Homecoming games are special and the Ballard Beavers did not disappoint their fans last Friday beating the Garfield Bulldogs 29 to 7.

Junior Joey Bolinger, back from a dislocated shoulder which sidelined him for several games, overcame two early interceptions to throw for four touchdowns.

"He's throwing fine. It (injury to his non-throwing left shoulder) does not seem to bother him," said Head Coach Alex Barashkoff.

The Beavers were at nearly at full strength for the game. Starters Skyler Brown, Miles Schwaab, Terrance Garcia and Bolinger were all back from injuries.

Barashkoff predicted his team would have a good win if they played well both on offense and defense and his Beavers did not disappoint him.

Garfield surprised the Beavers with a kick off return to open the game. Ballard came back with senior Antonio Morton catching an 18-yard touchdown pass and senior Miles Schwaab catching a nine-yard pass for a score.

In the second half, Bolinger continued showed why he is one of KingCo's up and coming stars. He passed to senior Terrance Garcia for a 12-yard touchdown and senior Danny Hawkins for an 18-yard touchdown.

Ballard intercepted three Garfield passes in the second half and blocked a punt, which lead to a 26 yard field goal by senior Kenichi Sato.

Barashkoff said the Bulldogs made his teamwork for the victory. "Joey came back and made some nice throws. He started off a little slow with two interceptions and came right back with two nice ones (touchdowns)," he said.

The Beavers were hoping for more turnovers by the winless Bulldogs. "They did not make very many mistakes tonight. We were hoping they'd put the ball on the floor more. They made us work for it and we did a good job.

Barashkoff said his team avoided penalties and he was happy with that.

"Joey had some nice throws. Our receivers caught the ball and our line gave him some time - that was kind of nice. Colin (Mathieson, senior) our fullback did a pretty good too," said Barashkoff.

The game featured the KingCo 4A Conference's two bottom teams. Garfield came into the game with a 0-6 record. Ballard beat Juanita for their only win to six losses in their first game.

Students, parents and alumni turned out in force for the Homecoming game. Some students showed up with their faces painted in school's red and black colors. After the game, Ballard cheerleaders, Bucky the Beaver mascot and fans stormed onto the field in celebration.

At halftime the Ballard High School marching band, under the direction of teacher Michael James went onto the field for a half-time performance.

Earlier in the week, the band gathered at 3:45 a.m. and joined the Highline and Ingraham bands at the Pike Place Market for a live national television appearance on the CBS Morning News. The bands were scheduled to play the theme from the old television series "Hawaii Five-O," but Pike Place Market Management got wind of the performance and asked them not to play music, due to the early hour and tenants living at the Market who were still asleep.

A few band members did manage to get their pictures on television, but the bands did not play any music. "I was impressed. Teacher Michael James got them down there at 3:45 a.m.," said Principal Phil Brockman.

James rewarded the band members who showed up by taking them to breakfast at a Denny's restaurant.

Ballard plays its final game of the year against perennial football power Bellevue High School at Ingraham on Oct. 26, 7 p.m. It will be a non-league game.

Dean Wong may be reached at 783.1244 or dino@robinsonnews.com