Welcome to the opening round of the state tournaments! The new season beings NOW!
Again, I am joined by my colleagues: Eric Trent of the Lynden Tribune, Ryland Spencer of Cascadia Preps and local broadcaster Jeff Bearden.
I would like to thank T.J. Ackerman for being our guest picker this week! A 1994 graduate of Nooksack Valley, Ackerman was one of the best offensive linemen in Whatcom County history. A three-year starter, Ackerman’s sheer size (6-7 275) put fear into his opponents, and his overall athletic ability put him over the top. He was named All-State at both offensive and defensive line as a senior. Another incredible feat, during his senior season he was named the Whatcom County League Offensive Player of the Year. Not bad for a right tackle on a .500 team. He paved the way for All-State running back Britt Lentz, and followed his brother Tom’s footsteps and starred at Eastern Washington University. After starting at EWU, T.J. had a brief career in the CFL with the Toronto Argonauts. He since returned home to Nooksack and has been an assistant coach with the Pioneers, and one heck of a scout-team punter. T.J. is one of the most humble guys you’ll ever meet, in fact I once told him that I think he was the first person that had ever been to my house that had his own Wikipedia page. His response, “I have a Wikipedia page?” You’re a one of a kind T.J., and I’m honored to be your friend.
Now… onto the week 11 game previews.
CASCADE CHRISTIAN (8-0) AT LYNDEN CHRISTIAN (8-1)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Civic Stadium
When Cascade Christian has the ball: Four-year starting quarterback Parker Johnson is the real deal, as is 227-pound running back Toretto Metzger-Magalei and 6-foot-3 wide receiver Conner Zetterberg. However, the Lyncs have been playing a little defense lately, perhaps as good as any LC team has played defense, and that’s saying a whole lot! Lynden Christian brings it at every level, and there is absolutely no weakness to be found. The Lyncs shut the Cougars out last year in the first round of the playoffs, but Cascade Christian was without Johnson in that game.
When Lynden Christian has the ball: Before you can figure out if the run is setting up the pass, or if the pass is setting up the run, or if the inside run is setting up the fly sweep, or if the backup quarterback is going to run all over you, you’re already down by a few touchdowns. The Lyncs have so many ways of gaining yards, that there hasn’t been one star of the offense. Instead, the entire team has been able to thrive.
Player to watch: Junior wide receiver/safety Cole Moorlag. Great speed, and a tenacious finisher in the open field when playing defensive back. Always seems to be in the right place at the right time. Also a fearless punt returner.
SQUALICUM (8-2) AT EASTSIDE CATHOLIC (8-1)
Time: 7:30 PM Friday
Site: Seattle Memorial Stadium
When Squalicum has the ball: While sporting the top rusher (Djouvensky Schlenbaker – 2024 yards) and the top passer (Mason Binning – 1800 yards) in the county, the Storm’s balance has been amazing. The offensive line is great, but will be facing it’s biggest challenge yet. Senior wide receiver Dedrick Mitchell has been on a tear lately, and Squalicum hasn’t lost a game since his return.
When Eastside Catholic has the ball: The Storm will have to get off the field on third down, and force turnovers against this potent offense. Inside linebackers Garrett Jabbora and Billy Scammell will be extremely busy, and the secondary will need to wrap up. Squalicum’s defense has been one of the best all season at putting pressure on the quarterback. Pressure can lead to great results when executed correctly.
Player to watch: Senior tight end/inside linebacker Garrett Jabbora. He always seems to be good for a wide-open catch per game, but his main calling card is defense. A linebacker with a nose for the ball. A fearless player that wants to be in on every tackle.
HOQUIAM (7-3) AT MOUNT BAKER (9-1)
Time: 2 PM Friday
Site: Civic Stadium
When Hoquiam has the ball: The Mountaineer defense has been strong all season, and the four pillars in the middle of the field have really stood out. Linebackers Waylon Kentner and Davin Beason play off of one another extremely well, and safeties Jason Lee and Mark Tikhonov have combined for 11 interceptions this season. Mount Baker has been able to force turnovers all season, which has set up short fields for the offense.
When Mount Baker has the ball: It’s not all about running the ball, as the Mounties have become more and more balanced throughout the season. Quarterback Mason Jacoby has thrown 12 touchdowns and just four interceptions this season, and junior Ayden Rodriguez has become a prime target down the field. Toby Jefferson and Jason Lee provide an awesome one-two punch in the backfield.
Player to watch: Senior center/defensive tackle Cody Saulsbury. He’ll be in the middle of all the action up front, and his consistency and leadership has been huge this season.
OTHELLO (6-4) AT LYNDEN (7-2)
Time: 5 PM Friday
Site: Civic Stadium
When Othello has the ball: Moving the ball against the strong Lion defense will be extremely hard. Lynden is well coached all over the field, and the communication between the players is always on point. Inside linebacker Bodie Human can read a play extremely quickly, and react instantly. The secondary has gained tremendous experience since week one, and the steady rotation up front always keep the opponent guessing.
When Lynden has the ball: I believe that the offensive linemen are up to three broken chairs so far this season, and I don’t know if that’s a school record, but I can tell you that they are massive! 1,000-yard running back Steven DiLorenzo has an incredible knack of leaning forward as much as any runner I’ve seen at this level, which allows him to always gain extra yards after every hit. The run game sets up the pass, and quarterback Baylor Ayres has been tremendous with 10 touchdown passes and the Whatcom County’s highest passer rating at 118.7.
Player to watch: Junior defensive lineman Carter Van Diest. He impressed his coaches over the summer, and earned a starting spot on the defense. Now he’s impressing other coaches, and his ability to make plays at the line of scrimmage has been extremely beneficial for the Lions.
MERIDIAN (4-7) AT MONTESANO (10-0)
Time: 6 PM Friday
Site: Montesano High School
When Meridian has the ball: After 485 yards of total offense last week, senior quarterback Cameron Webster is playing the best football of his varsity career. The Bulldogs will likely key on him, and this is where running back Trent Martin and wide receiver Ryan Johnson could shine. The offensive line looked awesome over the past few games, and it will need to play it’s best in this one. Junior wide receiver Wesley Kurz could be the x-factor, as he has been in on big scoring plays lately.
When Montesano has the ball: The Bulldogs have put up a lot of points this season, in fact they are averaging 48 points per game! The competition hasn’t been what Meridian’s has been, but an undefeated record speaks for itself. Senior defensive tackle Trent Gookstetter can apply pressure up the middle, while Mason Knutson and Joseph Plagerman always do a great job on the edge. Webster is the team’s leading tackler at strong safety, and he could be the major factor of this game.
Player to watch: Senior quarterback/strong safety Cameron Webster. After being named the WIAA player of the week, we’ll have to see what he has for an encore. His physicality and toughness overshadow how great his leadership has been all season.
I’m glad Ackerman still knows the value of an incredible offensive line!!! Go STORM!