SOUTH WHIDBEY AT BELLINGHAM
Time: 5 PM Friday
Site: Civic Stadium
When South Whidbey has the ball: The Falcons are averaging nearly 30 points per game, so the Bayhawks will need to really strap it up. Last week, Bellingham moved Liam Poulton-Claypool from free safety to an outside linebacker/strong safety hybrid position. Opposite of his was fellow junior Logan Steeves, and together, they will need to contain everything on the edge. Look for defensive lineman Nathaniel Gass and Jordan McCormack to make big plays at the line of scrimmage.
When Bellingham has the ball: The Bayhawk offense improved greatly from week one to week two, and I could see another big improvement coming tonight. Quarterback Max Rasset found seven different receivers, and the running game was a little bit better. Look for Bellingham to find creative ways to get the ball to Alex Breeding, regardless of what position he’s lineup up at..
Player to watch: Senior running back/inside linebacker Finn O’Malley. A four-year varsity player, O’Malley is the true swiss army knife of this team. Over the years he has lined up at tackle, guard, long snapper, running back and wide receiver on offense, and defensive end, inside linebacker and strong safety on defense. A player willing to do whatever it takes to make his team better.
SQUALICUM AT LYNDEN
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Rollie DeKoster Field
When Squalicum has the ball: The dynamic duo of quarterback Leyton Smithson and running back Djouvensky Schlenbaker will be a lot to handle, for any team. In last season’s meeting, it was the “bend but don’t break” mentality that worked for the Lions. Schlenbaker got his yards (185) but was kept out of the end zone, and Lynden would love to duplicate that. Look for other playmakers (Kai Posey, Kaleb Hawkinson, etc.) to get involved.
When Lynden has the ball: The big, physical offensive line of the Lions against the smaller, quick defensive line of the Storm. That’s going to be the entire key when Lynden has the ball. Squalicum’s four linebackers are tremendous, and they will need to read everything and adapt quickly to the sharp Lynden offense. Counters, powers, quick outs and the occasional deep ball, it’s going to be a great matchup.
Matchup to watch: Senior running back/linebacker Djouvensky Schlenbaker versus junior running back/linebacker Lane Heeringa. At some point, there will be the initial collision between these two, and it will likely echo throughout east Lynden. Heeringa is Whatcom County’s leading tackler, and he will have plenty more chances to up that total tonight.
ARLINGTON AT FERNDALE
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Blaine High School
When Arlington has the ball: The Eagles have a lot of playmakers on offense, and they are averaging 44.5 points per game. They haven’t seen a defense quite like that of the Golden Eagles, though. Ferndale’s back seven will need to be extremely active. Thomas Broselle had a dynamic interception last week, and he will be tested again tonight. Sophomore free safety Conner Walcker could be a difference maker in this one.
When Ferndale has the ball: The machine that is the Golden Eagle offense will just continue. The offensive line has been creating gigantic lanes for Ferndale’s all-star running backs, and I don’t expect anything to change that. Senior quarterback Mark Schlichting has picked his spots well, and has delivered superbly when asked to pass deep.
Player to watch: Ferndale junior running back/outside linebacker Isaiah Carlson. He has rushed for over 100 yards in eight straight games, and I think it’s a sure bet that his streak will continue for quite a while. Defensively, he’s great in the flat, but don’t be surprised if you see him blitzing at opportune times.
LYNDEN CHRISTIAN AT CEDARCREST
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Cedarcrest High School
When Lynden Christian has the ball: The Lyncs are going to explode offensively. There’s just too much talent to keep down. The receiving quartet of Jamison Hintz, Sam Penner, Caleb Ryan and Tyler Sipma is scary good. Quarterback Will Colwell had a big game last week (258 yards passing, 70 yards rushing), and he’s poised for another big game tonight on the road.
When Cedarcrest has the ball: The Wolves are averaging 9.5 points per game, and that might be tough to get against the Lync defense. Junior defensive end Kade Eldridge is a monster coming off the edge, and senior inside linebacker Matthew Burrows is turning into one of the great ones in Whatcom County. Hintz and Penner are top tackling safeties.
Player to watch for: Junior wide receiver/cornerback Tyler Sipma. A home run threat every time he touches the ball. I foresee a 50+ yard touchdown by him tonight. He just has that innate ability to make defenders miss.
MOUNT BAKER AT SEATTLE PREP
Time: 7:45 PM Friday
Site: Memorial Stadium in Seattle
When Mount Baker has the ball: Controlling the clock, and limiting turnovers, will be the biggest keys for the Mountaineers. After last week’s mistakes, I’m sure Coach Lepper has drilled this into his team. Mount Baker will need to run the ball effectively, and use every special play in the book. Senior Jesse Sande and junior Marcques George are both Top-5 rushers in Whatcom County, and they should be featured heavily.
When Seattle Prep has the ball: The Panthers are averaging seven touchdowns a game, and the Mountaineer defense is allowing just over seven points a game, so something will have to give. Seattle Prep is one of the “big-boy” teams, but Baker has no problem suiting up against anyone and giving it everything. Limiting big plays will be a major key for the boys in red and black.
Player to watch: Junior running back/linebacker Marcques George. His tough running style is so exciting to watch, and his defensive play has been awesome. He nearly got a safety last week, and when he has the ball in his hands he has a major nose for the end zone.
ARCHBISHOP MURPHY AT SEHOME
Time: 8 PM Friday
Site: Civic Stadium
When Archbishop Murphy has the ball: Year in and year out, the Wildcats are one of the best football teams around. They might be a little down this year, but they are still very strong. Sehome’s defense has been awesome so far, only allowing one touchdown over two games. It will need to continue that trend in order to come out on top. Junior strong safety Max Malo is a true ball hawk that will be all over the field.
When Sehome has the ball: The multiple formations of the Mariner offense worked pretty well. The power running of junior Tommy Funk (22 carries for 139 yards), and the spread passing offense came together pretty well, but it will need to really click tonight in this conference opener. It will be a true test for the Mariners, to see how they will do in the strongest 2A conference in the state.
Player to watch for: Senior quarterback Jovyn Sangha. He has a very fluid throwing motion, and he doesn’t get flustered when he’s flushed out of the pocket. He also has some great natural athletes on the outside to throw to. He might need to ice his arm tonight after this one.
MERIDIAN AT GRANDVIEW
Time: 1 PM Saturday
Site: Rich Leenhouts Stadium
When Meridian has the ball: The Trojan offense exploded last week, and should bring in some much needed confidence for this weekend’s game. Meridian will not have any problem spreading it out, and throwing it deep. Junior running back/wide receiver Hunter Jones broke a school record last week for yards per reception in a game (39.4), and Bryce Johnson is another great target.
When Grandview has the ball: The Greyhounds have been in two close games, and Meridian has participated in two blowouts. The Trojan defense can be suffocating at times, especially with Whatcom County’s sack leader, Josh Groen. Jones is also a punishing tackler from his safety position.
Player to watch: Junior defensive lineman Marcus Castaneda. He tackled the punter in the end zone in week one for a safety, and last week he registered two more tackles for loss. He doesn’t have the size of most defensive linemen, but his quickness is a major factor.
NOOKSACK VALLEY AT KELSO
Time: 5 PM Saturday
Site: Memorial Stadium at Seattle
When Nooksack Valley has the ball: After scoring one touchdown in week one, the Pioneer offense exploded for seven touchdowns last week. Nooksack Valley will have to keep that momentum going against a Highlander team that hasn’t even allowed a single point yet this season. Sophomore quarterback Joey Brown was sharp last week (two touchdown passes, and just one incompletion) and senior running back Jordan Silva will have to continue his touchdown explosion abilities from week two.
When Kelso has the ball: The Highlanders’ pistol/spread offense has been able to move the ball pretty effectively, and the Pioneers will need big plays to neutralize them. Linebackers, Jet Triplett, Caleb Kingma and Dawson Kimball are very sure tacklers, Silva leads a young secondary. Defensive ends Gerrit Bruland and John Stremler have put forth some big numbers so far this season.
Player to watch: Senior tight end/linebacker Caleb Kingma. He was the team’s leading receiver last season, and he’s picking up right where he left off. A great defender, against the pass and the run, and he’s also picked up the kicking and punting duties this year. A major player that rarely leaves the field.
