We’re back for more football action! Below are previews for all 10 games this weekend, and well as our predictions and a podcast that gives our thoughts on all the games and who we picked as our fantasy players for week 2! Thank you to Marty Stauffer for being our guest picker.
OMAK (0-1) AT MERIDIAN (1-0)
Time: 6 PM Friday
Site: Meridian High School
What to expect: A balanced attack from the Trojans. They did the unthinkable last week by rushing for 212 yards and passing for 212 yards. Look for more of the same here, with numerous players getting the ball.
Player to watch: Sophomore wide receiver/defensive back Trey Alexander. He led Meridian in receiving last week, while also throwing a 35-yard pass just before halftime. He’s an exciting player to watch, and a tough player to catch.
Historical significance: The only other meeting between these two schools was for the 2000 2A state championship. Omak won that game 30-14, despite Mike Simmons catching 11 passes for 199 yards and a touchdown.
Moving up the record book: When Landen Downey scored three touchdowns and kicked four extra points last week, he moved past Mac Van Diest, Dudley Nightingale, Eli Slesk, Bryce VandenHaak and Dawson Logan on the school’s career scoring list. He is now just three points behind Nick Dritsas and Ty Harrison for 10th.
MARINER (0-1) AT LYNDEN (1-0)
Time: 7:00 PM Friday
Site: Rollie DeKoster Field
What to expect: This one could get out of hand early, and even though Lynden had the big comeback win last week, there are still plenty of things to work on. The Lions are decided favorites in this one. Halftime should be great as the Lions will be honoring former head coach, the late Curt Kramme with a plaque on the side of the stadium.
Player to watch: Junior running back Max Assink. Although he did score the eventual game-winning touchdown on Friday, rushing yards were hard to come by. I think he’ll come out and have a huge performance in this one.
Historical significance: The only other time these two teams played was in the semifinal round of the state tournament in 1998. Lynden lost that game 35-26, and that Mariner team had two future NFL players on it (Teyo Johnson and Amon Gordon).
Moving up the record book: Brant Heppner big performance last week moved into fifth place on the school’s all-time list for career passing yards. He is now 364 yards behind Alex Ellig to move into 4th place.
SQUALICUM (1-0) AT MARYSVILLE-PILCHUCK (0-1)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Quil Ceda Stadium
What to expect: Another conference game for both of these teams, I personally think it will be the closest game of the weekend. The Storm will have to make plays on the perimeter very quickly, as they will be outsized by the massive Tomahawks. It could come down to special teams, which Squalicum has one of the best units around.
Player to watch: Senior offensive and defensive lineman, Ezra Nichols. Yes, Marysville-Pilchuck is very big up front, but Nichols is very athletic. If he can use his quickness and foot speed, he should be able to make some plays behind the line of scrimmage while on defense.
Historical significance: These two teams have played each other five times, with Squalicum winning the first three and Marysville-Pilchuck winning the last two. In the 2017 game, Triston Smith amassed 219 yards of total offense and four touchdowns as the Storm won 38-28.
Moving up the record book: Joaquin Ortiz is one reception behind Paul Smith, and three receptions behind Josiah Westbrook on the school’s career receiving list. If he passes them both, he will be in 4th place.
BELLINGHAM (0-1) AT LAKEWOOD (0-1)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Lakewood High School
What to expect: Welcome back to the Northwest Conference, Bayhawks! In fact, they weren’t known as the Bayhawks the last time they played a conference game. Look for the Cougars to be creative offensively, and toss the ball all over the field. Bellingham’s defense is for real, and it will have to show up in this one.
Player to watch: Senior safety Nate Laas. Reading and reacting will be huge here, as the Cougars won’t be shy about airing it out. Laas could make a few huge plays here, which could swing things towards Bellingham’s favor.
Historical significance: These two have played each other four times (2016-2019), with the Cougars coming out on top each time. The closest game took place in 2017 with Lakewood winning 35-28, and Bellingham quarterback throwing for 164 yards and three touchdowns.
Moving up the record book: Gabe VanHofwegen is tied with Josh Zandstra on the school’s all-time receiving list with 27 career receptions. VanHofwegen starred at fullback last week, so maybe he will stay put? We’ll have to wait and see.
ANACORTES (1-0) AT SEHOME (1-0)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Civic Stadium
What to expect: The Seahawks are the defending state champions, and they return a lot of their top athletes from the year before. The Mariners can’t afford to make any mistakes in this game, if they want to stay with the fleet-footed Seahawks.
Player to watch: Senior cornerback Coleby Chambers. This will be a huge challenge, as he will go up against some top-end talent. You can bet that he’ll be up for the challenge.
Historical significance: These two teams have played each other 44 times since 1973, with Sehome holding a 27-17 edge. Last season, the Seahawks won 35-9.
Moving up the record book: Andre Watson is currently 11th all-time in receptions in Whatcom County, with 125. Five more, and he moves past Trevor Chau of Blaine.
OAK HARBOR (1-0) AT FERNDALE (0-1)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Ferndale Memorial Stadium
What to expect: Based on the past couple season, you should expect two different styles of offense. Of course, Ferndale will pound the ball over and over again, while the Wildcats like to spread the field out and rely on their quick passing game.
Player to watch: Senior running back/safety Zach Nielsen. I could see him breaking off a few long runs here, but I think his defense will make the biggest impact in this game. His sideline to sideline speed is fantastic, and Oak Harbor likes to use all of the field.
Historical significance: These two teams have played each other 17 times since 1969, with Ferndale winning 12 of the contests. The Golden Eagles won the matchup in 1970, 28-8, behind Alan Duncan’s passing. He completed eight passes for 134 yards, including touchdown passes to Dale Ferry and Jeff Hannah.
Moving up the record book: Talan Bungard moved past Sean Morrison last week on the school’s career rushing list, and he’s currently sitting at 29th place. Another 100 yards, and he will pass Ben Broselle, Ryan “The Ghost” Pelton, Glenn Niemela, Adam Wilgus and Riley Locker.
HOCKINSON (0-1) AT MOUNT BAKER (1-0)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Bob Tisdale Field
What to expect: It might be a replay of last Friday night. The Hawks like to live in the shotgun, and throw the ball all over the field. They have a strong tradition, but have fallen off a little bit recently. Baker looks to be on a roll at this moment, and they just need to keep that momentum going to stay on top.
Player to watch: Senior running back/linebacker Brady Bruland. Always a threat with the ball to break loose and score a long touchdown, and his defense will be key in this one as well as the Hawks like to throw the ball quickly into the flat, just where Bruland will likely be waiting.
Historical significance: This is the first meeting between the two teams.
Moving up the record book: Dylan Moa is current 56 rushing yards away from becoming the 31st player in school history to hit 1,000 career rushing yards.
CEDAR PARK CHRISTIAN (1-0) AT BLAINE (1-0)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: Blaine High School
What to expect: This should be a very intense, physical game. Last year’s game came down to the wire, with the Eagles winning by two points. The Borderites will be extremely pumped up for this game, and if they can control their emotions, it could be a great night to be a Borderite.
Player to watch: Senior offensive and defensive lineman Otto Shelton. As rough and tough as they come, the Borderites will want to be physical with the Eagles, and Shelton will be the leader in that department.
Historical significance: These two teams have split the fours games that have been previously played against each other. Last season, Colin Davis threw for 135 yards and touchdown, while rushing for 59 yards in the 9-7 loss.
Moving up the record book: Both Jaiden Paez and Colby Shipp are each less than 100 yards away from reaching 1,000 career rushing yards. The only other time two Borderites finished their career with over 1,000 yards rushing, and were in the same graduating class, was Colby Dixon and Will Wright from the class of 1996. Their senior year was also the last time Blaine won league in football.
LYNDEN CHRISTIAN (0-1) AT NORTH KITSAP (0-1)
Time: 7 PM Friday
Site: North Kitsap High School
What to expect: The Vikings have been really strong the last few years, and while they aren’t as big as they’ve been recently, they still have good size. The Lyncs will have to clean up some mistakes that they had last Friday against Vancouver College, and I expect a much improved LC team in this week two game.
Player to watch: Senior safety Jayden Huleatt. As he patrols center field, he will have plenty of opportunities to make plays. He has always played with great instincts, and this is the kind of game that will present chances for him.
Historical significance: This is will be the first matchup between these two teams.
Moving up the record book: Hollis Owen is currently tied with Kyle Kennaw for 41st place on the school’s all-time rushing list. Another 50 yards on the ground would put him past Jeff Jansen and Craig Gunst.
NOOKSACK VALLEY (1-0) AT RENTON (0-1)
Time: 5 PM Saturday
Site: Renton Memorial Stadium
What to expect: The Red Hawks at a rough opener at Blaine, and the Pioneers looked pretty sharp on the road last week. Renton has a few athletes on the outside, but if Nooksack Valley can get to the quarterback early and disrupt the passing game, it’s going to be a long night for Renton.
Player to watch: Senior offensive and defensive lineman Lance VanBerkum. He made an immediate impact last Friday on both sides of the ball, and I would imagine that he will continue his dominance on Saturday.
Historical significance: This is will be the first matchup between these two teams.
Moving up the record book: Cory Olney is just 42 receiving yards away from becoming the 12th player in school history to reach 1,000 career receiving yards.
