The Skyline Spartans hold onto an early first quarter lead against a surging Bothell Cougar team that was on a third quarter come-back in a 12-7 victory at Bothell High school on Friday night. Story by Michael Thornbloom.

The Cougars were struggling to get anything going offensively early on and their lack of possession contributed to Skyline’s first three goals to close out the quarter with an early 3-0 lead. Bothell came into the second with more focus, as they were able to set up a solid play to finally get themselves on the board early in the quarter. Skyline was able to answer back with another goal but the Cougars were only getting started.

Bothell started to show some signs of life with three goals in the second quarter but Skyline was still running circles around them to close out the half 7-3. A shift of power began late into the third when the Cougars put up two more goals creating a serious opportunity to reclaim this game going into the fourth. Skyline was starting to get knocked on their heels for the first time this game and they needed answers.

Once Cougar senior attackman Stuart MacDonald got a hat-trick early in the fourth putting them one goal away from a tie it was beginning to look like anyone’s game. This hope only lasted for three minutes before the Spartans went on a much-needed three-goal run, creating a disparity that was unreachable for this tough Cougar team. Bothell was able to bring in one more goal before their eventual 12-7 defeat to their KingCo rivals.

Bothell senior attackman Stuart MacDonald continues to prove his offensive talent with four goals and an assist on the night. Spartan senior attackman Nate Brandt had a great night with 4 goals and 2 assists in their route over the Cougars, but not without help. Senior attackman Blake Lees has been a crucial addition to his team this year as he pulled in five total goals, effectively keeping his team on top of their opponent in their win over the Cougars.

“He came back to us as a senior, his leadership and competitive mentality really drive us.” Said Skyline head coach Sam Hutson after their win. This really proved to be true as four of Lees’ goals came late in the game, which kept his team in winning position. Senior leadership is so important for a team that is growing and Hutson couldn’t emphasize that enough.

“Our senior leaders started the game strong and they finished it even stronger.”
Said Hutson. “We kind of got complacent in the third, play got a little sloppy. They’re a great team, and in KingCo, you don’t have an easy match-up no matter what. Hats off to Bothell for playing hard and getting it close.

Skyline moves to 2-1 in their conference as they prepare for one more conference battle at Woodinville (2-2) before they head to Southern California. Bothell sinks lower in their conference at 1-3 with four other teams in 4A KingCo ahead of them. They will play Nathan Hale (0-5) on Tuesday in a non-league game before they make their own trip to Oregon.

Story by Michael Thornbloom.