Center stage suits Bellevue QB Block

BELLEVUE — A new tattoo is etched into Eric Block's back, just under his right shoulder. A personal motto — "Learn from yesterday, live for today, pray for tomorrow" — is emblazoned over a large cross.

If that sounds a little too battle-hardened for a 16-year-old kid who lives in the suburbs, consider Block's high-school career.

As a 145-pound, 14-year-old sophomore, Block took over the quarterback job at Bellevue, which by then had already won three straight Class 3A state titles. His first varsity start came in front of about 8,000 people at Qwest Field, an upset win over legendary De La Salle of California, winner of 151 straight.

More success followed. Behind Block, Bellevue won its next 19, including a fourth state title in 2004 and a whipping of another California powerhouse, Long Beach Poly, to start 2005.

Block has unique credentials coming into his senior season and third straight as a two-way varsity starter: No other high-school football player in the state has had to grow up in such a bright and prolonged spotlight.

The mix of media attention and annual state-title-or-bust expectations at arguably the highest-profile football program in Washington, Block agrees, has forced him to mature faster than he might have otherwise. Block, who started school a year early, turns 17 on Sept. 26.

"You get a lot more exposure at Bellevue," Block said. "You kind of have to get used to it quick. I think it helps you mature, keeps you a lot more focused, and teaches you a lot of discipline that you can use on and off the field."

For Block and his teammates, including a tight-knit group of seniors that coach Butch Goncharoff praises for its work ethic, this season's goal is simple.

"Bring it back," Block says. "Bring back Bellevue's tradition. Bring back the state title."

Last year, Bellevue's season ended abruptly in a state-quarterfinal loss to Prosser. The final game capped a relatively disappointing season during which the Wolverines lost to rival Issaquah at home, suffered from discipline problems throughout the season and led KingCo 3A in penalties.

Block, now a chiseled 6 feet 1, 185 pounds, leads the redemption effort.

He rivals Houdini in his deftness at the ball-faking sleight-of-hand that keys Bellevue's misdirection running attack. And his composure and football smarts are such that he is the first quarterback under Goncharoff who is allowed to call audibles.

Block's preferred position is free safety, where he will probably become an all-state pick two years running. Washington State, where Block's father, Scott, was a wide receiver, has already offered him a scholarship to play defensive back.

"He anticipates what's going to happen," Bellevue defensive coordinator Wes Warren said. "He's always in the right position, a few steps earlier than most people. I don't want to jinx him, but he's never been beat deep."

There's that spotlight again.

Bellevue opens league play Friday against Skyline, which lost 21 starters from last year's Class 4A state-title team. The Spartans, who dropped from 4A to 3A this year, still feature a fearsome passing attack. Block's efforts will be crucial to shutting it down.

The rest of the league will be coming hard, too. Newport looks strong and Mount Si returns the KingCo offensive player of the year, running back Brandon Yakaboski.

It'll be tough, Block admits. But his expectations are higher than ever. After all, he is used to the glare.