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- calendar_today November 14, 2026
Meadowdale Faces Tough Defeat at Bellevue Memorial Stadium
The Meadowdale football team’s playoff hopes were dashed Friday night at Bellevue Memorial Stadium, as the Mavericks fell 71-21 to the Bellevue Wolverines in the 3A State Round of 16. Despite entering the matchup as Wesco 3A South champions with a 10-0 record, Meadowdale couldn't contain Bellevue’s powerful rush offense, which delivered a dominant performance throughout the game.
Early Breaks Fail to Swing Momentum
Meadowdale initially caught a brief break when a Bellevue punt return touchdown by sophomore Lonzell Hall was nullified by penalties late in the first quarter. But on the next snap, Bellevue junior Romulus “RJ” Ward put his stamp on the game with a 91-yard touchdown run, extending the Wolverines’ early lead to 15-0 after a successful two-point conversion.
Bellevue’s Rushing Attack Dominates
Bellevue (10-1), seeded No. 2, showcased its reputed Wing-T offense to overwhelming effect, putting up 549 rushing yards (excluding kneel downs) and scoring 10 touchdowns. Ward (145 yards), Hall (129), and junior Trevon Barnes (150) each rushed for over 120 yards, contributing to six touchdowns of 25 yards or more—five on the ground and one via a fumble recovery.
Quarterback Kason Carta attempted just two passes, one of which—a 59-yard touchdown—was overturned by a penalty. The Wolverines’ ground game dictated the pace and scoreboard from start to finish.
Meadowdale’s Offense Finds Highlights Amid Defeat
Quarterback Zekiah “Ki” Gamble led the Mavericks with 207 passing yards, completing 16 of 27 throws for three touchdowns. Junior receiver Kevaughn Steich caught seven passes for 118 yards and a score. Meadowdale, however, managed just 75 rushing yards, mostly on scramble plays from Gamble.
“They had a strong run defense. Good linebackers, good line,” Ki Gamble said. “It was a big, physical fight, and they came out on top.”
Key Moments and Turnarounds
Bellevue erupted early with scoring drives fueled by short fields and explosive runs. After falling behind 22-0 in the first quarter, Meadowdale’s offense gained traction in the second, highlighted by a 42-yard touchdown strike from Gamble to Steich on fourth down. Yet, Bellevue swiftly countered with a series of big runs, including a 39-yard touchdown by Hall and a six-yard score by sophomore Kyler Aslakson, extending the lead to 36-7.
Meadowdale capitalized on a Bellevue penalty to score just before halftime, with Gamble hitting senior Owen Fulford from three yards out to make it 36-14 at the break.
Second Half: Wolverines Pull Away
Bellevue wasted little time in the third quarter, as Hall sprinted to a 65-yard touchdown on the first series. The Mavericks fought back with a touchdown pass from Gamble to junior Taylor Brown, but Bellevue continued to pile on points, including a 43-yard scoring run by Barnes and a defensive touchdown when senior Troy Masunu returned a fumble nearly 40 yards.
The running clock was triggered after the score reached 71-21, and Meadowdale’s final drive ended as time expired.
Reflections on the Mavericks’ Season
Despite the season-ending loss, Meadowdale head coach Antwoine Gamble reflected on the team’s achievements. “What we did this season, we started last November. ... That’s the foundation that our senior class has led, is to continue to work and continue to believe in the family that we’ve got here.”
Seniors Zekiah “Ki” Gamble and Antwoine Gamble finished their final campaign as league MVP and Coach of the Year, respectively, capping a memorable season for the Mavericks.
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Source: heraldnet.com.
