After a few weeks, some teams are starting to separate themselves. Some moving up and some moving down. Unfortunately, the Meridian/Lynden Christian game has been canceled due to Covid-related issues. But, we still have football to enjoy!
Alright! Week three is upon us, and we have six games to preview, so let’s get to it!
LYNDEN (1-1) AT SQUALICUM (2-0)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Civic Stadium
When Lynden has the ball: The Lions will rely on their strength, which happens to be… their strength. Confused? Yeah, sorry about that. It’s their physical strength. Running between the tackles, and controlling the clock with Caleb Wheeler and Baylor Ayres. Squalicum’s outside linebackers, Bryson Lamb and Djouvensky Schlenbaker, are a tremendous combo that can cause problems in the backfield.
When Squalicum has the ball: Schlenbaker is a little salty because he fell one yard short of 200 yards rushing last week, so he will be ready to go. But, the Squalicum passing game has really been moving the ball this year. The Lions will rely heavily on their linebackers, Taivin VanDalen and Connor White, to slow down the running game.
Matchup to watch: Squalicum junior wide receiver Kai Posey versus Lynden senior cornerback Caleb Wheeler. Speed on speed, Posey has already caught four touchdown passes this season, but Wheeler is able to really stick onto receivers.
MOUNT BAKER (2-0) AT BISHOP BLANCHET (0-0)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Bishop Blanchet High School
When Mount Baker has the ball: Pounding the rock, and then throwing the homerun ball. It’s a formula that has worked. With many returning varsity guys on offense, and the emergence of running back Jesse Sande, the Mountaineers can move the ball against anyone, and that includes this 3A opponent.
When Bishop Blanchet has the ball: The Braves will be in the shotgun, and they have good size. Little else is known, at least from me. Mount Baker will learn a lot early in the game, and will need to adjust quickly. Ayden Rodriguez, Caleb Horsmon and Mason Jacoby will be tested in the secondary, but they will be ready for anything.
Player to watch: Mount Baker lineman Aidan Corning. At 6-foot-5 and 281 pounds, the Simon Fraser University-bound senior is rapidly becoming one of the best left tackles in recent memory. Tremendous athletic ability when pulling, and also a big force at defensive end.
NOOKSACK VALLEY (0-2) AT ANACORTES (1-1)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Anacortes High School
When Nooksack Valley has the ball: The Pioneer offense has struggled so far, but the debut of senior Cody Coppinger at quarterback could really turn things around. I’ve never seen him play football, but I’m aware of the athletic ability, and his presence can only be a good thing.
When Anacortes has the ball: Nooksack Valley’s defense has been extremely strong. Junior defensive end Nick Dykstra leads the county with six tackles for loss. Linebacker Jet Triplett is leading the county in tackles and senior safety Scout Whittern can always be seen all over the field making big plays.
Player to watch: Senior lineman Alex Clawson. The big man is extremely strong in the interior of the defensive line, and his snaps from center are always on point.
BELLINGHAM (0-2) AT BLAINE (0-2)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Borderite Stadium
When Bellingham has the ball: The Red Raiders have struggled offensively, but with so many first-year varsity players, that can be expected. Senior quarterback Trevor Johnson has a lot of talent, and he can extend plays when needed. Borderite junior linebacker Spencer Dalry will need to be on the lookout for the quick-pass game.
When Blaine has the ball: Senior quarterback Will McKinney has had a strong connection with receivers Benjamin Arps and Jaxon Kortlever. The running game will need to improve to take pressure off McKinney. Red Raider sophomore safety Liam Poulton-Claypool has been impressive, and extremely aggressive. Junior Alex Breeding has become a pass-rushing specialist that will need to be accounted for.
Matchup to watch: Bellingham senior wide receiver Kyle McColl versus Blaine senior safety Taylor Olson. McColl has the size advantage, but Olson has the tenacity to make plays on the ball.
FERNDALE (2-0) AT SEHOME (2-0)
Time: 7:00 PM Saturday
Site: Sehome High School
When Ferndale has the ball: You can likely expect more of the same, from this ground and pound offense. Expect the Golden Eagles to run the ball 90% of the time with Isaiah Carlson, Ryan Pelton and Thomas Broselle, and passes will be deep downfield. Sehome’s linebackers will have a busy game, and the Mariners have two great run-supporting safeties in Tim Malo and Colin Dorsch.
When Sehome has the ball: The Mariners bring the spread offense, and Ferndale already seen the spread twice this year. But, Sehome’s passing game is not quite like one the Golden Eagles have seen yet. Ferndale’s young defensive line effort to control the line of scrimmage will go a long way into stopping the Mariners’ timing offense.
Matchup to watch: Sehome senior quarterback Jacob Kaepernick versus Ferndale senior safety Andrew Monks. I love this matchup. Kaepernick does a great job of looking off defenders, and Monks will need to be ready for everything playing deep center field.
