It was such a delight to see local high school football again in Whatcom County last week! Although there weren’t any nail-biters, this week could prove to be different. Also, in week one, five of the seven road teams won. And, in this week’s games, two of the road teams are actually playing at home. Let me explain… Mount Baker will travel to Blaine tonight, but the Mountaineers are the designated home team. This is due to weather, and the potential damage that could be done to Mount Baker’s grass field during this time of the year. The same is being done at Civic Stadium tonight where Lynden Christian will be the home team against Bellingham.
Every one of these games will be able to watched from the comfort of your own home, I will share a link for each game on how you can watch or listen to your favorite team.
Alright! Week two is upon us, and we have six games to preview, so let’s get to it!
SEHOME (1-0) AT OAK HARBOR (0-1)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Oak Harbor High School
How to watch/listen to the game: Oak Harbor YouTube channel
When Sehome has the ball: It was a great blend of run and pass last week for the Mariners, and you can likely expect more of them same. Running back Colin Dorsch exploded for 187 yards on the ground, and now he will go up against a Wildcat team that allowed over 400 yards on the ground in week one. Of course, playing with a lead helps, and if passing is needed, Jacob Kaepernick and his sleek group of weapons is a great direction to go in.
When Oak Harbor has the ball: The Wildcats like to spread out, and get the ball to numerous different athletes, but they aren’t opposed to running the ball between the tackles. Look for defensive linemen Lucas Lehn and Gavin Ortega to make big plays at the line of scrimmage, as well as put pressure on the lefty quarterback. Outside linebackers Felipe Arreola and Max Malo need to be ready for the quick swing pass to the running back, and safety Tim Malo will have plenty of opportunities from his free safety position.
Player to watch: Senior running back/strong safety Colin Dorsch. He will make an immediate on this game from both sides of the ball. His sudden change or direction, and burst, when he has the football is exciting to watch, and his free range on defense allows him to make plays all of the field.
BLAINE (0-1) VS. MOUNT BAKER (1-0)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Borderite Stadium
How to watch/listen to the game: Blaine YouTube Channel
When Blaine has the ball: Multiple receivers, tight ends, and a shotgun offense. Senior quarterback Will McKinney has a bevy of targets, he just needs the time to set his feet and deliver the throw. Week one saw a rotation at running back, and it could be more of the same. The Mountaineer defense picked off three passes last week, and will be facing the spread offense once again. Junior linebacker Davin Beason controls the middle of the field, and can really fly to the ball.
When Mount Baker has the ball: It’s a veteran offense (if you can say that at the varsity level) as it has so many returning weapons. Mason Jacoby returns at quarterback, and is not opposed of throwing the deep ball. Running backs Toby Jefferson and Jesse Sande are both power runners that eat up yards between the tackles. The Borderites are big up front, and they will need to eat up blockers to let linebackers Braden Stanovich, Spencer Dalry and Tyson Kirk make plays on the ball carriers.
Matchup to watch: Mount Baker senior fullback Toby Jefferson versus Blaine senior linebacker Braden Stanovich. These two should meet plenty of times near the line of scrimmage, and just remember, the low man wins.
SQUALICUM (1-0) AT MOUNT VERNON (0-1)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Mount Vernon High School
How to watch/listen to the game: Mount Vernon YouTube Channel
When Squalicum has the ball: Of course, a lot of focus will be on running back Djouvensky Schlenbaker, and for good reason, but the Storm could be the most balanced team in Whatcom County. Quarterback Mason Binning’s timing and accuracy was near perfect in week one, and if the Bulldogs stack the box, it could be more of the same. Coach Nick Lucey likes to get a lot of players touches early, and then he’s got Schlenbaker that can pound the ball and wear a defense down late in games.
When Mount Vernon has the ball: The Bulldogs have one of the biggest offensive lines I’ve seen at the high school level, so the Storm front seven will need to use it’s quickness to make plays. Mount Vernon’s quarterback made big plays late in the game last week as a running threat. Look for Squalicum linebacker Jaymeson Thompson to track him down when needed.
Player to watch: Senior quarterback Mason Binning. He will take what the defense gives him, and then go for a little extra. He has no fear in throwing the deep ball, and why would he with accuracy like that?
BELLINGHAM (0-1) VS. LYNDEN CHRISTIAN (1-0)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Civic Stadium
How to watch/listen to the game: Justagamelive – KGMI Radio
When Bellingham has the ball: The new look Red Raiders will use a multitude of quick strike passes, fly sweeps and QB runs. Quarterback Trevor Johnson has the ability to keep plays alive, and now that he has his first varsity experience out of the way, he could be even more dangerous. The Lync defense, however, is scary good. Senior defensive end Grant Vander Velden had 3.5 sacks last week, and the secondary has a ton of experience, speed and ball-hawking ability.
When Lynden Christian has the ball: Senior quarterback Logan Dykstra looked great in his first varsity start, both running and passing. Receivers Shale Whittern, Kolin Sterk, Cole Moorlag and Jackson Apol all made great catches, and LC rotated a bunch of fresh running backs. Bellingham linebackers James Quinlan and Finn O’Malley will have their work cut out for them, and sophomore defensive end Javen Livas could be a disrupter in the Lync backfield.
Matchup to watch: Lynden Christian senior wide receiver/cornerback Shale Whittern versus Bellingham senior wide receiver/cornerback Manny DePalma. After facing each others over a dozen times on the baseball diamond over the years, this will be a little different. They could end up covering each other, on both sides of the ball, all game.
LYNDEN (1-0) AT FERNDALE (1-0)
Time: 7:00 PM Friday
Site: Ferndale High School
How to watch/listen to the game: Ferndale YouTube Channel – KPUG radio
When Lynden has the ball: Week one looked much like 2019. A huge offensive line, a strong running game using both the quarterback and running back with powers and counters. Baylor Ayres and Caleb Wheeler could each get another huge workload, and I can guarantee that they are both up for the task against the rival Golden Eagles. Ferndale’s front seven is very active, and very big. Containing the Lions, and not allowing the big play, will be the key.
When Ferndale has the ball: Year after year, the Ferndale offense has three running backs with completely different styles. Fullback Ryan Pelton can pound the ball up the middle, halfback Isiah Carlson has tremendous acceleration and power, and wing back Thomas Broselle can change direction at top speed as good as anyone. Lynden linebackers Taivin VanDalen and Connor White are both superb football players, and playing assignment football tonight will test their knowledge.
Matchup to watch: Lynden senior lineman Matthew Furdyk versus Ferndale sophomore lineman Landen Hatchett. I’m not 100% sure if these are the two strongest linemen in Whatcom County, but they could be. Any football expert will tell you that the game is won in the trenches, and this matchup will determine the success for one of these great teams.
NOOKSACK VALLEY (0-1) AT MERIDIAN (0-0)
Time: 7 PM
Site: Meridian High School
How to watch/listen to the game: Justagamelive
When Nooksack Valley has the ball: With a varsity game under his belt, freshman quarterback Joey Brown should be able to control his nerves pretty well. He has great natural ability, as well as a lot of talent around him. Expect Scout Whittern, Jordan Silva and Colten Brower to get the ball in many different ways. How different will the Trojans looks without Bob Ames at the helm? Probably not that different. Meridian likes to bring pressure, and play close to the receivers.
When Meridian has the ball: Quarterback Tucker Harrison gets his first varsity start, and even when I haven’t seen a Meridian quarterback throw a pass yet, I always expect greatness. I’m sure he will do great, but who will he get the ball to? I haven’t received a roster yet, but I would imagine that Wesley Kurz will be the main target. The Pioneer defense played very well last week against an extremely strong Mount Baker team, and I’m excited to see if junior defensive end Nick Dykstra can continue to make plays in the opposing backfield.
Matchup to watch: Nooksack Valley senior lineman Liam Coppinger versus Meridian senior lineman Mason Knutson. This matchup will be very intriguing, especially when the Pioneers are possessing the football. Coppinger has incredible strength, and Knutson (now a three-year starter at defensive end) relies on quickness and desire.
