MOUNT BAKER (2-2) AT MERIDIAN (3-1)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Meridian High School
When Mount Baker has the ball: The Mountaineers usually like to pound the ball, and that hasn’t changed. But, having a three-year starting quarterback has given Coach Ron Lepper the option to be more balanced. Jason Lee is a slashing running back that can pick up big chunks of yards at a time, and Sam Barrett can pound it up the middle and is incredibly dangerous on draw plays. Looks for Baker to find a way to get Kobee Malone the ball in space. Meridian’s defense will get after the quarterback. Dylan Hickok is masterful at linebacker, and can make tackles behind the line, or drop back in coverage. Dawson Logan will be replied upon to make plays on Kaleb Bass deep balls.
When Meridian has the ball: The Trojans could come out and chew clock, or just air it out. This could be the week that junior tight end Cameron Webster breaks out. He is a mis-match on the outside, and could have a huge game. Cole Roberts has been having a great season on the ground, and you always have to watch for Logan to make dynamic plays. The Mounties have intercepted more passes than any other team in the county, so Meridian will have to be on point with its passes. Defensive end Michael Kentner is an expert at timing jumps and knocking down passes.
Hey, I remember watching his dad play: Mount Baker sophomore Garrett Smith has been getting valuable playing time at safety this season. His dad Galen Smith was an elite defensive player for Mount Baker in the mid-90’s. He was named All-League 2nd Team at linebacker as a senior, helping Baker go undefeated through the league schedule for the first time since 1969. He also ran for 607 yards and nine touchdowns as a running back. Meridian quarterback Dawson Logan has been one of the best players in Whatcom County this season. His dad Gordy Logan was one of the top athletes in Whatcom County in the early 90’s. As a senior he led Ferndale with six interceptions, and he also threw for 700 yards and five touchdowns as the Golden Eagles quarterback.
