FOOTBALL
1998 Season
As a sophomore, he got most of his playing varsity time on special teams.
He was in on kickoff and punt teams, and made numerous tackles.
He also served as a backup lineman on both sides of the ball.
Although the Lyncs finished just 6-6 on the season, they were able to reach the state semifinals at the 1A level.
1999 Season
It was LC’s first season at the 2A level, and it coincided with his first season as a starter at the varsity level.
From day one he started on the offensive line, sometimes at guard, but usually at left tackle.
He was also heavily in the rotation as a defensive lineman.
His blocking helped lead the way for huge rushing games by the Lyncs, as they averaged over 250 yards on the ground per game for the first six games. Lynden Christian also scored 21 rushing touchdowns in that span.
More importantly, the Lyncs were undefeated during the stretch, and was set up to battle Mount Baker at home. A win in that game would likely guarantee a playoff spot and the Lyncs came away victorious, 21-18.
A non-league loss to Tahoma at home then set up the big matchup at Meridian for the North Cascades Conference Championship. The Trojans came into the game with a 10-game winning streak going back to the previous season.
Meridian came out on top, 36-7, but the Lyncs were still headed to the state playoffs.
A tough-luck 14-6 loss in the first round of the state playoffs to Orting closed the season on Lynden Christian, which ended with a 7-3 record.
2000 Season
He entered his senior season as one of the top overall linemen in the league and as a team captain.
Now a two-way starter at 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, he was back at guard on offense, while also starting in the interior of the defensive line.
In one of the most dominating seasons in school history, Hemnes’ toughness and leadership provided a path to an 8-0 start to the season, which included three shut outs.
During that span, the Lyncs averaged over 40 points per game offensively, and gave up an average of less than six points per game.
Lynden Christian suffered their first loss in the regular season finale at home against Meridian, 14-7, who was now riding a 23-game winning streak.
Wanting to avoid last season’s early exit of the state playoffs, the Lyncs put up nearly 300 yards of total offense and beat Montesano 27-14.
Hemnes’ season, and high school career, came to a sudden stop in the quarterfinal round when Castle Rock defeated the Lyncs 21-14.
For his efforts, Hemnes was named All-Conference 2nd Team at offensive line, and Lynden Christian finished with a 9-2 record.
Football Career
As one of the best linemen in Whatcom County during the turn of the century, Hemnes was also a winner. He helped the Lyncs reach the state playoffs in each of his three varsity seasons.
