Welcome to week five! Only Mount Baker remains unbeaten, and Whatcom County as a whole looked very impressive. As you can see, everyone’s picks are almost completely identical, which only means one thing. There’s going to be an upset in there somewhere, in which we all were proved wrong!
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 Bob Carter for being the guest picker this week! There are so many people that I need to thank more often for helping me get to where I am today, as far as covering local sports goes. And, near the top of that list is Bob Carter. 21 years ago, I was just a teenager that would do the PA announcing at the Mount Baker football games. During one game, a new sports reporter for the Bellingham Herald named Korry Keeker sat next to me up in the booth, and I was helping him with stats and different things during the game. I sheepishly mentioned to him that he basically had my DREAM job. He kinda laughed, and graciously asked for my email address, just in case they had an emergency or they wanted to try someone out. A year later, I got the email that I couldn’t believe. It was from Bob Carter, who was the sports editor for the Bellingham Herald. He had me go to a non-league game out at Nooksack Valley, and I was completely hooked. He had to help me every night with my writing, but his patience was amazing, even though we were up against a deadline. He saw the passion in me, and let me keep covering games over the next six years. He gave me a chance, when he didn’t have to. I never took a journalism class, and I really had no business doing what I was doing. But, because of him, I got to live out a dream. And, for that, I’m eternally grateful. Bob is retired now, and resides up in British Columbia for half the year, and down in Arizona for the other half. You can guess which halves. I got to meet up with Bob a few springs ago in Arizona and catch a spring training game with him. I had just started this website, and his input has gone a long way. Thank you, Bob.
Now… onto the week five previews.
LYNDEN CHRISTIAN (2-1) AT NOOKSACK VALLEY (2-2)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Sid Lambert Field
When Lynden Christian has the ball: I feel like the Lyncs are going to come out angry. I expect a big dose of Easton Stremler up the middle, and maybe a little more Zach Sipma sprinkled into the offense. The Lyncs are averaging a Whatcom County-high 385 yards per game, and I don’t see them slowing down. The Pioneers have been very stout against the run this season, allowing just three yards per rush attempt. Defensive tackle Easton Zylstra is a true difference maker up front.
When Nooksack Valley has the ball: No team in Whatcom County is averaging more rushing yards per game (298) or more yards per carry (9.4) than the Pioneers. They like to use the pass to set up the run, and Dane Winter is one of the most explosive backs in recent school history. Something’s going to have to give as the Lync defense allows just 2.8 yards per carry. Will Faber and Davis Gatterman are a tremendous linebacking duo and the secondary is extremely strong, and the addition of Shale Whittern to full strength will only help.
Matchup to watch: Nooksack Valley running back Dane Winter versus Lynden Christian linebacker Davis Gatterman. It’s hard to pick who would have the edge in this collision. There will be many opportunities to find out.
MERIDIAN (1-3) AT MOUNT BAKER (4-0)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Bob Tisdale Field
When Meridian has the ball: The Trojans finally got their ground game going last week, and Cameron Webster has been improving each week as a passer. His two touchdown passes in the fourth quarter last week proved to be the difference, and the senior captain also ran for over 100 yards. Mountaineer linebackers Waylon Kentner and Davin Beason will be major factors in this game for Mount Baker to be successful.
When Mount Baker has the ball: The Wing-T machine keeps right on going. Sprinkle in some improved passing from Mason Jacoby, and you got yourself one heck of an offense. The offensive line has worked extremely well as a unit, and look for Kentner to be utilized a little more than usual in this game. The Trojans always have great pursuit, and they can put a lot of pressure on the quarterback. Look for Austin Anderson and Jon Boger to contain the edges, and push everything to the inside.
Matchup to watch: Meridian left guard Zeke Thompson versus Mount Baker defensive tackle Phil Paez. It’s going to be size versus speed in this matchup. Thompson (6-3 250) is hard to get around, but Paez is extremely quick and he has made some great offensive linemen look very ordinary.
LAKEWOOD (4-0) AT LYNDEN (3-1)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Rollie DeKoster Field
When Lakewood has the ball: I’m not saying that every play will have a different formation, but they might. It will be all about stopping the explosive passing game of the Cougars. Lakewood returns a lot of talent. The Lion defense has seen it all so far this season. Great running teams, and one of the best passing attacks in recent memory. It will just be another game for Lynden who has played a brutal schedule so far. The secondary will be tested, but Caleb Wheeler, Elijah Diacogiannis, Evan Potter and Taivin Van Dalen are ready for the challenge.
When Lynden has the ball: If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. They’re gonna run, but it’s a matter of who’s getting the ball. Steven DiLorenzo has been magical so far this season, and is a great first option. Quarterback Baylor Ayres has shown that he’s more than just a passer, and of course, you know Lynden’s going to want to “pound the Brock” with Heppner. The offensive line his huge, and just keeps getting better every week. Harley Vandenberg’s move from right tackle last season to left tackle this season has been seamless.
Player to watch for: Outside linebacker Elijah Lyons. He has quickly turned into one of the best outside pass rushers in Whatcom County, and his skills will be vital against Lakewood.
BLAINE (1-3) AT ARCHBISHOP MURPHY (3-1)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Archbishop Murphy High School
When Blaine has the ball: The Borderites have not been shy about running the ball, and Oscar Caridad is looking like one of the top backs in the county. Doing so against the Wildcats will be tough. Archbishop is big across the defensive front, but Blaine has some impressive specimens up front as well. I’m still not aware of quarterback Will McKinney’s injured wrist, and not sure if he’ll be able to play. Backup quarterback Cole Thomas threw a touchdown pass in his first varsity action last week.
When Archbishop Murphy has the ball: ATM has a great running game, and they have great team speed. The Blaine defense is extremely tough, and inside linebacker Gavino Rodriguez will have a lot of opportunities to make plays. Outside linebackers Tyson Kirk and Braden Stanovich will need to keep contain on the quick backs.
Player to watch for: Linebacker Spencer Dalry. Only a sophomore, but he plays much older. He’s very active on defense, and if he can make some key plays on defense it really go a long way for the Borderites.
SEHOME (2-2) AT MOUNTLAKE TERRACE (1-2)
Time: 8:00 PM Friday
Site: Edmonds Stadium
When Sehome has the ball: The pass game has been there all season, and Jacob Kaepernick was able to connect deep on a pair of passes to Tim Malo. The combination running game of Dawson Smith and Colin Dorsch looked strong last week as well, especially near the end of the game. Guard Rylie Bair and tackle Gavin Ortega provide a great tandem to run behind.
When Mountlake Terrace has the ball: New coach could mean new system? I’m not really sure yet, but Sehome has seen a lot of different offenses so far in 2019. Nevertheless, the Mariners can really fly to the ball. The have playmakers at every level, and the younger players are really starting to come into their own. Malo and Dorsch provide an excellent combination at safety.
Player to watch: Offensive tackle and defensive lineman Gavin Ortega. A few reporters have asked me during the season, “Hey, what do you know about #53?” I just say, “He’s pretty good right now, and he’s going to get even better. His dad was a tremendous player for the Mariners, and he’s really doing well this year. Especially for a sophomore.”
OAK HARBOR (1-3) AT FERNDALE (2-2)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Ferndale High School
When Oak Harbor has the ball: Oak Harbor has abandoned its traditional run game, and is opening up the passing game this season. The overall speed of the Golden Eagles could really come into play here. Ferndale has a great tackling secondary, and the linebackers are extremely quick. Junior Kobe Sandstrom has found himself all over the field making plays on defense so far this year.
When Ferndale has the ball: Every game has been a big improvement offensively this season for the Golden Eagles, and I believe that will continue in this game. It’s hard to improve on 435 yards of offense, but I think they’ll do it. Everything is working for Ferndale, and Quarterback Haiden Rasmussen has been running the show to perfection.
Player to watch for: Running back and defensive back Andrew Monks. A great overall athlete, and Ferndale will find ways to get him the ball. When on defense, Oak Harbor will find ways to stay away from him.
MEADOWDALE (3-1) AT SQUALICUM (2-2)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Civic Stadium
When Meadowdale has the ball: If the Mavericks are anything like they were last season, get ready for the air show. They won’t necessarily throw the ball deep, but they use the passing game almost like an extension of the run game. Quick passes used almost as long handoffs. This is where the outside linebackers could really come into play, and the Storm have two great ones in sophomores Bryson Lamb and Ben Schlenbaker.
When Squalicum has the ball: The balanced offense of Squalicum was great last week, and more of the same could be coming. Quarterback Mason Binning has been throwing the ball well, especially deep. And with the Storm adding another playmaker this game, the odds could be stacked against Meadowdale.
Player to watch for: Wide receiver and cornerback Dedrick Mitchell. He’ll be playing in his first game this season, and his impact will be felt immediately. A true playmaker, he can really do it all with the ball in his hands.
EVERGREEN (2-2) AT BELLINGHAM (1-3)
Time: 5 PM Saturday
Site: Civic Stadium
When Evergreen has the ball: Senior defensive end Chris Oesterling has been averaging two sacks a game so far this season. That’s a pretty amazing stat so far. He’s also forced two fumbles that he has recovered, one for a touchdown. If they key on him, look for linebackers Jack Fields and Jackson Taylor to shoot through the gaps. The Red Raiders are also tied for first place in Whatcom County with seven interceptions.
When Bellingham has the ball: The Red Raiders put Morgan Cavalier at quarterback last game, and put Cody Tolle out at wide receiver. They hooked up for a long touchdown, and Cavalier is a major running threat behind center. Utilizing Fields in the run game will be a key factory.
Player to watch for: Wide receiver and safety Connor McKay. When he’s not catching a quick pass, he’s running a fly sweep on offense. Getting him the ball looks to be a major objective on offense. And, he’s also relied upon as the last line of defense on the other side of the ball.
