Welcome to week four! What a week it was last week, with Lynden winning in a thriller, Bellingham and Ferndale getting their first wins of the season and Mount Baker and Lynden Christian remaining unbeaten!
Again, I am joined by my colleagues: Eric Trent of the Lynden Tribune, Ryland Spencer of Cascadia Preps and local broadcaster Jeff Bearden. Ryland and I are currently at 18-5, and Jeff is just behind us at 16-7. Eric is just a game behind Jeff at 15-8, while my pal Joe Consensus is in the lead at 19-4.
I would like to thank Ben Peterson for being the guest picker this week! As this decade begins to wind down, I have started thinking about the All-Decade Team of the 2010’s. There have been a ton of great players in it, but I’m not sure there was a player that did more on the football field in this decade than the 2017 graduate of Squalicum. First off, as a freshman, he caught 40 passes for 722 yards. Think about this, less than 130 players in Whatcom County history have ever accomplished those numbers…. in their ENTIRE CAREERS! He did it as a freshman! His encore the next three seasons? Unbelievable. He scored a touchdown on defense, on a kickoff return and a punt return in EACH of his next three seasons. That’s just remarkable! He ended up with 12 touchdowns scored while not playing offense. Unreal. In addition to that, he also caught 156 passes for 2792 yards and 27 touchdowns, rushed for 1040 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also completed eight passes for 182 yards and three touchdowns while kicking 104 extra points, 8 field goals and averaging over 34 yards per punt. Those numbers will likely never be duplicated again. All of this while maintaining the highest marks in the classroom, and he was a complete class act on the football field. Now you can watch him on Saturdays, returning punts for the Air Force Academy.
Now… onto the week four previews.
MOUNT BAKER (3-0) AT LYNDEN CHRISTIAN (2-0)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Lyncs Stadium
When Mount Baker has the ball: This is a matchup that I’m extremely excited to see. How will Baker’s power run game fair against LC’s hard-hitting defense? What will Coach Kaemingk scheme up to counter the attack? And then, when does Coach Lepper counter Kaemingk’s defense with a counter run? But, who’s counting the counters… This will be as good as it gets in the county, look for the Mountaineers to try and control the clock. Defensive tackle Zach Sipma needs to be neutralized, as the 230-pound senior gets off the ball extremely quick.
When Lynden Christian has the ball: The Lyncs are averaging a county-high 439 yards per game, and the Mountaineers have a county-high six interceptions on defense. Something will have to give, and I believe it is in this situation where a big play could happen, for either side. I could see Trajan Schouten put the ball up over 30 times, but there is a lot of talent in the Baker secondary. Linebackers Davin Beason, Waylon Kentner and Jeremiah Lee will all need to play huge roles in this one.
Matchup to watch: Mount Baker running back Toby Jefferson versus Lynden Christian inside linebacker Will Faber. There will be more than a few times that these two players meet right in the middle of the field. It will just be a battle of who wants it more.
NOOKSACK VALLEY (2-1) AT MERIDIAN (0-3)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Trojan Field
When Nooksack Valley has the ball: The Pioneers are averaging 318 rushing yards per game, and 9.6 yards per running play! They spread the field, and can find big running lanes in the middle of the field. The Trojans have ALWAYS made it hard to run between the tackles. Senior Dane Winter has proven to everyone that he’s one of the top runners around, and quarterback Cole Eldridge can turn any pass play into a first down with his legs. Meridian linebacker Trent Martin could go a long way in stopping the explosive Pioneer ground game.
When Meridian has the ball: Running the ball has been tough for the Trojans (1.3 yards per carry for the season), and stopping the run is something that the Pioneers have excelled in (2.4 yards per carry against them this season). So, with that in mind, it will be up to the Meridian passing game to gain big chunks of yards. Junior wide receiver Ethan Brooks can be a matchup problem for Nooksack Valley, and he could have a huge game.
Matchup to watch: Meridian offensive tackle Mason Knutson versus Nooksack Valley defensive end Clancy Coppinger. There has been a lot of pressure put on quarterback Cameron Webster this year, and Coppinger is improving every game with his pass rush. Knutson will need to control him in order to come out on top.
CEDARCREST (2-1) AT BELLINGHAM (1-2)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Civic Stadium
When Cedarcrest has the ball: The Red Wolves are 2-1, but they haven’t put up a ton of points. Inside linebacker Jack Fields returned last week, and he helped the Red Raider defense pitch a shut out. Defensive end Chris Oesterling has my early vote for defensive player of the year, and cornerbacks Morgan Cavalier and Andre Triplett are superb tacklers and playmakers.
When Bellingham has the ball: The offense just gets better every week, and I expect more big things this week. Everyone has settled into their roles, and it’s beginning to show. Holding onto the ball will be the biggest keys, as fumbling has been an issue the past few games. Cavalier has shown that he can make the dynamic plays in the passing game, and he will be extremely hard to contain.
Player to watch for: Wide receiver and cornerback Morgan Cavalier. His all-out effort this season has been great to witness. Offensively, he has grown into one of the best receivers around, and on defensive he can really pack a punch. He also intercepted a pair of passes last week.
LYNDEN (2-1) AT ARCHBISHOP MURPHY (3-0)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Archbishop Murphy High School
When Lynden has the ball: Run thy ball. That is the way of it this season up in Lynden, and it has worked. The Lions are running the ball on nearly three quarters of their plays this season, and there’s no reason why they would change. Steven DiLorenzo broke the school record last week with his 320 yards on the ground, and quarterbacks Brock Heppner and Baylor Ayres can both really gallop. The offensive line is built to run behind, so you have to take advantage of that.
When Archbishop Murphy has the ball: Yes, the Wildcats are good. They are ranked high. Quarterback Victor Gabalis can really spin it. I don’t think the Lions are concerned with any of that. Linebackers Bodie Human and Brock Heppner have seen a lot of talent over the years, and they can handle anything you throw at them. The secondary got a great test last week, and the maturing that happened was invaluable.
Player to watch for: Strong safety Elijah Diacongiannis. Great in one-on-one matchups, and great in zone coverage. He will be all over the field, and I can’t wait to see how he reacts to the Gabalis deep-ball.
BURLINGTON-EDISON (0-3) AT BLAINE (1-2)
Time: 7:00 PM Friday
Site: Blaine High School
When Burlington-Edison has the ball: The Borderite defense has been extremely tough, and opposing teams are averaging under four yards per play against them. The Tigers are struggling, and this Blaine defense is ready to show what it can do in the NWC 2A Sky Division. Wyatt Cole has been dominating up front, Gavino Rodriguez’s move to middle linebacker has been seamless and Zane Rector has been a ball-hawk from his safety position.
When Blaine has the ball: The offense is built on running the ball behind a big offensive line. But, getting down early has led to a lot more passing than expected. Look for the Borderites to run the ball heavily with Oscar Caridad, and build up a lead. They will control the clock, and then let McKinney open it up at opportune times.
Player to watch: Tight end and linebacker Mason Vega. His name might get lost in the shuffle, but his value is off the charts. Maybe the best blocking tight end in the county, and is a reliable pass catcher. Great size and speed as a linebacker that can make a lot of plays against the pass.
SEHOME (1-2) AT MERCER ISLAND (2-1)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Mercer Island High School
When Sehome has the ball: The running game was a lot stronger last week, and hopefully the Mariners can keep building on that. They are also averaging almost 200 yards passing per game, and there’s no reason why that number would go down. Tim Malo and Melloy Nelson are the top two receivers in the county in receptions and receiving yards. Quentin Icay continues to be an amazing center with every snap on the money.
When Mercer Island has the ball: The Mariners are allowing 6.4 yards a run against them, and their leading tacklers are their safeties. I can’t see that being the case for much longer. The front seven is too experienced and talented. Sophomore defensive lineman Gavin Ortega (6-4 230) is beginning to show signs of humongous potential.
Player to watch for: Wide receiver and kicker Melloy Nelson. His 12 career receiving touchdowns is currently tied with Evan Miksovsky for second place in Sehome history, and only one behind Gary Gould. Nelson could very well break the school record against Mercer Island.
ARLINGTON (3-0) AT FERNDALE (1-2)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Ferndale High School
When Arlington has the ball: The Eagles like to air it out, and the Golden Eagles have the speed on the back end to contend with it. Jacob Broselle and Andrew Monks could come up with some big plays in the secondary while defensive linemen Geirean Hatchett at Mark Kolbert get pressure on the quarterback.
When Ferndale has the ball: Ferndale’s run game was outstanding last week, and finding that groove again this game will be key. Finding new and inventive ways of getting Broselle the ball has worked, especially when he’s running behind a pulling Hatchett. Fullback Ryan Pelton is a punishing runner between the tackles and doesn’t go down easily.
Player to watch for: Guard and defensive end Geirean Hatchett. For each week, for every team, I will always pick a different player in these previews. I wanted to use my Hatchett pick this week, because I think he will have a truly amazing game. I really feel that Ferndale matches up well against Arlington, and Geirean will give his home fans a lot to cheer about.
SQUALICUM (1-2) AT MARYSVILLE-GETCHELL (1-2)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Quil Ceda Stadium
When Squalicum has the ball: The balanced offense of the Storm will work perfectly in this game. Of course, Ben Schlenbaker’s running has been tremendous as his extremely strong offensive line continues to lead the way. Sophomore Reed Richardson has emerged as a top receiver in the Storm’s complicated offense, and quarterback Mason Binning isn’t opposed to flingin’ it all around the stadium.
When Marysville-Getchell has the ball: The Chargers like to spread it out, sometimes going shotgun with five wide. That will allow the Squalicum defensive linemen to pin their ears back and wreak havoc with a major pass rush. Also, look for the secondary to intercept at least two passes that will really turn the tempo of the game.
Player to watch for: Tight end and defensive lineman Cesar Vasquez. He has played well in his first season as a tight end, but his play at defensive line has really been great. Awesome leverage, strength and speed. He can really make plays all over the field.
Thanks for your outstanding coverage of Whatcom county football! It should be a fun Friday night.