The third time was the charm for Eastside Catholic Friday night as it beat Bellevue 35-13 to win Washington’s 3A state title. The loss snapped Bellevue’s win streak at 67 straight and ended the Wolverines’ reign as the six-time defending state champs. Bellevue entered the game ranked #9 in the latest High School Football America Top 25. Eastside Catholic (13-1), which won its first-ever state title, entered the contest having lost the Bellevue in the last two state championship games.
Eastside Catholic quarterback Harley Kirsch had an outstanding game, according to The Seattle Times, completing 20-of-22 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns. Kirsch, a junior, also ran for 94 yards. Brandon Wellington, another junior, led the Crusaders in rushing with 110 yards and three touchdowns.
The Eastside Catholic defense was also very strong, holding the high-powered Bellevue Wing-T to only four first downs. In the second half, the Crusaders held Bellevue to ten yards in total offense with no first downs.
Bellevue finishes 13-1. The Wolverines last loss before Friday night was to Skyline back in 2010. The Wolverines had also won 26 straight playoff games.
Eastside Catholic lost to Bellevue 52-20 in last year’s championship game and 35-3 in 2012.
