Welcome to week three! There were a few games that didn’t go Whatcom County’s way last week, and with nine games this week (only one game featuring two Whatcom County teams against each other), it’s time to make a little noise!
Again, I will be joined by my colleagues: Eric Trent of the Lynden Tribune, Ryland Spencer of Cascadia Preps and local broadcaster Jeff Bearden. Ryland and I are currently at 11-3, and Jeff is just behind us at 10-4. Eric had a few more picks go against him, and he’s currently sitting at 8-6, while my pal Joe Consensus is doing well at 11-3.
I would like to thank Casey Bauman for being our guest picker this week. A 2018 graduate of Nooksack Valley, Bauman had one of the best high school careers in Whatcom County history. Blessed with tremendous size, he had a cannon for an arm and was extremely hard to bring down. A three-year starter for the Pioneers, he completed 555-of-882 passes for 7437 yards and 65 touchdowns in his career. His 555 completions is more than any other player in Whatcom County history. He was named All-State 2nd Team as a senior. We all still get to root for Casey as he is currently the starting quarterback for the Montana State Bobcats, and he has led them to a 2-1 record so far this season as a redshirt freshman. His amazing leadership and passing skills will lead him as far as he wants to go, and I would like to personally thank him for always being gracious with his time, and even taking a picture with me after a game. Yes, I’m a fan.
Now… onto the week three previews.
MOUNT BAKER (2-0) AT CASCADE (2-0)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Peshastin-Dryden Sports Complex
When Mount Baker has the ball: The running game has been a familiar site to Baker fans, and it’s doing quite well. They could open up the pass a little more with junior quarterback Mason Jacoby getting more and more comfortable each game. The offensive line, which is full of brand new starters since last season, has worked tremendously well as a team. The Mountaineers are looking great so far this year, and the only 2-0 team in the county.
When Cascade has the ball: The defense has relied on quickness this season, and it has been evident. Even the defensive line averages under 200 pounds per player, but the toughness and speed is there. Linebackers Waylon Kentner and Davin Beason are extremely active, and work well as a team in the middle of the field. The secondary leads the county in passes defended. Toby Jefferson has been a joy to watch as both a linebacker and as a defensive end.
Player to watch: Offensive tackle Victor Scheuner is beginning to show his dominance in the trenches. He stays on his blocks extremely well, and has opened up some big holes for the big-time running game of the Mountaineers.
KING’S (0-2) AT NOOKSACK VALLEY (1-1)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Sid Lambert Field
When King’s has the ball: The Pioneers defense has been great so far this season, allowing just seven points in regulation, against a pair of 2A teams. Senior defensive end Clancy Coppinger broke out last week with three tackles for losses, and defensive tackle Alex Clawson has been one of the best interior defensive linemen in Whatcom County during this young season. Look for safeties Cole Eldridge and Scout Whittern to make big plays in the middle of the field.
When Nooksack Valley has the ball: The Pioneer offense exploded last week, and could really do no wrong. The run game has been as strong as it’s been over the last number of years. Eldridge’s confidence has really grown at the quarterback position, and the impact that Dane Winter has had at running back has been immeasurable. Senior Ryan Veening could really break out this week after catching his first touchdown of the season last week.
Player to watch: Wide receiver and defensive end Cameron Bauman. The 6-foot-3 195-pound senior has been great this season at controlling the edge on defense. He has the potential to become another big threat in the already potent Pioneer offense.
BLAINE (1-1) AT LYNDEN CHRISTIAN (1-0)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Lynden Christian High School
When Blaine has the ball: The Borderites will need to establish the run game early and keep the explosive Lync offense off the field. Oscar Caridad and Joshua Lopez could get a lot of carries behind the big Blaine offensive line. LC linebackers Will Faber and Davis Gatterman will be active all game, as they will try to slow down the Borderite run game.
When Lynden Christian has the ball: Quarterback Trajan Schouten will spread the wealth to many different receivers, as well as his two star running backs. It will be two weeks since the Lyncs have played, and they will be eager to break out. Wyatt Cole, Tyler Haggith and the rest of the Blaine defensive line will need to put pressure on Schouten, and the play of outside linebackers Braden Stanovich and Tyson Kirk could be instrumental against the LC fly sweeps.
Matchup to watch for: Blaine quarterback Will McKinney versus Lynden Christian strong safety Bryce Bouwman. McKinney will need to keep an eye on #15 when throwing over the middle, and Bouwman will need to be aware that McKinney has become a running threat when receivers are covered.
STEILACOOM (1-1) AT LYNDEN (1-1)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Rollie DeKoster Field
When Steilacoom has the ball: The Lions might not see a team all season that throws the ball as much as the Sentinels. The Lynden secondary doesn’t have a lot of varsity experience, and it will be tested to the max. Look for senior outside linebacker Brock Heppner to play a role in pass coverage, and possibly blitz from time to time. Inside linebacker Bodie Human is one of the best in the state, and he will have every chance to prove it in this game.
When Lynden has the ball: Last week’s game plan could really work this week as well. The offensive line was amazing last week, and if the Lions can keep the ball on the ground again, it could be really beneficial. Heppner kept the ball 30 times last week on run plays from his quarterback position, which is really saying something since he wasn’t at quarterback the entire game.
Player to watch for: Center Marty Karb. The senior has tremendous strength, and he’ll need to use all of it up front against Steilacoom. He’ll be paving the way for numerous inside run games that can keep drives alive.
BELLINGHAM (0-2) AT SAMMAMISH (0-2)
Time: 7:00 PM Friday
Site: Sammamish High School
When Bellingham has the ball: The spread offense is just itching to break out, and this could be the game that it does. Quarterback Cody Tolle has been accurate on his receiver’s short timing routes. Seniors Morgan Cavalier and Andre Triplett are capable of making big plays after catching short passes. The return of punishing senior running back Jack Fields will help open up the passing game.
When Sammamish has the ball: If the Red Raiders break out to an early lead, it will really help their defense get after the Sammamish quarterback. Senior defensive end Chris Oesterling leads the county with five sacks, and he could very well add to that total in this game. Linebacker Jackson Taylor has been a tackling machine, with defensive linemen Julian Donohue and Thai Nguyen taking on the blockers.
Player to watch: Offensive lineman and defensive end Chris Oesterling. The 6-foot-3 senior is on a roll. If Sammamish used just one player to block him it could be a long night for that offense.
FERNDALE (0-2) AT MARYSVILLE-GETCHELL (1-1)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Quil Ceda Stadium
When Ferndale has the ball: The Golden Eagle offense had pretty good success against Lynden last week, and should improve even more in their first conference game. Jacob Broselle is capable of ripping off big runs, and senior guard Geirean Hatchett is opening up big running lanes. Sophomore fullback Ryan Pelton has shown his promise running between the tackles, and his recent ability to catch the ball out of the backfield is another added element.
When Marysville-Getchell has the ball: The Getchell offense has a lot of varsity experience, but it will be tested against an ultra quick Golden Eagle defense. Linebackers Kobe Sandstrom and Jazen Guillory have been effective against the run and the pass, and junior Andrew Monks is one of the best tackling defensive backs in the county.
Player to watch for: Quarterback Haiden Rasmussen. The junior showed off his passing skills last week, and he could do the same in this game. Not afraid to throw from the pocket, and is also accurate while throwing on the run.
MARYSVILLE-PILCHUCK (2-0) AT SQUALICUM (1-1)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Civic Stadium
When Marysville-Pilchuck has the ball: Coached by Mount Baker alum Brandon Carson, the Tomahawks have been a strong team in recent history, so the Storm will have to play a great game. The front seven has been great Squalicum, led by Adam McCluskey and Bryson Lamb, and not allowing big plays will be paramount. Sophomore Kai Posey intercepted a pair of passes last week, and his athleticism could prove to be the difference.
When Squalicum has the ball: It could be the Ben Schlenbaker show for the third week in a row. Whatcom County’s leading rusher has been a joy to watch, and he could carry the ball up to 30 times in this game. Junior quarterback Mason Binning has been able to get a lot of his receivers involved, and the addition of Steven Owens last week just gives Squalicum another quality athlete on the field.
Player to watch for: Running back and outside linebacker Ben Schlenbaker. It may be an obvious choice, but this might be a game where the muscular sophomore is leaned upon more than any other.
CENTARLIA (1-1) AT SEHOME (1-1)
Time: 1 PM Saturday
Site: Civic Stadium
When Centralia has the ball: The Mariners have to be ready for a shoot-out. The Tigers have averaged 49 points per game this season, but I’m not sure if they’ve faced a defense like Sehome’s yet. Junior safety Tim Malo has been one of the best overall defensive players during this young 2019 season, and he should get plenty of opportunities to make plays on Saturday. Fellow junior Colin Dorsch is a hard-hitting safety that has done a great job of making big stops in the run game.
When Sehome has the ball: The run game needs to get figured out, and I have a hunch it will this week. I could see Dorsch and/or Dawson Smith picking up big yards on the ground. Quarterback Jacob Kaepernick has thrown for more yards than anyone this season in the county, but has yet to find the end zone through the air, that should also change.
Player to watch for: Running back and strong safety Colin Dorsch. While not the biggest players on the field, the junior’s toughness definitely stands out. He doesn’t put up the big numbers, but he definitely has the ability to do so.
AMADOR (3-0) AT MERIDIAN (0-2)
Time: 5 PM Friday
Site: Meridian High School
When Amador has the ball: The Trojans have seen two different offenses in their first two games, and I have no idea what kind of offense the Californian team will bring, but I can assure that Meridian will be ready for it. The addition of Austin Anderson last week was big, and he will continue to make plays. Elijah Guzman is another player that has looked very explosive, both as an inside linebacker and as a down lineman.
When Meridian has the ball: As Cameron Webster keeps growing more confident behind center, the Meridian offense will only get better and better. 6-foot-4 wide receiver Ethan Brooks has proven to be a great target, and running back Trent Martin can really do it all. Ryan Johnson and Grady Burkett are also both very athletic, and they could have a big game on Saturday.
Player to watch for: Outside linebacker Jon Boger. The senior was very active last week against Colville, and it really stood out on film. He will be counted upon to make a difference in this game.
