Eastlake Wolves senior running back Daniel Bradley will never forget his 17th birthday because of an epic performance on the gridiron in his team’s first football game of the 2016 season against the Lakes Lancers.

Bradley, who led the Wolves to a 36-27 victory on Sept. 2, scored three rushing touchdowns and executed a perfectly designed halfback pass to wide receiver Hank Gladson for a 59-yard touchdown strike, extending Eastlake’s lead to 29-21 against Lakes with 5:35 left in regulation. Lakes answered with a 2-yard touchdown run by Cody Roe with 4:23 left in the game, cutting Eastlake’s lead to 29-27.

With the outcome of the game on the line on Eastlake’s next offensive drive, Bradley simply came through in the clutch.

Bradley busted through the line for a 58-yard run before being tackled at Lakes’ 1-yard line. Chris Nelson scored on a 1-yard touchdown run with 2:05 left in regulation, giving Eastlake a 36-27 lead they wouldn’t relinquish for the rest of the game.

Eastlake head coach Don Bartel believes Bradley’s work ethic and attention to detail are second to none.

“He is a self-made man. He has done that to himself in the weight room and he just kills it on the field,” Bartel said.

Bartel said Bradley’s running style is one of the most unique he’s ever encountered in his days of coaching high school football.

“In tight spaces, Daniel’s footwork gets him in and out of things in a way that is very strong but it is quick and it’s very efficient,” Bartel said. “I don’t know if we have had a style of running back like him before. His body lean, his foot placement and his lean forward is unique. He is just so tough.”

Bradley credited the hosses up front on the offensive line for his success against the Lancers.

“I have to give all the ups to my line. Eastlake has never had the biggest line but man we’re fast. I love those guys and I trust them,” Bradley said. “I knew those holes were going to be there and I knew they were doing everything they could.”

Recently, the Issaquah/Sammamish Reporter had an opportunity to ask Bradley a few questions about his life away from the football field.

Issaquah Reporter: What is your favorite movie of all time?

Daniel Bradley: It is a tie between “Toy Story” and “The Dark Knight.”

IR: What is your favorite eatery in Sammamish?

DB: I’m going to have to go with the classic Jimmy John’s. They are fast, they get it to you on time and they make sure they get it right.

IR: Who is your pick to win the World Series this October?

DB: I don’t really like baseball but I will go with the Seattle Mariners.

IR: If you could pick one person to go to dinner with, who would it be?

DB: I’m going to have to go with Eva Mendes. She is a beautiful woman.

IR: How many text messages do you send per day?

DB: I would probably say about 300 a day.

IR: What is something unique about you that nobody would know?

DB: I love skiing. Skiing is the next best thing besides football.

IR: What is your dream vacation spot?

DB: I’m going to have to go with the Alps.