The 2021 prep football season is upon us, and that means it’s time to bring back the weekly Pick’ems! Ryland Spencer of Cascadia Preps is back to defend his crown after besting us locals with his mastery pick’em abilities. Hailey Palmer from the Lynden Tribune has joined us, and as always, the fictitious Joe Consensus is back to give us the consensus pick.
Now… onto the week one previews.
SEHOME AT NOOKSACK VALLEY
Time: 7 PM Thursday
Site: Sid Lambert Field
When Sehome has the ball: It’s still unknown, at least to me, who is starting at quarterback. Both Carson Neff and Jovyn Sangha are more than capable. I do know that junior Tommy Funk will get a bulk of the carries. The 4-2-5 defensive of the Pioneers will be tested, but senior linebackers Jet Triplett and Caleb Kingma will be up for the challenge.
When Nooksack Valley has the ball: The Pioneers were a little more run-heavy than usual last year, and that could be the case again. Sophomore quarterback Joey Brown gained valuable experience last season, and he has a good crop of receivers to throw to, including fantastic freshman Cory Olney. The Sehome defense returns a lot of playmakers from last season at all different levels. Senior Gavin Ortega could be moved around to a spot that is most beneficial for the Mariners.
Matchup to watch: Sehome inside linebacker Hayden Huntley versus Nooksack Valley senior running back Jordan Silva. This could be a meeting between the between the hashmarks all night. Silva is one of the counties top returning rushers, but Huntley is a three-year starter in the middle of this field and he has seen it all.
EVERETT AT BELLINGHAM
Time: 5 PM Friday
Site: Civic Stadium
When Everett has the ball: It could be difficult to move the football against the very experienced Bayhawk defense. Senior linebackers Finn O’Malley and Daniel Reyes command the middle of the field, while junior free safety Liam Poulton-Claypool has no reservations about coming and making the big play.
When Bellingham has the ball: The six skill positions are still relatively unknown. However, the offensive philosophy will remain the same for coach Robb Myhre. A lot of shotgun, single back and four wide receivers. Senior Johnny Twedt will be a focal point in the offense, regardless of position.
Player to watch: Senior safety and kick returner Alex Breeding. A bundle of dynamite that can explode on any play. Whether he’s rushing the quarterback, supporting the run, or making opposing players miss with his elusiveness. He will be a fun one to watch.
PORT ANGELES AT BLAINE
Time: 6 PM Friday
Site: Blaine High School
When Port Angeles has the ball: The Borderites switch to a four-man front this season, and that should help in filling the gaps against the run. Senior Jaxon Kortlever has moved from cornerback to free safety, and he’s the perfect athlete to be the last line of defense.
When Blaine has the ball: The Borderites return their leading passer (Cole Thomas), leading rusher (Gabe Cranford) and leading receiver (Kortlever) from last season. Other playmakers include Avery Dohner at quarterback and Scott Baldwin at wide receiver. Most of the offensive line return as well, and they have great size.
Player to watch for: Senior center and middle linebacker Spencer Dalry. It seems like I’ve been watching this player for a long time, and I’m glad I have another year to do so. He plays the game the right way, and will be a major difference maker on both sides of the ball.
HOCKINGSON AT LYNDEN
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Rollie DeKoster Field
When Hockinson has the ball: The Lynden defense is ahead of schedule, it has to be when looking at the early part of the schedule. Look for linebackers Taivin VanDalen and Lane Heeringa to flow to the ball carrier and make plays. Senior defensive lineman Case Zweegman will also be able to help contain the run game while senior cornerback Kole Antypas should lockdown on Hockinson’s top receiver.
When Lynden has the ball: Still spread, but still a power running team. Five new starters on the offensive line, and this will be a huge test. Senior Max Moore and junior Campbell Nolte will look to control the clock on the ground, while the passing game will be steady with receivers Isaiah Stanley and Kaleo Jandoc.
Player to watch for: Junior safety Collin Anker. After taking over early last season at strong safety, Anker will a linchpin of the Lion defense. He can cover a ton of ground, and he will need to on Friday night.
BURLINGTON-EDISON AT MERIDIAN
Time: 8:00 PM Friday
Site: Meridian High School
When Burlington-Edison has the ball: The Tigers have an extremely athletic quarterback, so containing him will be the main task. Look for junior inside linebacker Taye Binta to shadow the quarterback step for step. Cornerbacks Daniel Short and Eli Jensen will need to stick to the receivers like glue, and maybe get some turnovers.
When Meridian has the ball: The Trojans return Tucker Harrison at quarterback, and he’s not shy about throwing the deep ball. Senior tight end Bryce Johnson is an impressive playmaker, Meridian uses its tight ends more than any other school in Whatcom County.
Player to watch: Junior running back/safety Hunter Jones. This three-sport star can be a true difference maker on the field, on both sides of the ball. He has good size, and Coach Ames will find multiple ways to get him the ball.
MOUNT BAKER AT LIFE CHRISTIAN
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Mount Tahoma High School
When Mount Baker has the ball: The Mountaineers will not keep any secrets about their offensive attack. It’s running, it’s pounding, it’s the Wing-T. Senior Jesse Sande returns after leading Baker in rushing last season, and his runs on counter plays can gash the best defenses, especially when following the blocks of juniors Ethan Larson and Joel Robles.
When Life Christian has the ball: Senior middle linebacker Davin Beason will be a force. Good luck running the ball away from him, or taking him out of the play. He can’t do it alone, though, so look for linebackers Marcques George, Brady West and Sande to join Beason in the middle of the field to make plays.
Player to watch for: Senior quarterback/safety Brent Anderson. An unfortunate injury to Landon Smith has now put Anderson into the spotlight. And, not just at quarterback, but at safety as well. He knows his job, it’s all about execution at this point.
LYNDEN CHRISTIAN AT SQUALICUM
Time: 8 PM Friday
Site: Civic Stadium
When Lynden Christian has the ball: The football field is 53 1/3 yards wide, and the Lyncs will use every inch of that in their diverse offensive attack. Many of their athletes have graduated, but there is a new crop that looks very good. Fly sweeps by Tyler Sipma and Zac Owen, along with quick-outs to Sam Penner and Jamison Hintz will cause fits. Look for the Storm outside linebackers Djouvensky Schlenbaker and Bryson Lamb to try and get the sweeps pushed inside.
When Squalicum has the ball: Schlenbaker has averaged 23.8 carries per game since becoming the starting tailback two years ago, so you can expect the same dosage. Senior quarterback Leyton Smithson brings a new element, especially with his quick feet in the running game. Lync linebackers Caleb Ryan and Matthew Burrows will need to play assignment football, and be ready to tackle.
Matchup to watch: Squalicum senior Kai Posey versus Lynden Christian senior Sam Penner. These two great seniors could be matched up on the outside, regardless of which team has the ball. It could be one of the best matchups of the season.
MONROE AT FERNDALE
Time: 5 PM Saturday
Site: Blaine High School
When Monroe has the ball: Controlling the line of scrimmage might be tough for Monroe, as the Golden Eagles return all four of their starting defensive linemen from last season. The loss of Guillory is crushing, but senior Elijah McCormick is much more than capable in the middle of the field. With all the local hype of Isaiah Carlson’s running ability on offense, he’s being projected higher as an outside linebacker. You could be seeing something really special when watching #22.
When Ferndale has the ball: It’s more of the same, just on a different home field. Ferndale runs the Wing-T to perfection, and they it has the perfect backs to do so. Senior Mark Schlichting steps into the quarterback role, and he has the respect of all his teammates. The offensive line could also be the best one in Whatcom County.
Player to watch: Junior offensive tackle and defensive end Jake Mason. His tenacity on the field makes for a tremendous defensive end that defensive line coach B.J. Hoelzle has to be proud of. If the Golden Eagles jump out to a lead, look for Mason to pin his ears back, and come after the quarterback with relentless, yet controlled, aggression.
