Wolverines dominate Islanders in rivalry contest

By Shaun Scott • October 14, 2017 12:16 am
Photo courtesy of Don Borin/Stop Action Photography Bellevue Wolverines senior running back Isaiah Ifanse had five rushing touchdowns against the Mercer Island Islanders on Oct. 13. Bellevue defeated Mercer Island 40-7.
Photo courtesy of Don Borin/Stop Action Photography Bellevue Wolverines senior running back Isaiah Ifanse had five rushing touchdowns against the Mercer Island Islanders on Oct. 13. Bellevue defeated Mercer Island 40-7.

Bellevue Wolverines senior running back Isaiah Ifanse was an unstoppable force against the Mercer Island Islanders in a Class 3A KingCo rivalry matchup.

Ifanse scored five rushing touchdowns, propelling the Wolverines to a 40-7 victory against the Islanders on Oct. 13 in Mercer Island. Bellevue kicker Jed Michael connected on two field goals (30 yards, 44 yards) in the win. Bellevue improved its overall record to 6-1 with the triumph while Mercer Island dropped to 4-2. Ifanse credited the Wolverines’ offensive line for his memorable night rumbling through the Islanders defense.

“The offensive line blocked great today. They did a great job of making holes and creating plays for us. It felt good. It was rivalry week and we were prepared for it,” Ifanse said with a smile.

The Wolverines ground game controlled the clock in the first quarter. Mercer Island had a total of just three offensive plays in the first 12 minutes of action. Bellevue ran 19 offensive plays in the first quarter. Bellevue head coach Mark Landes said Mercer Island’s defensive line was a formidable group.

“Our (offensive) line really stepped up. Mercer Island was really tough. No. 55 (Jaeden Pritchard) is a heck of a player. They gave us some challenges and we had to rise up,” Landes said.

Landes was impressed with Ifanse’s stellar showing against Mercer Island.

“He is just phenomenal. He is a powerful runner and is fun to watch,” Landes said.

Mercer Island’s lone touchdown of the night occurred with 10:45 left in the second quarter. Mercer Island senior quarterback Nikhil Nayar hit receiver Henry Weiker on a 7-yard touchdown strike over the middle, cutting Bellevue’s lead to 9-7. Two plays earlier Nayar connected with wide receiver Cole Miller on a 73-yard catch and run to advance the offense to Bellevue’s 7-yard line.

“He has got a big arm,” Landes said of Nayar. “Cole Miller can flat out fly. We had to know where he was all the time.”

The Wolverines will host the Redmond Mustangs at 7:15 p.m. on Oct. 20.

“We just got to continue to get better every week,” Landes said.