MaxPreps 2013 Preseason Xcellent 25 Football preview: No. 18 Bellevue

One of the nation's most consistent programs, Bellevue (Wash.) may have had its finest team yet in 2012.

The Wolverines once again finished unbeaten and captured a state title, along the way dispatching Texas power Trinity and outscoring opponents 635-72 on the season.

It will be hard to match that level of dominance in 2013, but head coach Butch Goncharoff won't let the Wolverines slip too far. Buoyed by a strong cast of young players, Bellevue will look to senior Budda Baker to be the team's biggest playmaker.

The speedy Baker can break the game open on either side of the ball. Although Bellevue typically spreads around its carries, there's little doubt that Baker will be a featured player on offense.



He'll be taking hand-offs from new quarterback Timmy Haehl, a basketball player who has impressed the coaches with his athleticism.

With Henry Roberts and Morgan Richie back up front, the offensive line will be a strong point for the team, as will the defensive line, led by massive tackle Marcus Griffin, who is committed to Washington State.

Shane Bowman will line up next to Griffin on the outside. Bowman's younger brother, Ryan Bowman, could also see time there.

Chris Medzegian, the most experienced returning linebacker, will need to step up given the departure of Myles Jack and Sean Constantine.

In the secondary, Baker is the clear leader. If needed, Haehl may spend some time at safety.

Local look: "This team will find its place among the best Bellevue has ever produced. The Wolverines allowed just 72 points all season (last year). They allowed just 13 points in their five playoff games and beat teams by more than 40 points per game."
- Jayson Jenks, Seattle Times, following Bellevue's state finals victory over Eastside Catholic{PAGEBREAK}



Size: Class 3A


Enrollment: 1,400 (approx.)


2012 finish: 14-0, Class 3A champions


Head coach: Butch Goncharoff


Career record: 158-12


Years at school: 18 (12 as head coach)




Notable players coached:

OL Stephen Schilling (Michigan, NFL)

OL David DeCastro (Stanford, NFL)

LB Myles Jack (UCLA){PAGEBREAK} No. of returning starters: 7 (offense), 6 (defense)

Key losses:

LB Myles Jack



LB Sean Constantine

LB Michael Carlson

RB Ari Morales


Key returners:

ATH Budda Baker

OL Morgan Richie



OL Henry Roberts

OL Marcus Griffin

DL Shane Bowman


Key newcomers:

DL Ryan Bowman

QB Timmy Haehl



DB Isaiah Gilchrist{PAGEBREAK} Toughest game: Skyline, and Florida input Kilton Anderson, will challenge Bellevue in week one. It could be the toughest game of Bellevue's season, including playoffs.

Question mark: Just how good will Bellevue be? They'll certainly be one of the best teams in Washington. They'll be heavily favored to win a state title. How will that allow them to stack up in the national rankings come December?

Local outlook: Bellevue is the preeminent program in the state of Washington and it's hardly close. Skyline has also been consistently good, and Eastside Catholic appears to be on the rise. Camas, which was a surprise story of 2012, returns several key skill players.

Overall outlook: The most intriguing storyline to watch for Bellevue this season is the growth and maturation of its sophomores and juniors. For as strong as the Wolverines look this fall, they might be even better in the year or two ahead.

Coach quote: "Our expectations for this season are as high as ever. We had an outstanding offseason including a productive spring ball. ... Our offense will be more versatile than ever and we expect our defense to be stout and physical."
- Matt Razore, assistant coach{PAGEBREAK}