MERIDIAN (5-2) AT MOUNT BAKER (5-2)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Bob Tisdale Field
When Meridian has the ball: You might see a formation that you’ve never seen before, but you will see terrific line-play, tough rushing yards between the tackles and a dynamic quarterback. Dawson Logan has ran for over 200 yards the past two weeks, and has scored more touchdowns than anyone in the Northwest 1A Conference. Kevin Galiano is a dangerous receiver, and All-State lineman Adam Kruzich is back. Baker’s defense has been adept at turning the ball over all season. Jay Allen has been a rock at middle linebacker, and the Kentner brothers, Michael and Waylon, can come off the edge with tenacity.
When Mount Baker has the ball: Smash-mouth football. But, is it really? Maybe they are extremely athletic. The Mountaineers have very quick offensive linemen that are very precise in their blocking schemes, and the running backs can dart around and hit the holes when needed. Kaleb Bass is the school’s career passing leader, and Kobee Malone has unreal speed. Linebacker Dylan Hickok is picking up right where he left off last year when he was named All-State 2nd Team. The Trojans have also rotated numerous defensive linemen that have been getting after the quarterback. Logan, Galiano and Dante Castaneda create a great secondary.
Climbing up the school-record list: Meridian running back is only 105 rushing yards away from being in the top 10 in school history, where he would pass Trojan legend Dudley Nightingale. Mount Baker quarterback Kaleb Bass is already the school’s career leader in passing yards (3371). He currently sits tied at third place with Andrew Zender at 31 touchdown passes. Jon Raney (38) and Brent Cowden (36) are the only players left to catch.
