Liberty overcomes Woodinville, 35-14

Jake Bainton, overcoming illness and cramps, caught two touchdown passes and intercepted a pass to lead the Patriots to victory

By Mason Kelley

Seattle Times staff reporter 

BOTHELL — Jake Bainton didn't practice Monday. He missed school on Tuesday. He was so sick with the stomach flu, Liberty's coaching staff wasn't sure if the junior would be able to play.

But nothing was keeping the receiver from helping his "family." Despite cramps and illness, he caught everything thrown his way and even made a few plays on defense, leading the Patriots to a 35-14 victory over Woodinville at Pop Keeney Stadium Friday night.

"I thought he was really gutsy," Liberty coach Steve Valach said. "Every time we needed a big play, he came up with one."

With the Patriots trailing by a touchdown in the first quarter, Bainton caught a 38-yard strike from Trey Wheeler.

Not only did he pick off a pass on the ensuing possession, he set up Liberty's next score. Faced with a third-and-11, he caught a 43-yard pass that led to Chandler Jenkins' first touchdown.

"I just wanted to play for my teammates, play for my family," Bainton said. "Every play we say family, every play. We've just got each other's backs."

After Woodinville tied the score at 14, Bainton caught a 26-yard touchdown pass that helped Liberty (2-0) retake the lead.

The Falcons (1-1) spent so much time focusing on Bainton, it opened up holes for Jenkins, who rushed for 175 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries. He also caught a touchdown pass.

"He's a good player, no doubt," Woodinville coach Wayne Maxwell said of Bainton, who caught six passes for 137 yards and two touchdowns. He also picked off two Falcons passes.

Several big plays kept Woodinville in the game early. Sophomore quarterback Brett Arrivey completed 16 of 30 passes for 187 yards and two touchdowns, but threw three picks.

Liberty, ranked fourth in Class 3A and led by juniors Bainton, Jenkins and Wheeler, made Woodinville pay for those turnovers.

"Even though we have a good team, you need those confidence plays," Valach said.

Even though he was sick, tired and cramping, Bainton delivered for his teammates. He gave up his body and the Patriots responded.

Mason Kelley: 206-464-8277 or mkelley@seattletimes.com