We are now onto the state playoffs! Below are previews for all four games this weekend, as well as our predictions, a podcast that gives our thoughts on all the games and who we picked as our fantasy players! Thank you to Andy Olson for being our guest picker, and thank you to Nooksack Valley junior Colton Lentz for the intro.
CONNELL (5-5) AT LYNDEN CHRISTIAN (7-2)
Time: 4:00 PM Friday
Site: Blaine High School
What to expect: The Lyncs have had a week off, and they will be ready to go. I personally think that it will be tough for the Eagles to get much momentum in this one, as Lynden Christian is a team that is peaking incredibly high at the moment. The Lyncs will show some great speed on the turf at Blaine, and it will be their first game on artificial turf since week two at Archbishop Murphy.
Player to watch: Junior inside linebacker Trey Bosman. I really feel like the All-Conference linebacker will have a huge impact in this one. Connell likes to throw short passes over the middle, and Bosman will be right there to make the play.
Historical significance: These two teams have never played each other.
Moving up the record book: Senior linebacker Kayden Stuit is just eight tackles away from 200 in his career.
BREMERTON (8-2) AT LYNDEN (7-2)
Time: 6:00 PM Friday
Site: Civic Stadium
What to expect: The Lions, like the Lyncs, were also off last week, and should be fully assembled for this one. Lynden in the playoffs at Civic Stadium… it’s almost like clockwork this time of year, and the last time the Lions lost a game at Civic Stadium was eight years ago against Sedro-Woolley in a play-in game for the state tournament. The colder it gets, the better Lynden gets. A power run game will be the key for the Lions in this one.
Player to watch: Senior linebacker Charlie Ayres. It’s been a crazy season for the Lynden captain, and his play in the middle of the field will go a long way in getting a win for his crew.
Historical significance: This will be the first meeting between the two schools.
Moving up the record book: Junior quarterback Brant Heppner is just 83 yards away from passing Tate Dallas for ninth on the school’s all-time passing list.
MOUNT TAHOMA (7-3) AT FERNDALE (8-2)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Golden Eagle Stadium
What to expect: Another home game for five weeks in a row, and the Ferndale fans are loving it! Undefeated at home all season, and the momentum is riding high. Mount Tahoma is huge, and athletic, but its the first time they have made the state playoffs in almost 40 years. The Thunderbirds might not see the Wing-T very often, and that could be to Ferndale’s advantage.
Player to watch: Senior quarterback/cornerback Bishop Ootsey. He won’t be asked to make too many plays on offense, but he can when it’s needed. If the Thunderbirds start throwing a bunch, he will be tested, but he’s one of the most competitive kids in Whatcom County.
Historical significance: These two teams have never met before.
Moving up the record book: Senior strong safety Conner Walcker is just a tackle away from tying Jake Mason on the school’s career tackle list.
CASCADE CHRISTIAN (8-2) AT NOOKSACK VALLEY (7-2)
Time: 5 PM Saturday
Site: Civic Stadium
What to expect: It could be a closer game than many might think. The Cougars are always strong, and this year is no different. Both Cascade Christian and the Pioneers lost to King’s by just two points. Nooksack Valley played nearly perfect last week at Granite Falls to get into the tournament, and it will be extremely hard to take them down at this point.
Player to watch: Senior right tackle/defensive end Dalton Hickey. He gets the job done on every play, and he has a great knack at getting after the quarterback. If Nooksack Valley gets up early, and the Cougars have to throw a bunch, he will be set loose to make big plays.
Historical significance: This will be the ninth contest between the two teams, and Nooksack Valley only won once! That one time came in 2001 with the Pioneers winning 53-6 behind the 140 yards and two touchdowns from Ty Willemsen.
Moving up the record book: Senior running back Skyler Whittern has averaged over 12 yards per carry this season. It’s the highest average yards per carry by any player in a single season in Whatcom County history.
