BELLINGHAM (2-2) AT BLAINE (2-2)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Blaine High School
When Bellingham has the ball: The improvement of the Red Raiders offense has been a lot of fun to watch. They will usually line up in a straight T formation, with two tight ends, and run the ball right at you. Fullback Jack Fields doesn’t dance around, he hits the hole. Halfbacks Towner Goodman, Tim Edwards and Isiah Harrington can get around the corner. When Bellingham looks to throw, dual threat quarterback Morgan Cavalier will look to the school’s career leader in receiving yards, Spencer Lee. The Borderite defense has been stout all season, but gave up a few big plays to Sehome last week. Senior safety Derek Machula is battling a back injury, and is hopeful to go on Friday. Linebacker Hudson Reid has impressed Coach Jay Dodd, and he nearly had an interception last week.
When Blaine has the ball: Sophomore quarterback William McKinney hopes to have his main outside weapons healthy for Friday. Machula (back) is a play maker, and Chase Abshere (flu) is one of the best receivers in the county. The Borderites haven’t gotten into the end zone wince McKinney hit Abshere with the game-winning touchdown against Cedar Park Christian in week two. Senior slot receiver Alex Mercado had a breakout game against Sehome, catching five passes. The Borderites will also rotate three running backs (Jacob Westfall, Oscar Caridad and Danyil Tkachov) to see who has the hot hand. Bellingham’s defense has allowed just 15 points in the last two games combined. Lee has been a difference maker at safety. Christian Butenschoen is a load to handle up front and Fields was born to play inside linebacker and hit people.
Hey, I remember watching his dad play: Bellingham junior Jackson Taylor in a linebacker this season, and his dad James Taylor started at offensive line for Mount Baker in 1993. He played both guard and both tackle positions, and he also had four coaches in four seasons. He was a part of the team that brought the Mountaineers back to the post season for the first time since 1986. Blaine senior Ethan Deming is a defensive back this season, and his dad Lathen Deming played defensive end for the Borderites in the early 90’s. In 1992 he was named All-League Honorable Mention at defensive end, and in 1991 he caught a 50-yard touchdown pass against Nooksack Valley.
