Preview: Wolverines, Irish set for rematch in 3A state final

This Friday, in arguably the most anticipated matchup of the 3A postseason, Bellevue (12-0) takes on O’Dea (12-0) for the 3A State Championship. The two powerhouse programs met in last year’s 3A semifinal, which saw the Wolverines comes away with a hard-fought 21-17 victory to send the Irish packing. Bellevue went on to beat Yelm 14-0 in the championship game.

Bellevue who finished the season undefeated are looking to repeat their championship run 2 years in a row. Max Jones and Ryken Moon are what keep the Wolverines Wing-T offense successful. Backed up with a great defense Bellevue has shown how well put together of a team they are and have the trophy in their vision once again.

As for O’Dea who finished the season undefeated as well they are now eyeing the trophy or the state championship game. Leading O’Dea this year is their explosive defense with great players like Fa Siale, David Schwerzel, and Sage Salopek who helped pave the way for the championship. Coming off last game with a last-minute, walk-off touchdown over Eastside Catholic, O’Dea are feeling great about their chances for a ring.

Both teams were highly rated coming into the season, so this showdown has felt inevitable in many ways. With Bellevue’s prolific Wing-T offense and O’Dea shutdown defense, this game should come down to the wire. O’Dea hasn’t been able to win it all since 2017 should come in with a lot of motivation as for Bellevue who want to repeat what they did the year before.

The winner of last year’s contest went on to the state final at Husky Stadium, but this time around, the game will play out under the lights in the U-District.

Will Bellevue be able to run it back and make it two titles in a row? Or will O’Dea exact revenge and take home their first title in seven years?