FERNDALE AT OAK HARBOR
Time: 7 PM Thursday
Site: Oak Harbor High School
When Ferndale has the ball: The Golden Eagles are averaging 33 points per game, and over six and a half yards per play, and I would expect that they raise those numbers after tonight’s game. It’s going to be a major breakout game for Ferndale, and you might see multiple 100-yard rushers.
When Oak Harbor has the ball: The Wildcat offense is averaging three touchdowns a game, and the Ferndale defense is allowing almost four touchdowns a game. I just don’t see that happening. The Golden Eagle defense is just too talented. The secondary is young, but it’s only allowing 47.6% of the opponent’s passes to be completed, and the return of junior cornerback Damien Toney has only strengthened the back four.
Player to watch: Senior fullback/middle linebacker Elijah McCormick. He leads Ferndale in tackles (32), and he also has 213 yards rushing. He’s a player that is full of energy that is a joy to watch.
ARCHBISHOP MURPHY AT SQUALICUM
Time: 5 PM Friday
Site: Civic Stadium
When Archbishop Murphy has the ball: The Wildcats have a great quarterback, a superstar wide receiver and they are averaging 25 points per game, but the Storm defense has been more than tough. They are allowing under 11 points per game, and they have already scored three touchdowns this season on defense alone. The rotation of linebackers that Squalicum has is scary good.
When Squalicum has the ball: The Storm offense is really looking to breakout, and it could be tough to do against this Archbishop team. The pieces are coming together with Reed Richardson at quarterback, Djouvensky Schlenbaker returning from injury at tailback and Leyton Smithson split out wide. Kai Posey is also moving up the ladder on the school’s receiving record book.
Player to watch: Senior guard/outside linebacker Bryson Lamb. It’s great to see him fully healthy on the football field again. His awesome career has seen him with nearly 30 stops behind the line of scrimmage.
LAKEWOOD AT LYNDEN
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Rollie DeKoster Field
When Lakewood has the ball: The Cougar offense has been up and down all season, but it will need to be up against this great defense. It’s hard to find a weakness on this side of the ball for Lynden. Containing the dual-threat Lakewood quarterback will be the key, and you can bet that the Lions will be coached up to do so.
When Lynden has the ball: There has been a lot to like with the Lion offense. Five games in, they are averaging 30.6 points, and nearly 350 yards, per game. The offensive line is coming together very quickly, and once Lynden gets rolling, and starts running down hill, it can be extremely tough to stop.
Player to watch: Senior linebacker Taivin VanDalen. Defending against a Dan Teeter coached team will always be difficult. VanDalen’s overall hustle and speed can help combat that.
MOUNT BAKER AT NOOKSACK VALLEY
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Sid Lambert Field
When Mount Baker has the ball: The Mountaineers haven’t had a big offensive explosion since week one. They also haven’t played a game without leaving the county since last season. It’s going to be a great matchup, especially up front where Joel Robles, Drake Pinkey, Jordon Hughes, Thayer Brown and Jesse Harward are going to battle John Stremler, Duke Halaapiapi, Nick Dykstra, Colton Dickey and Gerrit Bruland.
When Nooksack Valley has the ball: The Pioneer offense exploded for 54 points last week, and the a lot of Mountaineer players were there in person to witness it. Despite the spread look, stopping running back Jordan Silva will be the biggest key. Linebackers Brady West and Marcques George will need to wrap up quickly.
Matchup to watch: Mount Baker senior linebacker Davin Beason versus Nooksack Valley sophomore quarterback Joey Brown. Beason might shadow Brown all over the field, and you also can’t forget the senior linebacker in pass coverage. In each of the last two meetings between these two teams, Beason had an interception.
SHOREWOOD AT BLAINE
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Blaine High School
When Shorewood has the ball: The Thunderbirds are winless, and are averaging just over 12 points a game. But they lost their last two games by just a point each. Passing on Blaine will be tough, as the Borderites lead Whatcom County with an opponent’s pass completion percentage of 45.9%. Inside linebacker Spencer Dalry is averaging over 10 tackles per contest.
When Blaine has the ball: The Borderites have talent all over the field, and they could really have a big night. Blaine is averaging 35.3 point per game, the most in Whatcom County. The passing game has looked strong, but the run game could use a little pick-me-up. A win here would be a milestone for coach Jay Dodd. How so? Find out in Saturday’s story.
Player to watch: Senior quarterback Avery Dohner. After being one of the top defensive ends last season, Dohner has shown everyone that he’s one of the best quarterbacks. He throws an effortless deep ball, and his connection with his receivers is truly special. He is averaging over 10 yards per pass attempt, completion or not. That is pretty remarkable.
ONALASKA AT LYNDEN CHRISTIAN
Time: 1 PM Saturday
Site: Lynden Christian High School
When Onalaska has the ball: The Loggers are one of the top 2B teams in the state, and they can put up some points (33 per game), but the Lyncs are just plain nasty on defense. Lynden Christian is allowing just 5.13 yards per play on defense, the best in Whatcom County. They have playmakers on all three levels, and junior defensive end Kade Eldridge is having a spectacular season.
When Lynden Christian has the ball: Will Colwell is putting up insane numbers, and he’s as true a dual threat as there is in Whatcom County. The Lync offense goes as he goes, which could result in a lot of points on Saturday afternoon. He has a ton of weapons on the outside and some big dudes blocking for him up front.
Player to watch for: Senior left tackle/inside linebacker Matthew Burrows. Some players, you can just tell how much they love to play football. Burrows is one of those players. Coach Dan Kaemingk has had some great stunting middle linebackers over the years, and Burrows is a natural at it.
MERIDIAN AT COUPEVILLE
Time: 7 PM Saturday
Site: Coupeville High School
When Meridian has the ball: The Trojan offense was quieted a bit last week, after three weeks of being on its game. But, this could be a nice bounce-back week. There are plenty of playmakers all over the field, but the offense will only go as far as the offensive line allows it to.
When Coupeville has the ball: The Trojan defense is young, but very talented. Freshman cornerback Jaeger Fyfe, and junior safety Hunter Jones, lead with two interceptions a piece. Jones has 28.5 tackles, and senior defensive lineman Josh Groen has wowed opposing teams with his 10.5 sacks.
Player to watch for: Senior quarterback/strong safety Tucker Harrison. He’s leading Whatcom County in passing (1081 yards) and he’s fifth on the team with 19 tackles. He throws a very accurate deep ball, and his best games have been on the road.
