This is it. The high school football season ends tonight. Yes, it was quick, but at least we had a season. So many seniors getting to go out the right away, and today/tonight will be the final time that many of them ever put on pads and a helmet. Let’s take a look at the matchups.
MERIDIAN (1-0) AT ANACORTES (2-3)
Time: 1 PM Today
Site: Anacortes High School
How to watch: Click here
When Anacortes has the ball: The Seahawks spread it out, and like to throw it quite a bit. The Trojans haven’t played since week two, and will be hungry for this one. Look for Meridian to vary up the defense and bring pressure. Senior defensive lineman Mason Knutson is a special player that has racked up 14.5 quarterback sacks since becoming a starter during his sophomore season.
When Meridian has the ball: The Trojans have a new batch of weapons, and boat load of formations. Look for at least eight players to get the ball during the game, and then go with the hot hand. Junior quarterback Tucker Harrison has a strong arm, and will take off and run on you. He connected five times with fellow junior Bryce Johnson against Nooksack Valley.
Player to watch: Meridian senior running back and linebacker Trey Naidu. He plays with quickness, he plays with power and he plays with raw emotion. This being his last game, he will bring everything he has.
NOOKSACK VALLEY (2-3) AT BELLINGHAM (2-2)
Time: 1 PM Today
Site: Civic Stadium
How to watch: Click Here
When Nooksack Valley has the ball: The week by week improvement of the Pioneers has been evident, and it culminates against an aggressive Red Raider defense. Nooksack Valley will try to use the run early and often, and the power of Scout Whittern, the speed of Jordan Silva and the elusiveness of Cody Coppinger will head up the attack. Bellingham sophomore safety Liam Poulton-Claypool is fantastic in run support, and he will stay busy. Linebackers Finn O’Mally and Daniel Reyes will need to slow down the running attack.
When Bellingham has the ball: Trevor Johnson has turned into a Robb Myhre-style quarterback. Quick reads, an accurate thrower and a deadly runner. Senior wide receiver Manny DePalma leads Whatcom County in receiving (20 receptions), despite Bellingham not having a game on Tuesday. The Pioneer defense has put up huge numbers this season. Freshman lineman Duke Halaapiapi leads the county in tackles for loss (8.5), junior linebacker Jet Triplett leads the county in tackles (44) and Whittern leads the county with eight passes broken up.
Matchup to watch: Bellingham senior quarterback Trevor Johnson versus Nooksack Valley senior safety Scout Whittern. The two seniors playing their final games, it’s going to be a great matchup whenever Johnson throws the ball, or tucks and runs with it.
SEDRO WOOLLEY (1-3) AT FERNDALE (4-1)
Time: 1 PM Today
Site: Ferndale High School
How to watch: Click here
When Sedro Woolley has the ball: The Cubs might have a little trouble against the aggressive Golden Eagle defense. Ferndale is loaded with size and speed all over the field, and junior middle linebacker Jazen Guillory is the engine that makes it go. Not only does he rack up the tackles, but he makes big plays in big moments, and his opportunistic style, while staying under control, is something that he has mastered.
When Ferndale has the ball: Believe it or not, Ferndale spread it out and threw the ball from 1990-1993, but those days are long gone! It’s the traditional Wing-T, with so many variations that Sedro Woolley has to be able to play assignment football at its best. The 1-2 punch of Isaiah Carlson (2nd in the county in rushing) and Thomas Broselle (4th in the county in rushing) is one of the best I’ve seen in a while, and they will be on full display this afternoon.
Player to watch: Ferndale senior quarterback Haiden Rasmussen. Almost all the Whatcom County teams have a big-time senior quarterback, and Rasmussen has gone under the radar his entire career. But, this year he became the ninth player in school history to pass for over 1,000 yards in a career, and has a career quarterback rating of 84.3.
OAK HARBOR (0-4) AT SQUALICUM (3-1)
Time: 6 PM Tonight
Site: Civic Stadium
How to watch: Click here
When Oak Harbor has the ball: The Wildcats have struggled this season, but have shows glimpses of tough running at times, as well as an accurate deep-throwing attack. They will need it all against a very tough Storm defense. Senior Billy Scammell and junior Jaymeson Thompson combine for one of the best linebacking duos in Whatcom County, and they will make it very tough for Oak Harbor to get anything going.
When Squalicum has the ball: Djouvensky Schlenbaker set a goal before the season started. 1,000 yards rushing, in a five-game season. He’s 178 yards away, and his determination is extremely strong. As is the Squalicum passing game! Mason Binning is a superbly skilled passer, and receivers Kai Posey, Reed Richardson and Bryce Pennock all have at least 25 catches in their varsity careers.
Player to watch: Senior quarterback Mason Binning. The focus on Schlenbaker should open up big opportunities for Binning.
MOUNT BAKER (5-0) AT LYNDEN CHRISTIAN (4-0)
Time: 7 PM Tonight
Site: Lynden Christian High School
How to watch: Click here
When Mount Baker has the ball: The Mountaineers have moved the ball well, both on the ground and through the air, all season. With so many dynamic athletes on the field, it will all boil down to who wants it more in the trenches. Senior running back Toby Jefferson is closing in on 2,000 career rushing yards, and is very tough to tackle. The Lyncs defense is fast, very fast. Seniors Logan Dykstra and Grant Vander Velden contain the edges as well as anyone, and can both get to the quarterback. Senior linebacker Cody Bajema has also emerged as a star.
When Lynden Christian has the ball: Dykstra has been almost perfect behind center all season long. In fact, his quarterback rating is 150.1. 158.3 is considered perfect. The best season in Whatcom County history was Jake Locker in 2005 when he posted a quarterback rating of 132.3. Forcing Dykstra to make mistakes will be key for the Mountaineer defense, and linebacker Davin Beason could be the guy to do that.
Matchup to watch: Lynden Christian senior center Roman Meenk versus Mount Baker senior defensive tackle Thayer Brown. These are two players that have really emerged as seniors, and this game could really depend on this matchup in the middle of the field. Meenk is much bigger, but Brown uses good leverage to make big plays in the backfield.
SEHOME (3-1) AT LYNDEN (3-2)
Time: 7 PM Tonight
Site: Rollie DeKoster Field
How to watch: Click here
When Sehome has the ball: The Mariner offense took a step backward last week against Squalicum, and the loss of Tim Malo appeared evident. But, the Mariners have a lot of other talented receivers, and senior quarterback Jacob Kaepernick can deliver it with the best of them. The Lion defense played its heart out on Tuesday, and will get back at it tonight. Linebackers Taivin VanDalen and Connor White must be ready for Colin Dorsch out of the backfield, and the young safety tandem of Max Moore and Collin Anker will need to keep everything in front of them.
When Lynden has the ball: Over the years, Lynden’s offense went from a complete spread, rarely using a tight end, to now frequently having one, and sometimes two tight ends in the game. Loading up with the run has been the key for Lynden, no player in Whatcom County has carried the ball more times than senior quarterback Baylor Ayres. Sophomore outside linebackers Tommy Funk and Isaac Evans will need to be able to crash down on the counter runs to slow down the Lynden drives.
Matchup to watch: Lynden senior running back Caleb Wheeler versus Sehome junior linebacker Hayden Huntley. These two will meet in the middle of the field at least 10 times. Huntley is very strong, but he’ll need to get his hands on the shifty Wheeler first.
