Well, well, well. That was a quick turnaround! And, just like that, we have games tonight! Only four games involving Whatcom County teams, so let’s check out the matchups!
LYNDEN CHRISTIAN (3-0) AT LYNDEN (3-1)
Time: 7 PM Tuesday
Site: Rollie DeKoster Field
How to watch: Click here
When Lynden Christian has the ball: The Lyncs still haven’t punted, in three games played. I don’t even think they’ve turned the ball over yet. Quarterback Logan Dykstra leads Whatcom County in completion percentage (71.8%), passing touchdowns (12) and quarterback rating (153.6). He has great weapons with incredible skills. Just like LC, The Lynden defense has allowed just six points in the last two games, but these games were against Squalicum and Sedro Woolley. Linebacker Taivin VanDalen leads a fast, swarming defense, something that Lynden Christian hasn’t seen yet this season.
When Lynden has the ball: The Lions will make secret about running the ball. Yes, it is a spread offense, but that will only open up more room for running back Caleb Wheeler. Quarterback Baylor Ayres is a true dual-threat, and has shown MVP-like glimpses this season. The Lync defense has allowed just six points in three games. Safeties Cole Moorlag and Jackson Apol are tremendous playmakers that will need to make a difference in run support.
Matchup to watch: Lynden senior tackle James Sorensen versus Lynden Christian senior defensive end Logan Dykstra. Sorensen has the size advantage, but Dykstra has supreme athleticism. This matchup could go a long way towards controlling the time of possession.
KING’S (3-1) AT MOUNT BAKER (4-0)
Time: 6:30 PM Tuesday
Site: Bob Tisdale Field
How to watch: Click Here
When King’s has the ball: The Knights had their moments here and there against LC last week, but scored just six points. The Baker defense is very opportunistic and has already intercepted eight passes on the season, which is twice as many and other team in Whatcom County. Phil Paez, Garrett Smith and Jeremiah Lee can put fierce pressure on the passer, and linebacker Davin Beason can control the middle of the field with the best of them.
When Mount Baker has the ball: The Mountaineers’ huge offensive line has been on fire lately, and running back Jesse Sande just came off his first 200-yard performance. King’s can’t just focus on the run, though, as Mason Jacoby is a great quarterback with fantastic weapons. In fact, Jacoby is the fifth leading passer in school history, and Ayden Rodriguez is fourth all-time in school history in receiving yards.
Player to watch: Mount Baker senior Ayden Rodriguez. End arounds, double-handoffs, or going deep, Rodriguez always makes a huge impact in any game he is in.
OAK HARBOR (0-4) AT NOOKSACK VALLEY (1-3)
Time: 7 PM Tuesday
Site: Sid Lambert FIeld
How to watch: Still researching…
When Oak Harbor has the ball: Despite being winless this season, the Wildcats do have some weapons. They run the spread, but they have some tough running backs. It should be a decent matchup for the Pioneers that have an extremely strong defensive line. Led by senior Alex Clawson and junior Nick Dykstra, the strength is evident, and they make a lot of plays in the opposing backfield. Freshmen Duke Halaapiapi and John Stremler have been pleasant surprises as well up front.
When Nooksack Valley has the ball: The insertion of Cody Coppinger at quarterback has actually meant more running of the football. To me, it’s a personnel thing. Scout Whittern, Jordan Silva and Coppinger are all major threats running the ball, and it helps to run behind left tackle Liam Coppinger.
Player to watch: Nooksack Valley junior tight end and linebacker Caleb Kingma. Although not a true tight end, he lines up in the traditional “Y” position in the Pioneer offense, and has become the main target in the passing offense. His defensive prowess is also starting to take hold.
FERNDALE (3-1) AT MOUNT VERNON (1-3)
Time: 7 PM Tuesday
Site: Mount Vernon High School
How to watch: Click here
When Ferndale has the ball: The Golden Eagles really had it rolling last week, and you can expect more of the same tonight. Isaiah Carlson and Thomas Broselle are homerun threats every time they touch the ball, and they stay fresh throughout the game as Ferndale can really divvy up the carries. I’m not sure if fullback Ryan Pelton will be available, but if not, Elijah McCormick should fill in admirably.
When Mount Vernon has the ball: The Bulldogs have a big offensive line, but the defensive line of the Golden Eagles is special. Look for middle linebacker Jazen Guillory to make a major impact in this game weather stopping the run, or in pass coverage.
Player to watch: Ferndale sophomore defensive end Jake Mason. He just keeps improving every game, and his tenacity off the edge is tough to contend with. I feel pretty lucky to get to watch him play football for a few more years.
