Welcome to week seven! Wait, week seven already? That’s hard to believe…
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 Jim Carberry for being the guest picker this week! Jim was the sports editor for the Bellingham Herald from 1978-1996 (Sorry, Jim, I might have those years off…), 
and growing up LOVING the Bellingham Herald sports page, he was someone that I always wanted to meet. In fact, this entire “pick ’em” format was his brainchild dozens of years ago, including “Joe Consensus”. He has written multiple books about local high school basketball programs, and his ability to write feature stories was something that I will always be in awe of.
When I was probably 13 years old, I had an idea of possibly writing a book some day about the history of Whatcom County high school football. Of course, the internet was later invented, and that gave me a new avenue. But, at the time, I was wondering how I could get started with something like that. So, I actually looked Jim up in the phone book on a Sunday afternoon, and tried calling him. He was gracious enough to talk with some kid he had never met (me) for over an hour about local high school sports. I was so grateful, and he gave me the encouragement that I desperately needed at that time.
About a year and a half ago, I was lucky enough to meet up with Jim for breakfast, as we talked about WhatcomPreps.com (which had just started), and his idea of possibly starting WhatcomHoops.com. It was such an honor! Little did he know, I also brought one of his books, and I asked him to personalize an autograph for me! I was like a little kid!
Thank you so much for everything you have done, and continue to do with WhatcomHoops.com, Jim! You have no idea how elated it makes me to be able to call you my friend.
Now… onto the week seven previews.
LYNDEN CHRISTIAN (4-1) AT MOUNT BAKER (6-0)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Bob Tisdale Field
When Lynden Christian has the ball: A perfect blend of run and pass now has a new flavor as backup quarterback Logan Dykstra gives LC an interesting look as a running quarterback. Trajan Schouten is still the master passer, and his plethora of targets awaits many passes. All three levels of the Mount Baker defense has been incredibly strong, and the secondary has knocked down more passes than any other in Whatcom County this season. Look for safety Jason Lee to be in on some big plays over the middle of the field.
When Mount Baker has the ball: Running the football has been the forte of the Mountie offense for a while now, and the passing game has been strong over the last handful of seasons. The development of quarterback Mason Jacoby has been rapid, and Coach Lepper has been looking to pass early to set up his powerful run game. The offensive line is a very strong unit, and will have to find a way to get Zach Sipma blocked. And, knowing Coach Dan Kaemingk, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Sipma lined up in a completely different spot than normal, in an attempt to get an edge against the undefeated Mountaineers.
Matchup to watch: Lynden Christian senior quarterback Trajan Schouten versus Mount Baker senior safety Mark Tikhonov. Schouten is very good at scanning the field, and finding the best option in the passing game. I could see Tikhonov matching up against Jackson Corkill in the slot early on, and Tikhonov had an interception for a touchdown last week, so the boys in blue better be ready.
MERIDIAN (1-5) AT NOOKSACK VALLEY (2-4)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Sid Lambert Field
When Meridian has the ball: Many formations, with numerous receivers used. Backs lining up wide, and receivers lining up tight to the line. You can expect it all from Coach Ames. If quarterback Cameron Webster can stay interception-free in this game, that will go a long way towards a victory for the Trojans. Of course, Pioneer defensive back Keldon Weidkamp will have different plans. After having a terrific leaping interception last week, the Trojans might have to look at throwing the other direction. The amount of pressure that defensive tackle Easton Zylstra is able to put on Webster will be key for Nooksack Valley.
When Nooksack Valley has the ball: The offense struggled last week, but both Cole Eldridge and Dane Winter had great games against Meridian a few weeks ago. The Trojans will need to wrap Winter up, and hang on. The senior running back is capable of running through numerous tackles. The Pioneer offensive line has been playing pretty well all season, and it will have to continue against the strong pass rush led by Trent Gookstetter, Jon Boger and Mason Knutson.
Matchup to watch: Meridian senior running back Trent Martin versus Nooksack Valley senior linebacker Braden Leyba. Both players have made an impact this season, and they will meet up a lot in this game. I really like the way both of them play. They are two of the smaller seniors in the entire conference, but they also both shed the stereotype that only big guys can excel at football.
MOUNTLAKE TERRACE (2-3) AT BELLINGHAM (1-4)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Civic Stadium
When Mountlake Terrace has the ball: The Hawks like to run the ball… a lot! Nothing flashy, but they will definitely keep it on the ground. It will be up to linebackers Jackson Taylor and Isaac Ninnemann to make plays in the field, and limit big runs. Also, expect to see defensive tackles Julian Donohue and Thai Nguyen to disrupt the line of scrimmage to allow the playmaking linebackers to do their job.
When Bellingham has the ball: The athleticism of quarterback Morgan Cavalier and wide receiver Andre Triplett could prove to be a difference maker. The Mountlake Terrace defense is pretty good against the pass, and will force short throws. Triplett took a short throw from Cavalier last game, and turned into an 87-yard gain. Running back Jack Fields remains a game-time decision, and he would be a game-changer if he’s available to play.
Player to watch: Senior running back/linebacker Jackson Taylor. He was making huge plays on both sides of the ball the last time Bellingham was on the field, but he was knocked out of the game in the second quarter and was unable to continue. He’s back this week, and he will have a lot of opportunities to shine.
LAKEWOOD (5-1) AT BLAINE (1-5)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Borderite Field
When Lakewood has the ball: The Cougars are very good at a lot of things. They have size, speed, a veteran quarterback and a good running game. It’s hard to pin-point just one strength, so the Borderites will have to be ready for anything. Senior Gavino Rodriguez has more tackles than anyone in Whatcom County to this point, and he shows no signs of slowing down. I’m not sure if he will line up at inside linebacker or defensive end, but I’m sure that Coach Dan Teeter will be very aware of where #56 is at all times.
When Blaine has the ball: Plain and simple, the Blaine offense has struggled this season. The Borderites have had four games this season in which a touchdown hasn’t been scored, but good chunks of yardage has been obtained. Usually it is by senior running back Oscar Caridad. Junior Will McKinney was back at quarterback last week, and he’ll have to have a big game here to contend against Lakewood.
Player to watch: Senior guard/defensive end/linebacker Gavino Rodriguez. I have a rule, that I never use the same player twice on these during the season, and I’ve been saving Rodriguez for the perfect moment. He played almost the perfect game last week, and he will have to continue his hot streak tonight.
SEDRO WOOLLEY (5-1) AT LYNDEN (5-1)
Time: 7:00 PM Friday
Site: Rollie DeKoster Field
When Sedro Woolley has the ball: Generally, the Cubs like to run the ball, but the passing game has been pretty strong this year. Lynden has seen it all, going against very pass-happy teams, very run-oriented teams and well-balanced teams. Although inside linebacker Bodie Human is the main man on the Lion defense, there always seems to be a new player each week that makes a big play to help Lynden get a victory. Junior defensive lineman Carter Van Diest is quietly turning into an All-Conference caliber player.
When Lynden has the ball: Just when Lynden has fallen in love with the power run game (and why not, with the numbers and results), the passing game has really been able to improve as the season has moved along. Steven DiLorenzo has shown that he’s not just a record-breaking runner, but he can be dangerous out of the backfield as a receiver. Do-everything star Brock Heppner was my offensive fantasy pick this week on the podcast, and I can see him getting into the end zone in a multitude of ways.
Player to watch: Senior offensive tackle and defensive tackle Michael Bareman. In his first year of playing football, the 6-foot-6 265-pounder is making a big difference on both sides of the ball. His addition this season could go a long way, in what could be an extended season, for the Lions.
FERNDALE (3-3) AT MARYSVILLE-PILCHUCK (6-0)
Time: 7 PM
Site: Quil Ceda Stadium
When Ferndale has the ball: A steady dose of the three-headed monster that is made up of Jacob Broselle, Ryan Pelton and Isaiah Carlson, the Golden Eagles will try to play ball-control against the undefeated Tomahawks. After losing last week, I really believe that Ferndale will be up for this game against the WesCo 3A North leaders. I’m not saying that all three backs will be over 100 yards, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they combine for at least 250.
When Marysville-Pilchuck has the ball: The Tomahawks are very methodical, and extremely productive. Especially on the ground. They haven’t had a close game since their week one win over Snohomish, and I feel like this one will be very close. Senior Malachi Ledbetter has settled in nicely at defensive end, and the back seven will need to play to the ball and make sure tackles. Getting Marysville-Pilchuck into 3rd-and-long situations will be the key to victory.
Player to watch: Freshman running back/linebacker Isaiah Carlson. The athleticism is apparent, and as he continues to learn the nuances of football at the varsity level, his game will flourish. He has shown flashes in his two games thus far, and he could make some big plays that could prove to be the difference.
SQUALICUM (4-2) AT STANWOOD (2-4)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Stanwood High School
When Squalicum has the ball: It’s no mystery that the Storm will want to feed the ball to sophomore Djouvensky Schlenbaker. He’s averaging 213.8 yards rushing per game behind one of the most massive offensive lines in the state. Junior quarterback Mason Binning carries a passer rating of 90.0 into the game, and he has a nice group in which he can deliver the ball. Tight end Cesar Vasquez had over 100 yards receiving last week, while senior Dedrick Mitchell and junior Steven Owens are capable of big plays all over the field.
When Stanwood has the ball: The Spartans had been putting up points this season, but were shut out against Shorecrest last week. The Storm defense has a lot of playmakers all over the field, and a steady rotation of defensive linemen have been the key. Vasquez and Adam McCluskey are extremely disruptive, while Brandon Gimse (6-5 327) and Ben Paz can really eat up blockers. Sophomore outside linebacker Bryson Lamb is very active, and is turning into a top-notch pass rusher.
Player to watch: Junior running back/wide receiver/safety/kick returner Steven Owens. He can sometimes be the forgotten man at times, but when he touches the ball, it’s unforgettable. He’s a big time kick returner, and can be used all over the field on offense. I’m sure he still feels sick about dropping that touchdown pass last week, and I get the feeling he’s going to take it out on the Spartans.
WEST SEATTLE (1-5) AT SEHOME (4-2)
Time: 2 PM Saturday
Site: Civic Stadium
When West Seattle has the ball: After scoring a total of just 13 points in the first three games, the Wildcats have totaled 75 points in the last three weeks. I don’t know if they will be able to keep their 25-point average against this Mariner defense. The Sehome defense has great overall speed. It’s hard to get to the outside, and when a pass rusher breaks through, you can bet he’s getting the quarterback. It’s a great mix of players at all levels, but I see Dawson Smith having a big game, especially with the way he’s able to blitz between the center and guard.
When Sehome has the ball: The offense got rolling a little bit last week, as the Mariners enjoyed a big game both on the ground and through the air. Both Smith and junior Colin Dorsch ran for over 100 yards and Jacob Kaepernick hooked up with Tim Malo six times. I can see this game being the biggest offensive output for the Sehome offense to this point, and the Wildcats will need to be aware of the Kaepernick deep ball.
Player to watch: Junior quarterback Jacob Kaepernick. He already holds nearly every school passing record. One record that he hasn’t reached is Kai Hatch’s 382 passing yards in a single game. I don’t want to put any pressure on the 6-foot-2 southpaw, but I feel he’s capable of breaking it that one, too.
