Shadle has its work cut out as Highlanders seek to end Bellevue’s win streak

If you’re wondering what the Shadle Park football team’s chances are against five-time defending State 3A champ Bellevue, there’s an initial knee-jerk response.

Somewhere akin to a snowball’s chance in hell.

There’s no way to dance around it. When Shadle (11-1) meets the No. 1-ranked Bellevue Wolverines (12-0) on Saturday, the Highlanders face their most difficult challenge this season. Kickoff at Joe Albi Stadium is 1 p.m.

Some might suggest that it’s an insurmountable challenge.

Consider this:

• Bellevue is riding a 52-game winning streak, now the longest in state history after the Wolverines’ win last week.

• The Wolverines are 139-8 since 2003.

Shadle coach Alan Stanfield is trying to take a they-put-their-pants-on-one- leg-at-a-time approach this week.

He must be applauded for how far he’s taken Shadle. After all, the co-Greater Spokane League champs are just two years removed from a 0-9 season.

“We know, by reputation, that they’re a good team,” Stanfield said. “I don’t think they’ve seen a team like us that throws the ball as much as we do and the way we do. We feel good that maybe we can go in and have some mismatches.”

Bellevue’s defense has allowed just two touchdowns.

Kamiakin coach Scott Biglin was asked after his team lost 34-16 to Shadle on Saturday if the teams were playing for the opportunity to see which would be bulldozed by Bellevue. He didn’t hesitate to answer the question.

“They’ve got a chance. Somebody’s going to (beat them) one of these years and maybe it’s these guys here,” Biglin said. “They’ve got the weapons on offense to make a lot of noise and they’ve got a great defense that swarms to the ball. I wouldn’t be surprised in the least that they give Bellevue all they have.”

Shadle will likely not have enough time to prep for Bellevue’s Wing-T offense. The Wolverines execute the old-school scheme like no other.

Shadle senior scatback Alvin Welch believes the Highlanders have a shot.

“It’s going to be a tough game, we know about them and what they’ve done this season and what they’ve done in the past but I think if we play our best …,” Welch said, drifting off. “If we can bring our best we can compete.”