Welcome to week six! Last week really showed a separation between the great teams, and the teams that still need to work on stuff to get to the postseason. Only six games this week, and there are some great ones!
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 Steve Alvord for being the guest picker this week. Back when I thought of this idea a month and a half ago, I sent out a messages to a few dozen former legends of the Whatcom County gridiron, and I was hopeful that I would hear back from a few. I have only met Mr. Alvord once, a few years ago when he was inducted into the Bellingham High School Athletic Hall of Fame, and it was a true honor. Perhaps the greatest overall lineman in Whatcom County history, and the best overall player that Whatcom County produced in the decade of the 1980’s, a 1983 graduate of Bellingham, Alvord was a 6-foot-4 250-pound two-way linemen that was as athletic, or perhaps more athletic, than anyone on any field he stepped on in high school. He was a unanimous choice as an All-Northwest Selection on both sides of the ball as a senior, and he was named the Northwest League Defensive Player of the Year. He was also named All-State on both sides of the ball. Furthermore, back in the good ol’ days, the Associated Press would choose an overall State Lineman of the Year, and State Back of the Year, regardless of classification. Alvord was named the Washington State Lineman of the Year. He would then go on to the University of Washington (along with Rick Fenney who was named the State Back of the Year) and play defensive line. In 1987, he was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the eighth round of the NFL draft, and he also played with the Cardinals in 1988 when the team moved to Phoenix. He was with the Seattle Seahawks during preseason of the 1990 season, and it looked like he would be on the opening day roster. However, just before the regular season kicked off, Seattle was able to come to terms with its first round draft pick and Alvord was the final cut. That player was Cortez Kennedy. Alvord finished his professional football career in the World League of American Football while playing with the Barcelona Dragons.
Now… onto the week six previews.
LYNDEN CHRISTIAN (3-1) AT MERIDIAN (1-4)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Trojan Stadium
When Lynden Christian has the ball: The Lync offense really exploded last week, and actually did it in a single quarter. Scoring 30 points in the second quarter was pretty amazing, and the mix of run and pass is going pretty well. A lot of focus will likely be on wide receiver Jackson Corkill, and rightly so, but Tanner Feenstra might have the best hands in the county. The Trojan defense is pretty good at getting pressure on the quarterback, and it will need to do that in order to be successful. Mason Knutson and Trent Gookstetter, both former defensive ends, have found ways to get to the passer from their new defensive tackle spots.
When Meridian has the ball: Quarterback Cameron Webster and running back Trent Martin have been the workhorses in the Meridian offense, with receivers Ethan Brooks and Ryan Johnson making dynamic plays when needed. The LC defense is suffocating, and Coach Ames might need to find innovative ways to move the ball down the field. And, if anyone can, it’s him. The LC secondary could be tested, and safety Jackson Apol is still recovering from a broken collarbone. But, Jude Veltkamp, Cole Moorlag, Bryce Bouwman and Shale Whittern will all be up for the challenge.
Matchup to watch: Lynden Christian wide receiver Jackson Corkill versus Meridian cornerback Ryan Johnson. Two superb athletes, and two tremendous difference makers. Both could also provide big plays in the return game. Johnson will have to contain Corkill’s speed, and limit the deep post pass.
NOOKSACK VALLEY (2-3) AT MOUNT BAKER (5-0)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Bob Tisdale Field
When Nooksack Valley has the ball: The Pioneers have had recent success in gaining yards through the air against the Mountaineers, but scoring has proven to be difficult. Nooksack is a different team this season, and relies heavily on the run game. Mount Baker linebackers Waylon Kentner and Davin Beason have been fantastic all season, and linebacker Jeremiah Lee is probably the most underrated player on the team. They will need to contain Cole Eldridge and Dane Winter.
When Mount Baker has the ball: There will be a lot of hard hitting at the line of scrimmage in this one. Baker will be very disciplined and workman like, but also very physical. Look for wingback Ayden Rodriguez to touch the ball a few times, but make the most of his opportunities. Pioneer linebackers Braden Leyba and Dane Winter will need to trust their assignments, and strong safety Scout Whittern will need to contend with All-State tight end Waylon Kentner.
Matchup to watch: Mount Baker senior Kris Flowers versus Nooksack Valley senior Easton Zylstra. This matchup could be seen on both sides of the ball. Zylstra outweighs Flowers by a good margin, which could help him in the interior line, but Flowers is leading his team in sacks and his tenacity and quickness off the edge will test Zylstra’s mettle.
LYNDEN (4-1) AT BURLINGTON-EDISON (1-4)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Kirkby Field
When Lynden has the ball: It’s been run, run, run for the Lions this season, but last week Lynden looked pretty good through the air. The weather should not play a factor, which could really open things for Ayers, Heppner, or whoever else they put back there to toss the ball. Running back Steven DiLorenzo was utilized more as a receiving weapon out of the backfield, and that can only open up more options for tossing over the middle to 6-foot-5 tight end Ian Jacob.
When Burlington-Edison has the ball: I foresee a dominant game by the Lion defense in this one. I just feel after holding Archibishop Murphy and Lakewood to only one touchdown each, this could be a really strong week. If Lynden gets up early, it will force the Tigers to throw, and they’ll have to look out for Brock Heppner blitzing off the edge at the perfect time. Defensive backs Elijah Diacogiannis and Evan Potter have had big interceptions this year, and they could have more opportunities in this game.
Player to watch for: Senior defensive back Evan Potter. His improvement each week has been such a wonderful thing to see. As coachable as they come, his first year of football has proven to be a great one. Also, look for him to make some plays on offense in this game.
CEDARCREST (4-1) AT SEHOME (3-2)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Civic Stadium
When Cedarcrest has the ball: The Mariner defense has been very strong lately, and it will hopefully continue against the Red Wolves in a matchup that will give the winner a big advantage in the Northwest Conference 2A Lake Division. All three levels have had great play, with different players stepping up every week. Outside linebackers Caleb Ryan and Felipe Arreola made big plays last week, and defensive lineman Rylie Bair has proven to be unblockable at times.
When Sehome has the ball: The passing game will take advantage of any mistake, as the quick thinking junior quarterback Jacob Kaepernick is very good at making the right throws. His accuracy was a little off last week, but I can’t see that happening two weeks in a row. Running back Dawson Smith and his power running style helped preserve the win last week, and sophomore wide receiver Luke Evans is becoming a bigger part of the offensive game plan.
Player to watch for: Junior wide receiver/free safety/return specialist Tim Malo. Speed to burn to go along with a burning desire to win. A lethal combo that has shown on the football field. This could be the game where he really explodes.
SEDRO WOOLLEY (4-1) AT BLAINE (1-4)
Time: 7:00 PM Friday
Site: Borderite Field
When Sedro Woolley has the ball: Which offense will show up? The one that put up 40 points on Burlington-Edison last week, or the one that was shut out two weeks ago against Lakewood? Whichever one it is, the Borderite defense will be ready. The Cubs will need to use their outside speed in this game, as Blaine is extremely stout up the middle with Wyatt Cole and Gavino Rodriguez. Defensive back Zane Rector could be extremely busy.
When Blaine has the ball: While I’m not quite sure who will be behind center in this game, I’m pretty sure that Oscar Caridad will get the ball a good amount. He can really explode through the holes that his big offensive linemen create for him, and his running the ball could go a long way in keeping the Cubs off the field. The return of tight end Mason Vega will help as he is a great outlet receiver, but he’s an even better blocker.
Player to watch: Senior running back Oscar Caridad. The Borderites will hitch their wagon to him, and let him go. He’s gained a lot of yards this season, but getting into the end zone hasn’t happened as much as I thought it would. He has the speed to break off some long touchdown runs, and they will be needed.
FERNDALE (3-2) AT SQUALICUM (3-2)
Time: 6 PM Saturday <– Notice the new time!
Site: Civic Stadium
When Ferndale has the ball: The Golden Eagles have added to their awesome backfield with freshman Isaiah Carlson. Ryan Pelton, Jacob Broselle and Andrew Monks are already stars, and the addition puts Ferndale over the top. Speaking of over the top, quarterback Haiden Rasmussen has shown the ability throw the ball over the top of the defense from time to time. Safeties Elliott Aslan and Steven Owens will need to be ready for that. Outside linebackers Bryson Lamb and Ben Schlenbaker will also need to push those sweep runs inside to let Billy Scammell and Garrett Jabbora clean up the mess.
When Squalicum has the ball: The return of Dedrick Micthell really gave the offense a shot in the arm, and it opens up the offense in many ways. Quarterback Mason Binning has really settled in, and Schlenbaker already has over 1000 yards rushing in just five games. I’ll be excited to see how the Storm offensive line does against the Ferndale front seven. Linebacker Jazen Guillory is a playmaker, and his pursuit can turn any play into a negative one.
Matchup to watch: Ferndale sophomore fullback Ryan Pelton versus Squalicum junior inside linebacker Billy Scammell. The collisions made by these two will be seen, and heard, throughout Civic Stadium. Pelton is a no-nonsense runner that picks up the tough yards, and Scammell wants nothing more than to see and react to those runs. The best part is that we all get to see these two go at it again next season!
