Welcome to week nine! The season is flying by, and I hope you seniors take it all in. You’re creating memories that will last the rest of your lives.
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 Mark Holleman for being the guest picker this week! As a 2003 graduate of Lynden Christian, Holleman was a one-of-a-kind athlete in Whatcom County in the early 2000’s. I witnessed a lot of players during that time while covering prep sports for the Bellingham Herald, and I would say that Holleman was my favorite to watch. At 
quarterback, he was always a threat to make a huge play either through the air, or on the ground. As a strong safety, his ability to pursue was unmatched. In basketball he could hit NBA-range 3-pointers during varsity games with regularity, and in baseball his 90+ MPH fastball was pretty amazing to see at the high school level. His intensity on the football field was well-known. Even Coach Dan Kaemingk told me one time that he had to tell Mark at practice to take it down a few notches, because he was worried that he was going to injure all of his teammates. He first got into a varsity game as a sophomore. It was the fourth quarter, and the Lyncs held a 46-0 lead over South Whidbey. He was the third QB used in the game, and he was out there to run the clock out. However, the fiery competitor took off for a 65-yard touchdown run. He took over the starting quarterback job halfway through his junior year, and ended the season with 688 passing yards and 15 touchdowns while leading his team to the state semi-finals. As a senior, he threw for 1619 yards and 25 touchdowns, to only six interceptions. He also ran in eight more scores, and was named All-State 2nd Team at quarterback. He again led his team to the state semi-finals, was named All-State 1st Team at defensive back, and he finished his career with a 16-3 record as the starting quarterback. I’m proud to say that Mark is a good friend of mine, and his encouraging words to me have meant a lot over the years.
Now… onto the week nine previews.
MERIDIAN (2-6) AT LYNDEN CHRISTIAN (6-1)
Time: 7 PM Thursday
Site: Lynden Christian High School
When Meridian has the ball: The reliance that the Trojans have in quarterback Cameron Webster has been evident, and the do-everything senior has played his heart out. This will be a giant test for him, as the LC defense has just gotten stronger as the season has wore on. Getting the ball quickly to the perimeter will be key for Meridian, and let Ryan Johnson and Ethan Brooks use their athleticism to go one-on-one. Linebackers Will Faber and Davis Gatterman will also play a huge role, as one of them will likely spy Webster move for move.
When Lynden Christian has the ball: The passing game of the Lyncs is running on all cylinders at the moment, but LC will still want to run the ball. Senior Easton Stremler has been stymied the past few weeks, and that could open holes for Levi Korthuis and backup quarterback Logan Dykstra. Senior Jackson Corkill became the school’s all-time leading pass-catcher last week, and he had a tremendous game against the Trojans three weeks ago. Meridian will need to apply pressure up the middle, and make stops on the third downs.
Matchup to watch: Meridian linebacker Andrew Trautman versus Lynden Christian offensive lineman Kase Lautenbach. Trautman has been consistently making plays on defense since conference play has started, and there could be some big collisions between he and Lautenbach, who has been the unsung hero of the Lyncs.
MOUNT BAKER (7-1) AT NOOKSACK VALLEY (2-6)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Sid Lambert Field
When Mount Baker has the ball: The Mountaineers got back on the winning track, and did it with an even attack. Quarterback Mason Jacoby finished with 176 yards passing last week, and all three of his receivers looked good when they got the ball. The Pioneer defense has been strong against the run all season, but did give up 233 yards on the ground in the last match up against Baker.
When Nooksack Valley has the ball: After seeing the Pioneer spread offense in it’s 12th season in a row, it was odd to see Nooksack Valley lineup in a double-tight, straight T backfield set last week. With that being said, I have no clue what to expect, and I think the Pioneers like it that way. Dane Winter is nearing 1000 yards on the ground this season, and his ability to break long runs has been one of the strong points for Nooksack Valley. The Mountie defense has been great at causing turnovers, and then taking advantage.
Matchup to watch: Mount Baker tight end Waylon Kentner versus Nooksack Valley strong safety Scout Whittern. Two different styles of players. Kentner has the size, and Whittern has the speed. If Kentner can get good position, he should be able to make the catch, but he better be ready for Whittern breaking on the ball.
SEHOME (6-2) AT BURLINGTON-EDISON (1-7)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Kirkby Field
When Sehome has the ball: It’s been a few weeks since this offense took the field, and it looked strong in it’s last game, putting up 40 points against West Seattle in the first half. Expect the Mariners to find openings in the passing game, and take what the Tiger defense gives them. The running game has evolved into a staple of the Sehome offense, and the balance can only be a good thing.
When Burlington-Edison has the ball: The Tigers have had moments of great plays during the season, but it hasn’t translated into many wins. The Sehome defense has worked great as a unit, with basically the same key guys on the field then entire year. Junior strong safety Colin Dorsch is a difference maker that reads plays quicker than most, and senior defensive lineman Rylie Bair can line up at any of the three down positions for the Mariners, and he usually succeeds.
Player to watch: Sophomore tight end/outside linebacker Caleb Ryan. He definitely doesn’t look like a sophomore out there. His presence in the passing game is starting to take place, which alleviates pressure from Malo and Nelson. He’s also making numerous big plays in key moments on defense.
LIBERTY (6-2) AT BLAINE (1-7)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Borderite Field
When Liberty has the ball: The Patriots never lean on one player, and usually have a handful of different players share the limelight. The key will be to just play assignment football and be disruptive in the backfield. It looks like senior defensive tackle Wyatt Cole will be healthy enough to play, and that helps the odds of making plays in the backfield. Gavino Rodriguez, Mason Vega and Spencer Dalry have all enjoyed great seasons at the linebacker spot, and if they can force some turnovers in this game, it could go a long way.
When Blaine has the ball: Expect to see a lot of counter runs, and handoffs to senior Oscar Caridad. The speedster is nearing 1000 yards on the season, and his breakaway speed could see him surpass that mark quickly. Quarterback Will McKinney has been able to take advantage of the attention given to Caridad on run plays, and make things happen on the ground himself. Tight end Mason Vega is a great run blocker, but he’ll also sneak out and catch some passes.
Player to watch: Senior offensive tackle Leo Good. His ability to protect McKinney will be a major factory, and he should also be able to spring some big holes for Caridad.
SHORECREST (6-2) AT FERNDALE (4-4)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Ferndale Memorial Stadium
When Shorecrest has the ball: I keep talking every week about the overall speed of the Golden Eagle defense, and it’s apparent when you watch them. But, defensive back Michael Bernard has been the true key on that side of the ball. Although the smallest player on the field in most situations, he plays huge with great instincts. Defensive ends Geirean Hatchett and Malachi Ledbetter will be able to force most plays inside where the Ferndale linebackers will be ready.
When Ferndale has the ball: The Golden Eagles are averaging over seven yards per carry on the season, and if that continues it will be another victory in downtown Ferndale. The powerful run game has opened up big plays in the passing game. Quarterback Haiden Rasmussen has steered the ship tremendously this season, and he knows when and how to get the ball to his playmakers.
Player to watch: Senior wide receiver/strong safety Michael Bernard. Great closing speed and tackling ability on defense. His interception for a touchdown turned up his confidence to a new level, and he’s on top of his game right now.
EDMONDS-WOODWAY (5-3) AT SQUALICUM (6-2)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Civic Stadium
When Edmonds-Woodway has the ball: The Warriors have been winners of four of their past five games, and offense hasn’t been a problem. So, the Storm defense will need to be ready from the first snap. Squalicum started the season as a young team, but that experience has shown each and every week, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The front seven for Squalicum has been playing great this past month, making tackles for loss and causing errant throws that defensive backs Dedrick Mitchell and Elliott Aslan have capitalized on.
When Squalicum has the ball: Of course, the Warriors will key on Djouvensky Schlenbaker. Good luck with that. I’m sure every team has done that this season, and he’s still averaging over 200 yards rushing per game. If you put eight in the box, quarterback Mason Binning will tear you apart. He’s getting the ball out of his hands very quickly, and each of his receivers are playing their role exceptionally well.
Player to watch: Senior guard/defensive lineman Ben Paz. He’s not going to put up the huge numbers, but he plays such a huge role on the team. He’s a true mauler on the offensive line, and his sheer presence often takes up two blockers when he’s on defense.
