The Bellevue Wolverines powered their way into the quarterfinals of the 3A state football playoffs with a 24-14 victory over the Stanwood Spartans. Led by the dynamic duo of Max Jones and Ryken Moon, Bellevue’s rushing attack proved unstoppable, accumulating nearly 400 yards on the ground.
Bellevue set the tone early, with Jones breaking loose for a 90-yard touchdown run on their opening possession. Charlie Miller’s successful extra point gave the Wolverines a 7-0 lead. Meanwhile, Bellevue’s defense kept Stanwood’s offense in check, forcing punts and limiting their ground game throughout the first half.
In the second quarter, Moon delivered another explosive play, dashing 64 yards for a touchdown. Miller’s PAT extended the lead to 14-0. Despite Bellevue’s offensive success, Stanwood’s defense made some key stops late in the first half to keep the game within reach. The Wolverines carried their two-touchdown advantage into halftime, with their defense controlling the line of scrimmage.
Stanwood regrouped at the break and came out firing in the third quarter. The Spartans capitalized on Bellevue’s miscues and put together two strong drives, each ending in touchdown passes. With successful PATs, Stanwood erased the deficit and tied the game 14-14 midway through the third quarter. However, Bellevue responded with poise, leaning on their ground game to regain control.
In the fourth quarter, quarterback Karson Carta connected with Moon on a 37-yard pass to set up a 4-yard rushing touchdown by Jones, giving Bellevue a 21-14 lead. Bellevue’s defense stiffened in the final minutes, forcing Stanwood into long drives that didn’t yield points. Miller added a late field goal to extend the lead to 24-14, sealing the win for the Wolverines.
Jones finished with 27 carries for 184 yards and two touchdowns, while Moon added 101 yards on 14 carries and one touchdown. Carta’s efficient passing added another dimension to Bellevue’s offense.
With the win, Bellevue advances to the quarterfinal round of the 3A state playoffs, where they face Kennewick, who is coming off a 40-20 win over Enumclaw.