And just like that, we’re heading into the second half of the season tonight! Teams will try to separate themselves from the rest. Only two games that feature a Whatcom County matchup, so a lot of games to cover, so let’s get to it!
LYNDEN CHRISTIAN (2-0) AT KING’S (3-0)
Time: 6 PM Thursday
Site: King’s High School
How to watch: Click here
When Lynden Christian has the ball: The Lyncs haven’t been stopped this year. Yes, it has only been two games, but they haven’t even punted yet. King’s will pose more of a threat, but after taking a week off, the Lyncs will be ready to pounce. Quarterback Logan Dykstra has thrown eight touchdowns and zero interceptions. He has multiple weapons on the outside, and running backs Cody Bajema, Devonta Bootsma and Kayden Mellema rotate and stay fresh.
When King’s has the ball: The Knights are undefeated, but they haven’t faced a defense like this before. In fact, many teams in the state haven’t faced a defense like this before. The front seven is aggressive with Grant Vander Velden attacking off the edge, and Bajema tackling everything in the middle of the field. But, the secondary is special. It has been for a while. Cornerback Shale Whittern is starting for the third year in a row, and safeties Cole Moorlag and Jackson Apol are walking playmakers.
Player to watch: Senior running back and defensive end Devonta Bootsma. He just signed with Dordt University, and you can expect him to be a difference maker in this game on both sides of the ball.
LYNDEN (2-1) AT SEDRO WOOLLEY (1-2)
Time: 7 PM Thursday
Site: Sedro Woolley High School
How to watch: Click Here
When Lynden has the ball: Running the ball between the tackles has been effective, and there will definitely be more of the same. You can’t sleep on the arm of Baylor Ayres, though. He has a cannon, and he will let it fly when needed. He’s had a good connection with sophomore wide receiver Isaiah Stanley the past few games, and if he’s looking to his tight ends, Cade Slayton is sure-handed as well.
When Sedro Woolley has the ball: The Cubs lost their first two games, but exploded last week for a 35-14 win over Mount Vernon. Rumor has it that they have a new quarterback that is making waves, and the Lions will have to contain him. Lynden losing last season to Sedro last season, will have all the incentive in the world to make this a long day for the Cubs. Look for defensive linemen Carter Van Diest, Case Zweegman, Matthew Furdyk and Gavin Scott to disrupt plays in the backfield.
Player to watch: Lynden senior linebacker Connor White. The speed is evident (starter in center field on the baseball team since his sophomore year), but his aggressive style of attack jumps off the screen when watching film.
GRANITE FALLS (1-1) AT BELLINGHAM (1-2)
Time: 7 PM Thursday
Site: Civic Stadium
How to watch: Click here
When Granite Falls has the ball: After defeating Sultan in a close contest, the Tigers took it on the chin against Anacortes. Moving the ball against Bellingham could be tricky as the Red Raiders improvement has been apparent. Junior linebackers Daniel Reyes and Finn O’Malley are turning into quite the duo, and cornerbacks Manny DePalma and Johnny Twedt each had an interception last week.
When Bellingham has the ball: Bellingham quarterback Trevor Johnson showed the rest of the county what he was capable of doing last week, and Coach Robb Myhre might really open up the playbook now that his senior is starting to grasp the offense. DePalma and Twedt are great targets on the outside, but you can’t sleep on Kyle McColl down the seam. At 6-foot-3, he provides a great target, and he scored his first varsity touchdown last week.
Player to watch: Senior lineman Gage Bell. He’s extremely strong, and has more varsity experience than anyone else on the team. He could have multiple stops for a loss tonight.
NOOKSACK VALLEY (1-2) AT BLAINE (0-3)
Time: 7 PM Thursday
Site: Borderite Stadium
How to watch: Click here
When Nooksack Valley has the ball: The Pioneer offense clicked last week, and a lot of it has to do with the presence of senior quarterback Cody Coppinger. The running game was extremely effective, and I can’t see them going away from it unless it stops working. Junior Jordan Silva has breakaway speed, and senior Scout Whittern enjoys initiating contact with tough runs up the middle. Avery Dohner is making his presence know as a defensive end for Blaine, as well as safeties Taylor Olson and Seth Zuch.
When Blaine has the ball: Whether it’s Will McKinney or Cole Thomas at quarterback, you can expect the Borderites to spread it out. That will allow running lanes for strong-running junior Gabe Cranford. Senior Benjamin Arps and junior Jaxon Kortlever can make athletic plays on deep passes. The Nooksack Valley defense has really shown me a lot this season, with great plays at all three levels. Whittern is one of the best safeties around, and can play the run extremely well.
Matchup to watch: Blaine junior running back Gabe Cranford versus Nooksack Valley junior linebacker Jet Triplett. These two should meet in the middle of the field plenty of times, we’ll also get to see this same matchup next year.
MOUNT BAKER (3-0) AT ANACORTES (1-2)
Time: 7:00 PM Thursday
Site: Anacortes High School
How to watch: Click here
When Mount Baker has the ball: The Mountaineer offense hasn’t had too much trouble this season, and has punted just three times in three games. Senior quarterback Mason Jacoby has been efficient, and hasn’t thrown an interception all season, and running backs Jesse Sande and Toby Jefferson have been extremely hard to stop. Senior right tackle Victor Schuener returned to the lineup last week, and actually made their offensive line bigger than it already was.
When Anacortes has the ball: The Seahawks have been averaging 18 points per game this season, and the Mount Baker defense as allowed 10 points per game against them. Both numbers sway towards Baker’s favor. Seniors Aidan Corning and Garrett Smith have been great as the defensive ends. Middle linebacker Davin Beason can be left alone in the middle of the field to make plays while the secondary has already intercepted six passes this season.
Player to watch: Senior tight end and outside linebacker Jeremiah Lee. He started at linebacker last season, and got better with every game. Now, as the starting tight end, he could score his first varsity touchdown tonight.
BURLINGTON-EDISON (2-1) AT FERNDALE (2-1)
Time: 7 PM Thursday
Site: Ferndale High School
How to watch: Click here
When Burlington-Edison has the ball: The Tigers have improved with each game this season, but moving the ball against Ferndale will be tough. The defensive line of junior Xander Castleberry, sophomores Landon Hatchett and Jake Mason, and freshman Camden Raymond, will be the catalyst for everything defensively. Speedy linebackers Jazen Guillory and Isaiah Carlson will clean up the mess.
When Ferndale has the ball: Coming off a tough loss, you can bet that the Golden Eagles will be ready for this one. Carlson will attempt to keep his streak of 100-yard games going, and you can bet that Pelton and Broselle will have bounce-back games. This is also a long-time rivalry that goes back a while, as former Tiger quarterback (and current Ferndale assistant coach) Jason Lehman can attest.
Player to watch: Ferndale junior fullback and strong safety Ryan Pelton. Offensively, you know what you’re getting. A pounding running style that will tire out the opponent late in the game. Defensively, he could line up anywhere, and he will make plays all over the field.
SQUALICUM (2-1) AT SEHOME (3-0)
Time: 7:00 PM Friday
Site: Sehome High School
How to watch: Click here
When Squalicum has the ball: Junior running back Djouvensky Schlenbaker has broken his own personal record for carries the past few weeks. Will he carry it more than 32 times this week? Quarterback Mason Binning has a lot of weapons, as each game has seen a different receiver lead in receptions. Sehome’s defense played outstanding last week, and the Mariners will need to re-create their performance again on Friday.
When Sehome has the ball: The Mariners like to throw it, and the Storm likes to bring the house. Senior quarterback Jacob Kaepernick will need to read quickly and get rid of the ball. His number one target Tim Malo, who is on the verge of breaking multiple school receiving records, injured his wrist last week and might not be available. Look for other junior Luke Evans and sophomore Max Malo to step up. Storm safeties Reed Richardson and Kaleb Hawkinson will need to use their great speed to patrol the field.
Matchup to watch: Sehome junior right tackle Gavin Ortega versus Squalicum junior outside linebacker Bryson Lamb. Ortega protects the blindside of Kaepernick, and he’ll have his hands full with Lamb who has eight sacks in his young career.
It would be really cool if you put game links to watch the game under each matchup you do because I know alot of people read these so that might help get more viewers especially for this year.
You got it, Connor. Just put all the links up. Thanks, and best of luck tonight!