Week one is behind us, and it’s time to look ahead. The biggest change in any high school football season is made from week one to week two, so I’m excited to see how everyone plays this weekend! At the time of posting this, Snohomish had to cancel against Squalicum, so there is no game preview for the Storm.
Now… onto the week two previews.
ANACORTES AT SEHOME
Time: 5 PM Friday
Site: Civic Stadium
When Anacortes has the ball: The Seahawks better be aware of the reigning Whatcom Preps Defensive Player of the Week, outside linebacker Tommy Funk. The junior has a knack at making huge plays, especially behind the line of scrimmage. Also look for 285-pound junior nose tackle Habib Bello to have a big game, as he did last week against Nooksack Valley.
When Sehome has the ball: The Mariners split time with their quarterbacks, with senior Jovyn Sangha putting up some pretty impressive numbers. The passing game had some spectacular moments last week, but running the ball and protecting the ball need to be a main focus for the Mariners.
Player to watch: Senior wide receiver/cornerback Zach Chisolm. He made one of the biggest plays of the game last week, catching a 41-yarder on 4th-and-long. He has great hands, runs great routes and can sometimes get forgotten with the guys he has around him. He’s also a great cornerback that knows how to stay with opposing receivers, and he can kick in a pinch if needed.
HOQUIAM AT NOOKSACK VALLEY
Time: 6 PM Friday
Site: Sid Lambert Field
When Hoquiam has the ball: The Pioneer defense was very opportunistic last week, creating turnovers and allowing just seven points. Defensive Coordinator Jessy Dykstra already has his troops looking extremely strong, and this unit is only getting better. Linebackers Jet Triplett and Caleb Kingma can really fly around the field, while strong safeties (and cousins) Dawson Kimball and Colton Lentz can each cover the run and pass equally.
When Nooksack Valley has the ball: Sophomore quarterback Joey Brown grew up a lot last week. He looked extremely sharp at times, and wasn’t afraid of tucking the ball and running when needed. The run game was a little off last week, and I expect Jordan Silva to get back on track tonight.
Player to watch: Freshman wide receiver/free safety Cory Olney. I heard a lot about this youngster before the season officially kicked off, and he lived up to the billing. A weapon on both sides, and he can also emerge in the kick return game.
FERNDALE AT LYNDEN
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Rollie DeKoster Field
When Ferndale has the ball: This is the matchup that I’m so excited to see. No offense returned more starters in 2021 than the Golden Eagle offense, and no defense returned more starters than the Lion defense. Lynden knows what the Ferndale offense is capable of. A lot of running, spreading the ball out to the multi-talented backs, and the occasional deep ball.
When Lynden has the ball: The Lions are back to the dual quarterbacks, which forces Ferndale to prepare for both. If Lynden can find a good matchup on the outside with Isaiah Stanley, he could have a big game. His coming out party was last season against Ferndale. Can the young, but large, offensive line of the Lions contend with the nasty front seven of the Golden Eagles?
Matchup to watch: Ferndale senior Mark Schlichting versus Lynden senior Max Moore. An intriguing matchup, regardless of which team has the ball. Moore will have to be ready for the deep pass after play-action, and Schlichting will need to be aware of Moore’s running ability.
MERIDIAN AT EVERGREEN (SEATTLE)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Highline Memorial Stadium
When Meridian has the ball: The Trojans will need to score more than eight points this Friday night if they expect to come out on top, and I expect them to do quite well offensively. Looks for senior quarterback Tucker Harrison to go deep down the field to his playmakers, let by senior tight end Bryce Johnson.
When Evergreen has the ball: Wolverine junior Rico Jerez-Sosa is a major playmaker (377 rushing yards, 4 TD’s rushing – 3 rec, 118 yards, TD last week), and he will need to be contained. All of Meridian’s secondary will need to keep a wary eye on him.
Player to watch for: Junior running back/linebacker Taye Binta. I expect this athletic Trojan to get quite a few more looks than he did in week one. He can also cover a lot of ground from sideline to sideline.
LAKEWOOD AT LYNDEN CHRISTIAN
Time: 7:00 PM Friday
Site: Lynden Christian High School
When Lakewood has the ball: The Cougars are known to throw out a number of glamorous formations, but Coach Kaemingk’s defensive mind is always one step ahead. Safety Jamison Hintz and linebacker Caleb Ryan are Whatcom County’s top tacklers, and they will need to be on top of their games.
When Lynden Christian has the ball: The big play ability of quarterback Will Colwell was apparent last week, even in a loss. The county’s top passer with 238 yards, and his receivers are always up for a challenge. The run game was not super affective last week, look for Kayden Mellema to have a bigger impact.
Player to watch: Junior defensive end Kade Eldrigde. He already has the size (6’4″ 245) and the speed (4.8 40-yard dash), the experience will come now, and he will just continue to improve.
WEST SEATTLE AT BELLINGHAM
Time: 8 PM Friday
Site: Civic Stadium
When West Seattle has the ball: The Bayhawks gave up 410 yards rushing last week, but defensive linemen Matthew Butenschoen and Javen Livas were able to make plays behind the line of scrimmage. Look for safety Liam Poulton-Claypool to make a big play on defense to help catapult his team into the win column.
When Bellingham has the ball: Spreading the wealth will be the key for the Bayhawks. Wide receiver Johnny Twedt is the key playmaker, but he can’t be the only one. Senior Finn O’Mally and junior Logan Steeves will be counted upon to make plays out of the backfield.
Player to watch for: Junior quarterback Max Rasset. He got off to a tough start last week in his first varsity start behind center, but he played a lot better in the second half. Now that the nerves are behind him, expect him to be on target this weekend.
BAINBRIDGE AT BLAINE
Time: 2 PM Saturday
Site: Blaine High School
When Bainbridge has the ball: The Spartans will need to get on the board quickly if they want to keep up with the Borderites. Senior defensive ends Alex Welch and Anden Holley supply great pressure off the edge while senior linebacker Spencer Dalry commands the middle of the field. Danny Michaud is another player that can be a wild card on defense, supplying support at all three levels on the field.
When Blaine has the ball: The Borderites had over 200 yards rushing AND 200 yards passing last week, the first time they had accomplished that feat in six years. A balanced attack will bring them a long way, especially with the senior wide receiver combination of Jaxon Kortlever and Scott Baldwin.
Player to watch: Junior running back/kick returner Larry Creasey. It was a breakout performance last week (134 yards on 15 carries), and he provides a great 1-2 punch with Gabe Cranford.
MOUNT BAKER AT WENATCHEE
Time: 6 PM Saturday
Site: Lee Bofto Field at the Apple Bowl
When Mount Baker has the ball: Controlling the clock, moving the chains and executing to perfection… that is what the Mountaineer offense is capable every week. It all starts up front with the rough and tough Mount Baker offensive line, led by seniors Davin Beason and Thayer Brown.
When Wenatchee has the ball: If the Panthers plan on throwing, they better know this: Mount Baker, year after year, has ball-hawks in the secondary (4 picks last week, two returned for touchdowns) and an incredible pass rush (a sack for a safety last week). Senior linebacker Jesse Sande will be moved back to safety, taking over for the injured Wilhem Maloley, which opens up a spot in the linebacking corps for talented junior Brady West.
Player to watch: Junior left tackle/defensive tackle Joel Robles. Playing against a 4A team, the Mounties will likely be outsized. But, Robles (6’5″ 253) will be able to hold his own against some of the state’s largest.
