NOOKSACK VALLEY (3-1) AT LYNDEN CHRISTIAN (4-0)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Lynden Christian High School
When Nooksack Valley has the ball: The Pioneers have been hit by the injury bug. They are hopeful that Evan Neitling will be able to play tonight. If he can, it will give Nooksack Valley a tremendous weapon on the outside. Cole Eldridge started the season as the running back, but has been moved to wide receiver. Diminutive Devin Lackey has taken over at running back and Austin O’Bryan is as dynamic as it gets at quarterback. The Lyncs have been tremendous on defense this season, and now they just need to find a way to contain O’Bryan. Linebacker Easton Stremler could be a great choice to shadow the Pioneer quarterback. Defensive ends Simon Anker and Jake Libolt will try to set the edge, and push O’Bryan towards the middle of the field.
When Lynden Christian has the ball: The Lyncs have had moments on offense, but they are still not exactly where they want to be. Trajan Schouten has been a clutch quarterback at the varsity level, and has still yet to lose a game. Levi Korthuis has become the go-to back, and can rattle off the tough yards, especially when running behind offensive tackle Dylan Kaemingk. Tanner Feenstra has made some spectacular catches, and Jalen Apol is a tremendous route runner with elusive moves. The Nooksack Valley defense is led by linebackers Cooper Clawson and O’Bryan. Landon Bruland plays with a high level of tenacity from his defensive end spot, and Halston Boersema has already intercepted two passes in the secondary.
Hey, I remember watching his dad play: Nooksack Valley senior Cooper Clawson is one of the most instinctive linebackers in the county. His dad is Josh Clawson who starred on the line for the Pioneers in the mid-90’s. He was named All-League Honorable Mention as a defensive lineman in 1996, and he also wore #78. Lynden Christian senior wide receiver Jalen Apol has been clutch for LC this season as both a receiver and a punt returner. His dad Mike Apol was a bruising running back for the Lyncs in the early 90’s, and he was a two-way starter for the 1993 Lynden Christian team that played for the State Championship. As a junior he was an All-League Honorable Mention pick as a running back. As a senior he was named All-League 2nd Team at running back as well as All-League 2nd Team as a defensive end. He totaled 774 yards rushing in his career, and scored 17 touchdowns.
