John Boitano quickly set the tone for his 14th and final season as head coach of the Arlington High School football team.
In the Eagles’ first game, at Snohomish, Boitano went for a two-point conversion in overtime with his Eagles trailing 41-40. The gamble paid off as running back Jake Webb scored on a game-ending sweep.
“That was a big play for those guys,” said Boitano, The Herald’s 2005 All-Area Coach of the Year. “We came through and it was an incredible moment.” Elizabeth Armstrong / The Herald
The dramatic play propelled Arlington to its best season under Boitano: a 10-2 record and a trip to the Class 4A state quarterfinals.
“It was an honor to play for him,” said Brett Smith, Arlington’s quarterback. “We always call him ‘The Genius.’ He just knew exactly what play to call at the right time. He always set us up for success.”
Boitano finished his Arlington career with a record of 83-55, including 11 winning seasons and six playoff appearances. Before 2005, his teams qualified for state three times (1997, ‘99 and 2001) but never advanced beyond the first round.
“It was a lot of fun to go out this way,” said Boitano, who plans to move to Ellensburg, where his three sons live and where he owns a 22-acre farm.
Boitano said he also might work as a house builder and devote more time to his car-racing hobby.
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