Bellevue survived a slow start to edge Liberty 23-20 and win the KingCo 3A/2A title Friday night.

The Patriots (6-3 overall, 5-2 KingCo 3A/2A) broke the scoreless tie when Chandler Jenkins scored on a 52-yard rush. Bellevue fumbled on the first play of its next drive and Liberty recovered.

Noel Hamilton scampered in for a 36-yard rushing touchdown the next play to put the Patriots up 14-0.

Bellevue (8-1, 7-0) finally got its offense moving (the Wolverines got their first first down with 10 minutes left in the second quarter) and put together a nine-play drive to answer Liberty. Kendrick Van Ackeren scored on a 46-yard rush.

Liberty lost a fumble on the next drive and Bellevue got a 35-yard field goal from Mitch Johnson bring the Wolverines within four points, 14-10.

Johnson later made another field goal from 43 yards. Latrelle Dukes scored on a one-yard rush mid-way through the third quarter to put Bellevue ahead 20-14.

Liberty tied the game when quarterback Trey Wheeler rolled out to his left and dove into the end zone from five yards out. The Patriots missed the extra point attempt.

Johnson made another field goal, this one from 23 yards out, with just over three minutes left in the game to put Bellevue ahead 23-20.

Liberty drove down to Bellevue’s 34-yard line but Wheeler’s pass to Jenkins in the end zone sailed just a few feet long and the Patriots turned the ball over on downs.

With star wide receiver Jake Bainton sidelined with an injury, Jenkins carried the load for Liberty on offense. He rushed 27 times for 177 yards. It is the third straight game of 175 or more rushing yards for Jenkins.

Both teams will advance to the play-in round of the 3A state playoffs next weekend.