Bellingham tops Bellevue Christian with dramatic win in OT

Bellingham edged Bellevue Christian in thrilling fashion on Friday, Oct. 9 at Civic Stadium grabbing a 34-33 victory in overtime.

After scoring first in overtime, Bellevue botched the snap on the extra point attempt, giving the Red Raiders a chance to win the game with a touchdown and conversion. Bellingham junior Joseph Worley tied the game on a 5-yard pass from quarterback Nick Knutson and prepared to kick the game-winning field goal.

Worley hushed the raucous Bellingham crowd and rocketed the ball through the uprights to help the Red Raiders even their record at 3-3. A sea of red engulfed the field, as students and parents alike joined in singing the Red Raider alma mater.

With 2:20 left in the fourth quarter, Bellingham trailed 27-20. Despite giving up 267 rushing yards, Bellingham’s defense forced a three-and-out and took over only needing to travel 28 yards for a game-tying touchdown. They got it five play later, as Chris Thompson scampered in from 6 yards out to send the game to overtime.

“It gives us momentum,” coach Ted Flint said. “It makes it easier to practice and it makes it easier to do the hard things you have to do all week long. I’m so happy for them because they deserve it.”

The game was competitive throughout, as neither team was down by more than a touchdown at any point. The first score of the game came on a scoop-and –score, 40-yard fumble recovery by Bellingham’s Ethan Fields.

Fields had a fumble return touchdown, a rushing touchdown and a big interception at the end of the first half to shut down a Viking drive. Fields, a sophomore, said he knows the importance of playing both sides of the ball.

“Turnovers are the key to a game so as many turnovers as I got just helps the team,” he said.

Bellingham next plays at Orcas Island High School on Oct. 17.

This story was originally published October 9, 2015 at 11:20 PM with the headline "Bellingham tops Bellevue Christian with dramatic win in OT."