Emerald Ridge beats Bothell, advances to state tournament for first time in school history
To get to the state tournament for the first time in school history, Emerald Ridge had to get past one of the state’s most consistent 4A programs, Bothell, on Saturday at Sparks Stadium.
Emerald Ridge didn’t just get past Bothell — the Jaguars blew the doors off the visitors in the Week 10 playoff game, coasting to a 41-14 victory.
Emerald Ridge blocked a punt early in the first quarter and UW commit Jacob Lane scooped it up and took it in for the game’s opening score. From there, it snowballed. Emerald Ridge scored early and often, taking a 35-0 lead into the halftime break. Bothell didn’t record a first down without the aid of a penalty until 5:22 remained on the clock in the first half.
It was a completely thorough, convincing win by a team that wanted to prove they belonged.
“We knew going into the game that we could make history tonight,” said quarterback Jake Schakel, who completed 18-of-22 passes for 193 yards and three touchdowns. “We wanted to let everyone know that we wanted it more than anybody who steps foot in this tournament.”
Linebacker Logan Lisherness scored two first-half rushing touchdowns — including a 45-yard run, untouched — and also hauled in an interception on defense.
“I’ve been saying it. I just want more college coaches to start saying it,” said Emerald Ridge coach Adam Schakel. “Both sides of the ball, he’s a force.”
Quarterback Jake Schakel was typically surgical, spreading the ball around. Tony Harste caught eight passes for 116 yards and two touchdowns in the win. Gio Kafentzis hauled in five catches for 41 yards and a touchdown.
Adam Schakel was all smiles after the win.
“It’s been a lot of low moments to get here,” Schakel said. “The kids in that locker room are the right ones to go through some of the battles we’ve had, to stay the course, which isn’t easy to do in this league and in this climate. Tremendous kids.”
Jake, Adam’s son, grew up as a ball boy in the program. He’s seen his fair share of tough losses and disappointment. Being on the winning end meant something to the players and coaches.
“I’ve always seen this program kind of lose and be on the shorter end of the stick, but it’s just so great to know my group made history,” he said. “It’s the best team I’ve ever played on, not just on the field but off the field. We have a great time together and I couldn’t ask for better coaches and players around me.”
It sure is nice to have a healthy Jacob Lane, too. He missed some time down the stretch with an injury but is back for the playoffs and is a major boost to the Jaguars’ defensive line, commanding double teams from Bothell’s offensive line all game.
“He’s a game changer,” Adam Schakel said. “And not just as a player, but for all of our guys to know he can go is just a huge confidence boost. They just love him as a teammate, so that’s huge. Physically and the mental piece.”
The shouting, music blaring from the locker room after the game painted the picture.
“Yeah, it’s really emotional,” Jake Schakel said. “Us, every year on the bottom end of the SPSL — now that we’re on the top, we’re not done yet, for sure.”
This story was originally published November 5, 2022 at 4:27 PM.
