Distractions both on and off the field will be some of the challenges the Oak Harbor Wildcats football team will have to deal with in tonight’s Class 4A championship game against Bothell.

In addition to the excitement generated by Oak Harbor’s first-ever trip to the state finals, the Wildcats will also have to contend with playing inside a domed stadium.

“I think this is really going to be a factor for us, playing inside the Tacoma Dome where it is warm,” Wildcat coach Dave Ward said. “That will be a different experience for us after playing in Spokane last week where it was cold and a little bit windy.”

Ward said playing inside where it is warm will require the players to remain hydrated.

“We are going to have to keep everybody cool and make sure they drink a lot of water,” he said.

Another big factor will be the crowd noise inside the enclosed stadium.

“The noise level inside the stadium is going to create a huge distraction for us,” Ward said. “We expect there is going to be a big crowd at the game and they will be loud. We are going to have to

maintain our focus and shut all that distraction out.”

In scouting Bothell, Ward said the Cougars have a quick, athletic team.

“They have a good approach on things and run really well,” he said. “They will come after you on defense with slants and blitzes, and have gotten some turnovers in the playoffs.”

On offense, Ward said Bothell likes to run out of multiple formations.

“They don’t repeat a formation on two consecutive plays,” he said. “They also have a favorite receiver they like to throw to and we are going to have to cover him.”

Bothell was the KingCo League champion during the regular season, finishing with an 8-0 league

record.

The Cougars lost 48-22 to Lake

Oswego from Oregon at PGE Park in Portland in their first game of the season on Sept. 1 for their only defeat.

In the playoffs, Bothell defeated Lake Stevens from the WesCo North 33-0 in the opening round Nov. 10, and then went to an amazing nine overtimes in the quarterfinals before coming away with a 43-40 victory over Pasco.

In last week’s semifinal game, the Cougars knocked off undefeated Edmonds-Woodway 28-14 in the Tacoma Dome.

WesCo North champion Oak Harbor brings a 12-1 record into the title game with the only loss coming at the hands of Lake Stevens on Oct. 13.

The Wildcats have won six straight games since the loss, including a double overtime 43-42 win over Mariner in the opening round of the playoffs and a 26-22 victory over Skyview in the quarterfinal game.

Last week, the Wildcats defeated the number-one ranked team in the state, Gonzaga Prep, 14-10 to earn the right to play for the state championship.

During the playoffs, Oak Harbor had the distinction of defeating two of the Seattle Times’ top five teams in Gonzaga Prep and Skyview.

Bothell will have to contend with the Wildcats’ wing-T offense that has the capability of making the big play either on the ground or through the air every time they touch the ball.

Senior quarterback Marshall Lobbestael, already signed by Washington State University, has passed for 2,636 yards and 34 touchdowns this season, and junior running back Chris Valencia has rushed for 1,028 yards and scored 15 touchdowns.

Lobbestael doesn’t have a “favorite receiver” among the Wildcats’ pass catching corps, but has several talented players to throw the ball to.

Junior Rodrick Rumble leads Oak Harbor with 40 receptions for 691 yards and also leads the team in scoring with 104 points.

Tony Thulin has caught 25 passes for 540 yards and has rushed for an additional 321 yards, scoring 88 points this season.

Jeff Lamont has 34 catches for 433 yards including the game-winner against Gonzaga Prep, and Brendan Kays has caught 30 passes for 380 yards.

Not to be forgotten is tight end Jake Rouser who always seems to be open and available for the big catch when the Wildcats need yards.

On defense, beefy senior Will Hunter anchors the line along with Matt Davison who leads the team in tackles.

Other key defensive players include Matt Johnston, Joe Raymond, Andrew Renninger, and Jake Rouser, along with Lamont, Kays, Thulin and Valencia.

During the season the Wildcats have played teams that ran out of multiple formations, had strong passing attacks and last week defeated the Bullpups who ran an option-style offense, so they should be prepared for anything Bothell has to offer.

Kickoff for the Washington state Class 4A championship game between the Wildcats and the Cougars is set for 7:30 p.m. tonight in the Tacoma Dome.