It’s week four, and this is another big week with nine games! Eric Trent is holding tight at first place, but we’re nipping at his heels. We’d like to thank Jake Heaps for being our guest picker this week, and you can learn more about him in our podcast below! Also, below are the previews for all nine games this weekend.
The Mount Baker game against Cedar Park Christian has been canceled, but it happened AFTER we recorded the podcast. Therefore, we previewed the game at the time. I hope you still enjoy!
BELLINGHAM (2-1) AT SOUTH WHIDBEY (3-0)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: South Whidbey High School
What to expect: The Bayhawks are coming off a disappointing loss, and they are going to be hungry. The Falcons are 3-0, and are looking better than they have in years. This leans to making South Whidbey the favorite, even though Bellingham beat them pretty good last season. The return of Isaac Bates last week was huge for the passing game, and if the Bayhawks can clean up their mistakes from a week ago, this should be one heck of a game.
Player to watch: Senior running back/outside linebacker Logan Steeves. The last time he faced South Whidbey he averaged over eight yards a carry, and scored his first varsity touchdown. His ability to make something out of nothing when running the ball is a fun thing to watch.
Historical significance: Bellingham is 3-0 against South Whidbey all-time, with the Bayhawks outscoring the Falcons 83-6. In the 2010 meeting Bobby Funkhouser, Oliver Dougherty and Wes Sitser each ran for over 90 yards.
Moving up the record book: Senior quarterback Max Rasset surpassed 1,000 yards passing in his career, and currently sits four yards behind Josh Fish for 13th place in school history.
FRIDAY HARBOR (2-1) AT MERIDIAN (2-1)
Time: 6 PM Friday
Site: Meridian High School
What to expect: The last time the Trojans played a 6:00 game at home it didn’t turn out very well. I would believe that Coach Patrick Ames won’t let that happen again. The Wolverines have had talented players over the years, and with two wins in three weeks, they could be a tough opponent for Meridian. The Trojans went run heavy last week, rushing for over 450 yards for the first time in three seasons. Meridian has the horses to open it up and fling it all around the field, but if the run game is working with Joshtyn Elmer, Marcus Castaneda and Landon Downey rotating in and out, why go away from it?
Player to watch: Senior running back/defensive tackle Marcus Castaneda. Also used at linebacker at times, the 165-pound bruiser is one of the strongest players on the team, if not the strongest. He had a breakout performance last week with 112 yards rushing, and he’s been a main contributor on defense all season in the middle of the field.
Historical significance: The Trojans are 17-1 against Friday Harbor all-time. However, the last time they squared off was nine years ago, when Letrez Jones ran for 231 yards and three touchdowns. The one loss? Don’t ask Patrick Ames about when that took place. Sorry, Coach.
Moving up the record book: Senior kicker Eli Jensen has kicked 32 extra points in his career, and he’s only two behind a trio of Trojan greats: Desi Luna, Brian Martinson and Andrei Lintz. If he surpasses them, he will be in 16th place in school history.
NOOKSACK VALLEY (3-0) AT HOQUIAM (2-1)
Time: 6 PM Friday
Site: Olympic Stadium
What to expect: The Pioneers are riding high, and it will be hard to see the Grizzlies matching up with them. It’s also going to be homecoming for Hoquiam, and Nooksack Valley knows how to play in front of a large, loud crowd. The Nooksack Valley defense has been tremendous this season, with each level turning out masterful performances. Another long road trip could turn into a long game for the Grizzlies.
Player to watch: Junior wide receiver/cornerback Jackson Bennett. Not only is a difference maker on both sides of the ball, he’s also one of Whatcom County’s premiere kick returners. He can get to top speed in a blink of an eye, and he has no fear. Don’t sleep on Jackson Bennett.
Historical significance: It’s hard to believe that last year was the only time these two teams have ever faced each other. The Pioneers got the win in that one, 49-14, with Joey Brown completing 6-of-7 passes for 110 yards and two touchdowns.
Moving up the record book: Speaking of Brown, he’s moving up the all-time passing list in Pioneer history. He’s currently sitting at 12th place, having just passed Darrin VanWeerdhuizen, and he’s within reach of Steve Neyens and Randy Mitchell.
BURLINGTON-EDISON (2-1) AT SEHOME (2-1)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Civic Stadium
What to expect: After last season’s game, I can only imagine how great this one is going to be! Sehome came back from being down 20-0 at halftime at Burlington-Edison last season to win 28-27 in the season finale. I would also venture to say that the Mariners are bringing back more weapons than the Tigers from last year’s squads. Sehome also has to be excited just to get back on the football field. Burlington is always a tough opponent for anyone. This could be the best game of the weekend.
Player to watch: Senior running back/strong safety Carson Neff. He burst of energy every time he carries the ball. Tough as nails, and one of the best competitors around. He’s willing to do anything and everything to help his team win. It’s players (and people) like him that every winning team has to have.
Historical significance: This is the 44th meeting between the two teams, since 1974. The Mariners have won the last three, and five of the last eight. But, overall, the Tigers are 28-16 against Sehome since 1974. In the 1975 contest Sehome won 6-0, with the only score being from Tim Donnelly.
Moving up the record book: Junior wide receiver Braddock Duckworth is currently at 25th place in school history with 31 receptions. That is tied with Steve Acalin, and he’s one away from Josh Smith. That’s pretty good company, if you know the history of Sehome football players.
SEDRO-WOOLLEY (3-0) AT LYNDEN (3-0)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Rollie DeKoster Field
What to expect: This is always a great game, when these two teams play. And, of course, it works out perfectly that they are both undefeated when meeting each other. The Lions look to be unmatched in the very tough 2A Northwest Conference, and if any team could give them a scare it could be the Cubs. The passing game exploded for Lynden last week, and that can be scary for any upcoming opponent. Sedro-Woolley is superbly coached, and will not be a pushover of any kind.
Player to watch: Senior right tackle Josiah VanderHaak. The big man at 6-foot-4 and 275 pounds is tough to miss on the football field, and his incredible strength is really shining though on the right side of the line. The former center is adjusting to his new position perfectly.
Historical significance: Lynden has beaten Sedro-Woolley 20 times in the 25 games that the two teams have played. But, one of those five losses was the 2014 state championship. In the first meeting, in 1993, Ben Wall ran for 220 yards and four touchdowns.
Moving up the record book: Senior wide receiver Isaiah Stanley just surpassed 70 catches in his high school career, and is currently tied with Ryan Seto on the school’s career reception list. He’s just six behind Dak Shagren. One thing in common with Stanley, Seto and Shagren, they all won state championships. Can Stanley join the other two in winning a pair of them?
SQUALICUM (1-2) AT ARCHBISHOP MURPHY (0-2)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Archbishop Murphy High School
What to expect: This could be another close game. Both are storied programs that have taken a step back this season. Marcus Nixon has proven to be a major weapon on offense, both on the ground and through the air. This will be a good chance for the Storm to get back to .500 on the season, and you can bet that Coach Nick Lucey will have his troops ready. The offensive line is a veteran group that will likely have a big game against the Wildcats.
Player to watch: Senior safety Nick Watt. The leading tackler in all of Whatcom County. His read-and-react skills are out of this world. Every team seems to have a tremendous player at safety, and Squalicum is no different. A true student of the game that just keeps improving.
Historical significance: This is the fifth time these two teams have played, with each team winning two so far. The Wildcats won the first two, and the Storm have won the last two. In the 2014 matchup, running back Nick Koetje-Manchester ran for 148 yards and three touchdowns.
Moving up the record book: Junior quarterback Josh Leonard just went past 500 career passing yards, moving him pas Keith Stackhouse on the Storm career list. He’s now in reaching distance of both Aaron Dickson and Tim James.
KING’S (2-1) AT BLAINE (0-3)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Blaine High School
What to expect: This will be a tough matchup for the Borderites. The Knights are coming off a tough loss to the Pioneers, and they are looking to take it out on someone. Blaine is next in line. The Borderites lost a heartbreaker last week, and played well enough to win down on Vashon Island. The passing game had good moments, and the emergence of Colby Shipp at running back (35 carries for 165 yards) was impressive to see.
Player to watch: Senior quarterback Kael Evinger. A first-year starting varsity quarterback, he already plays with a lot of poise. His ability to throw on the run has been impressive, and he could be putting the ball up a lot in this one.
Historical significance: Blaine leads King’s 3-2 all-time, but the two teams haven’t played each other since 1998. In the 1997 game, senior wide receiver Greg Wright caught 13 passes (which established a new Whatcom County record at the time) for 167 yards and two touchdowns.
Moving up the record book: Sophomore running back Colby Shipp had 35 carries last week. Only six other players in school history have had at least that many carries in a game. They are Mario Gobbato, Dave Halldorson, Riley Fritsch, Cole Muder, Julian Gonzalez and Oscar Caridad.
LYNDEN CHRISTIAN (3-0) AT ROYAL (3-0)
Time: 2:00 PM Saturday
Site: Royal High School
What to expect: When Coach Greg Terpstra told me that this game was scheduled months ago, it brought a huge smile to my face. Royal is one of the top programs in the state, and it just shows that the Lyncs aren’t afraid of playing anyone. The last time the Knights lost a game on their home field was 11 years ago. Think about that for a minute. It’s going to be a monumental task for Lynden Christian, but these kids have a ton of confidence.
Player to watch: Senior running back/defensive lineman Kade Eldridge. When I do these weekly “Player to watch” things, I only use a player once a season. This was the game that I chose to use Eldridge, simply because his greatness will be needed in a matchup like this.
Historical significance: Yes, we all know that the only time these two teams played was for the Class 1A State Championship in 2019, which Royal won 26-22. LC has only lost three games since then. Royal hasn’t lost a game at all since 2018.
Moving up the record book: Eldridge is still relatively new to the running back position, but his 15 career rushing touchdowns has him tied for 7th on the school’s all-time list with Jordan Riddle, Mike Apol and Jordan Vanderpol.
ARLINGTON (3-0) AT FERNDALE (1-2)
Time: 6 PM Saturday
Site: Blaine High School
What to expect: The Golden Eagles are going to be hungry in this one. After a rough week three game against one of the best teams in the state, Ferndale goes back to conference play. Expect a lot of heavy runs, with the occasional deep ball down the middle of the field. The Eagles tend to pass the ball a lot, and that could make for a busy night for Damien Toney and the rest of the Golden Eagle secondary.
Player to watch: Senior tight end/outside linebacker Jordan Mason. He caught a touchdown pass in week one, but has been quiet ever since. This could be a game where he breaks out offensively. Always steady on defense at linebacker, and he’s always one of the first players down the field on kickoffs.
Historical significance: Believe it or not, this will be the 30th matchup between these two schools since 1974. Ferndale holds a slim 16-13 advantage in those games, and has won the last two. In the 1997 contest, senior All-State running back Matthias Wilson ran for 307 yards and two touchdowns on 38 carries.
Moving up the record book: There is no doubt that senior defensive end Jake Mason is one of the best pass rushers Whatcom County has ever produced. I don’t have defensive stats for every game played in Whatcom County, but I have a lot of them. From what I have, Mason is currently second in Whatcom County history with 24 quarterback sacks. He is three behind former Meridian All-State defensive end Steve Bernardy.
