Slam Soar Past Flight

The Bellingham Slam racked up their 11th straight win on the 2014 International Basketball League season and completed their season sweep of the Seattle Flight at DuVall Pavilion in Mount Vernon Friday, June 20th. The Flight were out-maned and out-matched, with only six on the night's roster, Seattle could not keep pace with the fresh legs of the Slam's bench. Rico Wilkins lead all Slam scorers with 27 points. Bellingham has a 13-2 overall record and are alone at the top of the IBL standings. Final score: 139-118. Click here to view photos from the game.

Bulldogs Overwhelm Stallions

The Bellingham Bulldogs welcomed their opponents from Shoreline, The Seattle Stallions, as storm clouds threatened to drop their payload onto Civic Field, Saturday, June 14th. Bellingham's focus was intense as the Pacific Football League's second season loomed around the corner.

The intensity increased early, with their opening drive the Bulldogs marched down field to score a touchdown from Eric Taylor to Douglas Miller. Bellingham defense brought up their intensity as well forcing an interception by Miguel Pierre on the Stallions first drive. The two teams battled, trading three and out possessions, but the Stallions passing game eventually turned a short field into two touchdowns.

Bellingham's offense stalled in the second quarter, unable to make a sustained drive it was up to the Bulldogs defense to keep the Stallions from scoring again. With the half winding down and Seattle attacking the red zone Bellingham's Arthur Sanchez intercepts a Stallion pass, shifting the momentum back to Bellingham.

The third quarter began the way second quarter ended with another Bulldogs defensive stand and turnover. The offensive turned the short field into points with a quick pass from Taylor to Toby Seim in his first home game after suffering an injury. The two teams exchanged possession again before the Bulldogs' Jason Walters intercepted the ball giving Bellingham's offense another short field. Eric Taylor would use his legs to score from 10 yards out.

A big punt return by Miguel Pierre early in the fourth quarter turned into a circus catch for a touchdown from Taylor to Seim. Proving that Toby is back at full strength. The Bulldogs' defense would add one more interception for the night and would stand firm despite a blocked field goal attempt returned for a touchdown by the Stallions. In customary Bulldogs fashion, the defense closed out the game with a walk-off sack, executed by Josh Heard. Final score: 27-18. Click here to view photos of the game.

Slam Best All-Stars

The Bellingham Slam take their winning streak to nine in a row as they beat a team of the International Basketball League stars Friday, June 6^th at the Whatcom Pavilion. Slam head coach continues his roll as player/coach, coming off the bench to contribute 14-points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists in the winning effort. Blake Poole lead all Slam scorers with 26-points. The Slam are now into the home stretch with their sites set on the IBL playoffs and another run at a championship. Final score: 136-118. Click here to view photos from the game.

Bulldogs Wrangle Mavericks

The Bellingham Bulldogs were host to a familiar opponent Saturday, May 31 at Civic Field. The Yakima Mavericks made the long journey from the middle of Washington to continue their long-standing rivalry. With Toby Seim still out with an injured knee, the Bulldogs offense needed to step up quickly to establish a lead over the cunning Mavericks. Quarterback Eric Taylor was back under center, although Yakima's secondary did show their ability to take away passing lanes, it did not take long for Taylor to find his wide receivers. The Bulldogs jumped ahead with a touchdown pass from Taylor to Jacob Bartel early in the second quarter.

Bellingham's defense stood firm as a determined Yakima offense attempted to establish their running attack. The ball changed possession often. The Mavericks took advantage of a interception deep in their territory and scored a touchdown to tie the score late in the second. But the Bulldogs struck back quickly with a 41-yard touchdown run after the catch from Taylor to Cody Oakes, giving Bellingham a 14-7 halftime lead.

Yakima began moving the ball down field in the second half but the Bulldogs defense would prove to be too much for the Maverick to break through. Bellingham stopped several drives short of the goal line as the Bulldogs offensive line kept up their dominance allowing Taylor to scramble and throw at will. After the Bulldogs scored on another touchdown pass and kicked a 36-yard field goal in the third Yakima finally saw the end zone again. Scoring on a 49-yard touchdown pass in the fourth bring the score to 24-14.

Eric Taylor would respond with a 65-yard scramble for a touchdown. Both sides would trade turnovers on downs before Taylor would again find Oakes in the end zone for a 10-yard score. The Bulldogs defense would add insult to injury, forcing a fumble which was picked up by Caleb Rodriguez who scored their final touchdown. Yakima added a 10-yard touchdown pass but the damage had been done. Final score: 45-21. Click here to view photos from the game.