We did it. It’s the final week of the season, and we still have a team left!
Again, I am joined by my colleagues: Eric Trent of the Lynden Tribune, Ryland Spencer of Cascadia Preps and local broadcaster Jeff Bearden.
I would like to thank Darren Johnson for being our guest picker this week! A 1987 graduate of Lynden Christian, Johnson did a lot of memorable things for the Lyncs in the mid-80’s. He’s the only player in school history to run for a touchdown, pass for a touchdown, catch a touchdown pass, return a kickoff for a touchdown, and score a touchdown on defense. He quarterbacked the Lyncs to the state championship game during his senior season, the first appearance in school history. He completed 110 passes for 1596 yards and 17 touchdowns during that year, and even though he last took a snap at LC over 30 years ago, he still ranks near the top of almost every passing stat in school history. The memorable 1986 season put Lynden Christian on the map, as far as football goes. Teams became successful soon after that, with multiple state tournament appearances, and they always look back to the 1986 season where it all started.
Now… onto the state championship preview.
LYNDEN CHRISTIAN (11-1) VS ROYAL (13-0)
Time: 12 Noon Saturday
Site: Harry E. Lang Stadium
When Lynden Christian has the ball: The Lyncs have all the weapons. Multiple runners, multiple receivers… heck, they even have multiple quarterbacks! However, none of it matters if the five guys up front don’t do their job. Offensive line coach Nate Bosman has his guys playing great right now, and this will be their biggest task. Controlling the line of scrimmage will be the offensive key in this game.
When Royal has the ball: The Knights are undefeated, and average 56 points per game. Have they played a defense like the Lyncs? LC has defensively shut down every team it has faced in the state playoffs. By the way, they were all undefeated, and averaged a ton of points per game before facing Lynden Christian. The defensive key will be the secondary. The Lyncs have a ton of athletes that will have to contend with the multiple routes that Royal runs.
Player to watch: Senior tight end/defensive lineman Zach Sipma. He’s going to completely lay it on the line in this one. His size and quickness off the ball could play a factor in the Royal backfield, and allow the speed of the LC defensive backs to make plays on rushed throws.
