LYNDEN CHRISTIAN (3-0) AT MOUNT BAKER (2-1)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Bob Tisdale Field
When Lynden Christian has the ball: Trajan Schouten has impressed at quarterback, but deep down, this is a power running team. Levi Korthuis is a workhorse, and has already totaled 276 yards on the ground this season. The offensive line has been outstanding, wide receiver Tanner Feenstra has prolific hands and H-back Sam Faber has found the end zone often. Mount Baker linebacker Jay Allen has been huge the past few games, and defensive end Michael Kentner has batted a pair of passes that have turned into interceptions, one that he returned himself for a touchdown. Sophomore Ayden Rodriguez intercepted two passes last week, and the Mountaineers have intercepted a county-high seven passes so far this season.
When Mount Baker has the ball: This where the great match up will take place. Mount Baker is the only team in Whatcom County that is averaging over 400 yards of offense per game. Lynden Christian is allowing only 156 yards per game on defense. Mount Baker will look to pound the ball, and then go deep on occasion. The Lyncs defense has still yet to give up a touchdown all season. Kobee Malone could be a wild-card for the Mounties, and will likely be the fastest player on the field. LC linebacker Davis Gatterman scored a defensive touchdown last week, and will try to neutralize the Mountie Wing-T.
Special Teams are special: It could become a battle of field position, and we have two different kinds of punters. LC’s Blake DeRuyter is a great directional punter, and rarely gets returns. Baker’s Jason Lee has been able to hit some tremendous spirals on his punts for big yardage. Malone is one of the county’s top kickoff returners, while Jalen Apol of the Lyncs is the county’s leading punt returner.
Mega match up: Lynden Christian RB Levi Korthuis vs. Mount Baker LB Jay Allen. There could be some major collisions between these two in Deming on Friday night.
