(Darrin Laufasa 6-2 225 Jr. RB/LB) |
(Ross Bowers 6-2 175 Fr. QB) |
(Chase Madsen 6-4 275 Jr. OL) |
As we break down the top teams in Washington there is one specific program that sticks out more than the others going into 2012. The Bothell Cougars are going to be super talented and if there was one program that had a “Texas” like feel to it within the community it would be the Tom Bainter lead team.
Bothell had one of the youngest rosters in the state last year, and also returns one of the most talented lines and perimeters in the state. Add to this the state’s top ranked QB for the class of 2015, and the biggest transfer in Washington (Darrin Laufasa) coming that way and you have what amounts to a 4A state title contender.
Have a look at the Bothell breakdown…
QB-
Ross Bowers (6-2 175 Fr.) The #1 ranked QB in the state for the class of 2015. Bowers has top coach Bainter, and will be able to train with Taylor Barton over the next couple of years and capitalize on the skill set that he already possesses. Bowers has that “it” factor, and works non stop to play like the veteran leader that this team will need. He is a natural born quarterback and even though he will only be a sophomore, he’s the top ranked QB in his class for a reason. If Bowers can play beyond his years Bothell has a chance to win it. In a conversation earlier Bowers says, ” We want to shock the state of Washington, hopefully people say they have a young inexperienced QB and try to exploit that, I will be ready”.
RB-
Danny Wilson (6-0 190 Jr.), Darrin Laufasa (6-2 225 Jr.). Wow these two are good. Both backs could legitimately be the #1 guy and lead the state in multiple categories. It could be the most talented two back system in Washington, and the Cougars will have the luxury of not panicking if an injury was to occur. Sam McPherson (5-9 180 Fr.) is a baller, and could start on either side if need be. Danny Wilson came back from injury and absolutely killed it last season earning second team all league honors, while both him and Laufasa will be ranked as two of Washington’s top 10 RB’s when the rankings are released later today.
Laufasa is considered one of the top overall players in the state on both sides of the ball, and has already locked up an Idaho offer. The transfer from Juanita provides outstanding leadership and the genes to play big time D1 football. If he can stay healthy he will vie for conference and state player of the year honors.
WR-
Aaron Wilks (6-4 205 Jr.) Super talented overall athlete that earned second team all league honors on both sides of the ball. Traveled to Vegas with us and (NEI-North) and did very well. Strong kid that can jump and also plays hoops. Could have a monster year at receiver, and also is athletic enough to create havoc from his D end position. Junior Jared Berry (5-11 165 Jr.) was an honorable mention all league athlete that could have a very big year. He should be considered one of the more underrated, unknown kids that could be one of the state’s top two way threats in 2012.
TE-
Jeremy Ruef (6-2 230 Jr.) has good hands and will start on both sides of the ball. He is maybe the teams hardest worker and someone you want to build around. Cole Ford (6-4 220 Fr.) can be considered one of the top players in the state for the 2015 class, and could come in and start as a sophomore. He will be someone we hear a lot about in the coming years.
OL/DL-
This is where Bothell can really separate themselves. Their line is big and nasty and all of them got some very valuable experience last season. Three returning all league lineman will anchor the offensive front lead by first team all league standout Chase Madsen (6-4 275 Jr.) who did a remarkable job at our elite events during the winter. Madsen is a well spoken kid, willing to put in the work necessary to be ranked as one of the best O lineman in Washington.
Add in fellow 1st team all league athlete Nick Ombrellaro (6-3 265 Jr.), and Dylan Lindsey (6-4 285 Jr.) a second team all league monster, and you have what amounts to a trio that can rival any other three in the state. Bothell produces top kids year in and year out because they do things the right way from a young age, and this Bothell line group is a prime example of the standard that has been set.
Defensively expect to see Wilks, Ruef and Andrey Golubovich (6-4 250 So.) leading the defensive line. Both Wilks and Golubovich earned second team all league honors a year ago, and Andrey is considered one of the top sophomore lineman in the state of Washington, as he too did very well at our elite events during the winter. Ruef recently showed up at one of our combines and MVP’d the D line portion, while unquestionably being the most dominant d lineman there. Ford (6-4 220 Fr.) is another freakishly good freshman and could see time at D end and Tight end, while Jordan Barker (5-11 225 Fr.) and Cody Mitchell (6-3 220 Fr.) will be two other kids in that very special 2015 class that should contribute. Bothell gets down and dirty in the trenches and should do well up front.
LB-
I really don’t think people understand how good Darrin Laufasa (6-2 220 Jr.) is. The kid has been hurt, but when on the field has just been filthy. He is big, fast, strong and will have multiple Pac 12 offers before the season is over as long as he can stay healthy. In my opinion he may be the most underrated player in the entire northwest. Camden McLeod (6-1 205 Jr.) did a good job last season and will also be a returning starter that should provide experience and leadership on the defense. You can also look to Drew Williams (5-11 220 Jr.) and Sean Monroe (6-1 205 Fr.) to be two of the key backers locking it down.
DB-
Reshon Watson (5-11 175 Jr.) is one of the top corners in Washington, and did an outstanding job in Vegas with us and NEI-North at the National 7 on 7 tourney. Watson is a student of the game and has outstanding instincts. He earned second team all league honors last season. Add in Berry and Wilson you have some quality leaders in the secondary. Also look for super freshman Sam McPherson (5-9 180 Fr.) to start at DB next year. He’s a special talent that could end up being one of the top overall athletes ever at Bothell, if his dunking skills are any indication.
