LAKEWOOD AT SQUALICUM
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Civic Stadium
When Lakewood has the ball: The Cougars usually generate a ton of points when they have the ball, but they were shut out last week against Sedro-Woolley. Look for Lakewood to get things going in, but it will be tough against an aggressive Storm defense. Senior outside linebacker Bryson Lamb leads all active players in career sacks with 11. Add that with his 15.5 career tackles for loss, and you have a guy that you want to run the ball away from.
When Squalicum has the ball: The Storm offense was able to get into the end zone just once last week at Lynden, but it will look to do a lot more tonight. Djouvensky Schlenbaker was injured last week, and it’s unknown if he’ll be ready to go. Senior wide receiver Kai Posey could be a main target throughout the evening, as well as finding creative ways to get the ball into Kaleb Hawkinson’s hands.
Player to watch: Senior tight end/inside linebacker Jaymeson Thompson. As a three-year varsity player, he’s playing his third offensive position. A former running back and former guard, Thompson is just a tremendous football player. A major force at inside linebacker, and had a strip-sack last week that resulted in a defensive touchdown.
LYNDEN AT BURLINGTON-EDISON
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Kirkby Field
When Lynden has the ball: The big offensive line has been coming together very well so far this season, and junior center Josiah Vanderhaak’s snaps have been on the money. The 1-2 punch of Lane Heeringa and Campbell Nolte has been very strong in the backfield, and senior wide receiver Kaleo Jandoc had a couple of big catches last week, and he could continue to be a focal point of the Lion offense.
When Burlington-Edison has the ball: The Tigers have scored 89 points in two games, but it will be different against one of the top defenses in Whatcom County, if not the very top. A dedication towards swarming to the ball has shown, and there is simply no weakness in the defense. Senior linebacker Taivin VanDalen could be used to spy on the super-athletic Burlington quarterback all game.
Player to watch: Senior wide receiver/cornerback Kole Antypas. A true lockdown corner that has already defended four passes this season. He’s also turning into a threat on the offensive side of the ball.
SEHOME AT SEDRO-WOOLLEY
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Sedro-Woolley High School
When Sehome has the ball: The Mariner offense can produce a lot of yards, but turnovers have been turning Sehome away. Avoiding them will be the biggest key, and ball control could be another one. Junior Tommy Funk is the fifth leading rusher in Whatcom County, and he’s hard to bring down in the open field. Junior quarterback Carson Neff has also shown speed and toughness on QB sweeps. Sedro-Woolley still hasn’t allowed a single point all season.
When Sedro-Woolley has the ball: The Cubs went off for 44 points against a very good Lakewood team last week, so scoring has come relatively easy to them. Stopping the run has been the strength of the Mariner football team this season, so the Cubs might rely on the air game. That is when safeties Max Malo and Jackson Dew will need to be on top of their games.
Player to watch: Senior left tackle and defensive lineman Gavin Ortega. It’s no surprise that the run game, and the run-stuffing game, have both been awesome this year. Ortega is an All-State talent that leaving it all out there during his senior season.
BELLINGHAM AT MERIDIAN
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Meridian High School
When Bellingham has the ball: The Bayhawks offense keeps getting better each week, and it will need to be great tonight to keep up with the Trojans. Senior Johnny Twedt is leading his team in rushing and receiving, and is usually the fastest player on the field. Meridian knows how to put pressure on the quarterback, and the emergence of sophomore linebacker Josh Elmer has been a pleasant surprise.
When Meridian has the ball: The Trojan offense is averaging over 20 yards per pass completion. Everything has been on point through the air, and they are hoping to get the ground game going as well. Senior cornerback James Quinlan will be a busy Bayhawk, keeping up with Hunter Jones and Daniel Short up and down the field.
Matchup to watch for: Bellingham senior Daniel Reyes versus Meridian senior Bryce Johnson. Reyes has emerged as a major target, especially over the middle of the field, and Johnson will be used many different ways in the passing game. Both are tight ends and linebackers, and will be matched up many times throughout the game.
FERNDALE AT MOUNT VERNON
Time: 7:00 PM Friday
Site: Mount Vernon High School
When Ferndale has the ball: Avoiding fumbles will be the Golden Eagles’ biggest task this Friday night. The talent level is incredibly high, and points could be in abundance down south. The running game is already extremely strong, and the passing connection between Mark Schlichting and Conner Walcker is one of the best in the county.
When Mount Vernon has the ball: The Bulldogs are looking to get their first win, and it will be a tall task against Ferndale. Senior middle linebacker Elijah McCormick has great sideline-to-sideline awareness, and the sophomore cornerback tandem of Bishop Ootsey and Dylan Moore is growing up fast.
Player to watch: Senior fullback/outside linebacker Ryan Pelton. After losing most of last season due to an injury, Pelton is enjoying a very good senior season. He has rushed for over 1300 yards in his career, and he’s turning into a strong receiving threat.
NOOKSACK VALLEY AT KING’S
Time: 7:45 PM Friday
Site: Woolsey Stadium
When Nooksack Valley has the ball: The Pioneers have been well-balanced this season, and it will need to be against a very strong Knights team. Senior Jordan Silva is a tough runner with breakaway speed, and senior tight end Caleb Kingma is continuing to have a strong season. Sophomore quarterback Joey Brown has a strong presence in the pocket, and he also has the ability to get out and run when needed.
When King’s has the ball: The undefeated Knights are averaging just over 46 points per game, and slowing them down will not be easy. Senior linebacker Jet Triplett is leading his team in tackles once again, and he could be very instrumental. Sophomore linebacker Daemion Perez has been a very energetic player, while the strong play of defensive ends Gerrit Bruland and John Stremler has gone a long way.
Player to watch for: Sophomore guard/defensive tackle Duke Halaapiapi. The Duke came back last week, and he will be an instant different maker in this game. He has an intense motor that never burns out, and his disruption can greatly throw off an opposing offense.
