Local grad shines in Apple Cup

PULLMAN - When Moses Lake graduate B.J. Guerra sat down to watch the 2007 Apple Cup with his family in Moses Lake, he said the feelings he experienced were unlike any he had before.

"Last year I watched the Apple Cup on TV," Guerra said. "Even on TV I could feel the intensity."

Guerra didn't have the opportunity to watch the 2008 Apple Cup at home with his family, he experienced it.

As a freshman right guard for the Washington State Cougars football team, Guerra started his first Apple Cup Saturday afternoon in Pullman.

The Cougars knocked off in-state rival Washington 16-13 with a field goal in double overtime and Guerra said the experience was unbelievable.

"It really hasn't sunk in yet," he said. "It was amazing. We couldn't believe we experienced a double OT win in the Apple Cup."

Before Guerra started on the right side of the offensive line Saturday, he starred on the defensive line for the Chiefs.

"Towards the end of my junior year coach called me and told me I had the ability to play at the next level," he said. "From that moment I took on more responsibility as a player. I tried to lead by example."

Guerra said he tried to work hard in the weight room and make his dreams of playing collegiate football a reality.

"It has always been my dream to play football after high school," he said.

His dreams came true when he committed to play football for Washington State after he graduated from Moses Lake High School in 2007.

Guerra initially planned to play on the Washington State defensive line before first year head coach Paul Wulff approached him following winter workouts, Guerra said.

"Before the season started coach Wulff said he would like me to switch from the defensive line to the offensive line," he said. "He told me he had confidence in me. I see now why he moved me over."

Guerra has started the last three games for the Cougars and said the transition has been intense.

"I was a little worried heading into fall camp," he said. "I had to mature a lot. I am getting my confidence up."

He said the best aspect of the Apple Cup victory over Washington was knowing he played a part in the Washington State win.

"That was the most fun thing for me," he said. "I had a part in this game. I played my best game, I did my part."

While Guerra helped the Cougars to their fourth Apple Cup victory in five seasons, his family watched the televised game with anticipation from their home in Moses Lake.

Guerra's mother, Sonja, said the Apple Cup was exciting to watch.

"We were hoping (the Cougars) would win," she said. "It was just really a feeling that is hard to explain. We couldn't believe it. We always thought the team would come together."

Sonja Guerra said she couldn't wait for the Apple Cup this season.

"We did a lot of praying," she said. "Every game (this season) became (the one) that could be the win. We never had a doubt this would be the one."

The Guerra family was unable to share the victory with their son in Pullman but are proud of him.

"It is an honor for us that B.J. has had this opportunity to play," Sonja Guerra said. "He is a good kid. He loves to learn and play football. We have been blessed. It is an honor to go on and play (football) and get a good education. His dream has come true."

Guerra said he couldn't believe the feeling after defeating the Huskies.

"It felt like I was in a world of my own," he said. "Coach Wulff said he was proud of us for fighting through the whole thing and now we have bragging rights."