The 2019 prep football season is upon us, and I thought I would try to recreate what Jim Carberry and his crew did 25-plus years ago for the Bellingham Herald. There will be weekly picks by Eric Trent of the Lynden Tribune, Ryland Spencer of Cascadia Preps, local broadcaster Jeff Bearden and myself. There will also be a mystery “guest picker” each week, much like the Herald had back in the day.
Our first guest picker is Christopher Ames. Nobody has aided me more, or answered more of my questions about creating and running a website, than Christopher. He has understood my passion from day one, and I can’t thank him enough! The highest praise I ever received during this lifelong project was when I first created the “History of Whatcom County High School Football” page on Facebook in 2013, and everyone assumed that it was him running the page. That told me right there that I was doing things the right way.
Christopher was also one of the top offensive linemen in Whatcom County in the early 90’s. A three-year starter at Meridian that culminated by being named All-State 1st Team as a senior.
Now… onto the week one previews.
LYNDEN CHRISTIAN AT BELLINGHAM
Time: 5 PM Friday
Site: Civic Stadium
When Lynden Christian has the ball: Nearly all of the skill players from the LC offense returns from last season. The Lyncs will even out the running and passing, with senior Levi Korthuis getting the bulk of the carries, and senior quarterback Trajan Schouten spreading the ball to his numerous receivers. Red Raider senior linebackers Jack Fields and Jackson Taylor are extremely active, and they will need to be to shut down Lynden Christian’s rushing attack. Bellingham’s defensive backs have a lot of experience, and they will need it against the Lync duo of Jackson Corkill and Tanner Feenstra, each of whom caught over 40 passes last season.
When Bellingham has the ball: It’s tough to say what formation first-year head coach Andre Triplett will start the game in. It could be spread, it could be the Wing-T, or it could be anything in between. Senior quarterback Morgan Cavalier should air it out more this year, but you have to be ready for him to take off and run. Fields could get a lot of carries as well, and against a 4-2-5 LC defense, those two linebackers better get ready to tackle. Davis Gatterman and Will Faber? Yeah, those guys can tackle just fine.
Matchup to watch: Bellingham senior wide receiver Andre Triplett versus Lynden Christian senior cornerback Jude Veltkamp. There aren’t many returning starters around the county that play on the perimeter. But, these two might put on a show. I’m not sure if Veltkamp will just go one-on-one wherever Triplett goes, but when they are matched up, it should be a great battle.
MOUNT BAKER AT LYNDEN
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Rollie DeKoster Field
When Mount Baker has the ball: It will be the same Wing-T that we all have grown to love over the years, but it will be five new players up front, and a new player controlling it. It will be Mason Jacoby’s first varsity start at quarterback, so the running game will be his friend. Look for Jason Lee and Toby Jefferson to each get between 15-20 carries. Lynden All-State linebacker Bodie Human will be a busy guy, but it’s assignment football. He’ll have to watch out for misdirection plays all night.
When Lynden has the ball: Steven DiLorenzo has healed nicely from a horrific hamstring injury of last year, and when he faced Baker last season he rattled off an 85-yard touchdown run en route to totaling 225 yards on the ground on just nine carries. Quarterback Brock Heppner is a load to bring down as well when he tucks and runs. Lee might have to make some big plays as the last line of defense on both running and passing plays.
Matchup to watch: Mount Baker tight end Waylon Kentner versus Lynden strong safety Elijah Diacongiannis. I’m not saying that the Mountaineers are going to pass a lot, but they do return the 1A All-State tight end in Kentner. Diacongiannis could draw him a lot in pass coverage, and I’m hearing big things about the senior safety.
MERIDIAN AT SEDRO WOOLLEY
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Sedro Woolley High School
When Meridian has the ball: Quarterback Cameron Webster takes over behind center after playing tight end last season. He looks the part, and has great leadership skills, but playing quarterback for the very first time can be tough at any level. Once he completes his first pass, he should settle in nicely. Now the question is, who is he going to complete the pass to? A completely new receiving corps, as well as new backs.
When Sedro Woolley has the ball: Recently, the Cubs have been putting fast teams on the field, and the Trojans will have to keep them bottled up. Defensive ends Mason Knutson and Trent Gookstetter will need to keep outside contain, and direct the Sedro offensive players inside. Webster will be a beast inside from his newly appointed strong safety spot where he’ll be able to make plays all over the field.
Player to watch for: It has to be Cameron Webster. New positions on offense and defense, and the first game of the year. A lot will be on his shoulders, but the big man can handle it.
CHIEF SEALTH AT BLAINE
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Blaine High School
When Chief Sealth has the ball: The Borderites are very good at bringing pressure at opportune times. Defensive tackle Wyatt Cole and inside linebacker Gavino Rodriguez are both three-year starters that have earned many All-Conference accolades. Now as seniors, this is there time to really stand out. Zane Rector and Seth Blomeen are a great pair at safety, and linebacker Mason Vega has a knack for making big plays.
When Blaine has the ball: There might not be a more improved player in the county than quarterback Will McKinney. There were moments last season when the lanky sophomore wasn’t able to get the job done, but that’s all over with now. He’s bulked up, and his throwing better than ever. He has complete control of the offense and the next two year could be special. Oscar Caridad is a veteran running back that can be relied upon for yards up the middle.
Player to watch for: Offensive tackle/defensive tackle Wyatt Cole is a beast out there. If colleges don’t know about him, I don’t know why. He might even play a little bit at fullback in short yardage situations, and THAT will be something you don’t want to miss!
NOOKSACK VALLEY AT SEHOME
Time: 7:30 PM Friday
Site: Civic Stadium
When Nooksack Valley has the ball: The Pioneers will spread out the field with four receivers, but their main four skill players will remain in the center with quarterback Cole Eldridge, running back Dane Winter, and slot receivers Ryan Veening and Scout Whittern. This will be Eldridge’s first varsity start at quarterback, but he’s no stranger to the position. Sehome defensive lineman Ryle Bair is great at getting through the line, and he could interrupt a lot of the Pioneers’ timing plays.
When Sehome has the ball: The Mariners like to spread it out as well, and go four-wide at times, but they still want to pound the ball up the middle. Running back Dawson Smith fits that bill perfectly, and nobody wants to get into that end zone more than him, especially after last season’s matchup against Nooksack Valley that ended with him stopped right near the goal line. At linebacker, Winter is great from sideline to sideline, which could force Sehome quarterback Jacob Kaepernick to look over the top.
Matchup to watch: Nooksack Valley quarterback Cole Eldridge versus Sehome safety Tim Malo. Eldridge, like every Pioneer quarterback since adopting the Tony Franklin offense in 2008, is a true dual threat quarterback. Malo has great instincts and speed. He will need to key on Eldridge to keep him in check.
FERNDALE AT LAKE STEVENS
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Lake Stevens High School
When Ferndale has the ball: The Golden Eagles will need to control the clock in this game, and keep the Viking offense off the field. That’s good news for Ferndale, who is one of the strongest running teams around. But, it will be some youthful players carrying the ball with sophomore Ryan Pelton at fullback and freshman Isaiah Carlson at half back. Senior Jacob Broselle brings the most experience to the backfield, and he could get more carries that normal out of his wingback position.
When Lake Stevens has the ball: Causing turnovers might be the key for Ferndale. The Golden Eagles have a very athletic group on defense, and it will need to be in this game. The Vikings are one of the best overall teams in the state, but the first game of the year is always an interesting one. Look for new transfer defensive end Malachi Ledbetter to make plays behind the line of scrimmage.
Player to watch for: Wingback/Cornerback/Kick Returner Jacob Broselle. Ferndale will need to spring some big plays in this game, and Broselle is a master at that. If he can break loose, it’s really hard to catch him from behind.
SQUALICUM AT REDMOND
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Redmond High School
When Squalicum has the ball: It won’t be the same ground and pound that Spencer Lloyd brought to the field the past few years. New quarterback Mason Binning is now the QB, and the ball could be in the air a little more. A lot of young receivers will get a chance to shine early, and it’s up to them to stand out. I like Steven Owens in this game, and his athletic ability to make plays after the catch. Sophomore running back Ben Schlenbaker could remind many of Mr. Lloyd, too.
When Redmond has the ball: It was a close game last year, that the Storm pulled out at the end. And, it was Squalicum defensive lineman Cesar Vasquez that made some key plays on the Mustang’s final possession. He’s back this year, and he’s surrounded by a lot of talent up front. Jimmy Mena and Adam McCluskey could really cause chaos for the Redmond offense.
Player to watch for: Squalicum senior Adam McCluskey. He’s big, strong and athletic, and he will be a force on both sides of the ball. He will be leaned upon a lot early on this season.
