, which advanced to its 11th quarterfinal appearance in Bainter’s 19 seasons last season.

And the last time the Cougars won the league crown? It came in 2014 -- the same year they won their only 4A championship.

Everything on offense will run through Galvan, who rivals Eastside Catholic’s Sam Adams II as the most complete running back in the state. The former ballboy will not only shoulder the rushing attack, but he will play in the slot frequently when the Cougars want to deploy Tevaga at fullback.

How far Bothell goes this season might hinge on the development of its inexperienced passing game. Andrew Sirmon, whose brother, Jacob, is the backup at the UW, is a first-year starter -- and while his outside targets are big, they are unproven.

2019 SCHEDULE

Sept. 6: Legacy (CO), 7 p.m.

Sept. 14: at Kennedy Catholic, 5 p.m.

Sept. 20: at O’Dea, 5 p.m.

Sept. 27: North Creek, 7 p.m.

Oct. 4: at Skyline, 7 p.m.

Oct. 11: Woodinville, 7 p.m.

Oct. 18: at Redmond, 7 p.m.

Oct. 25: at Inglemoor, 7 p.m.