LYNDEN – If any team is heading into the postseason at the right time, it’s Lynden Christian. The supremely talented Lyncs couldn’t be stopped during their 42-0 victory over Meridian on Thursday night.
LC scored on its first play from scrimmage when quarterback Trajan Schouten threw a quick pass to senior Jackson Corkill, and Corkill used his agility, balance and flat out speed to take it 61 yards for a touchdown. Schouten also connected on long touchdown passes to fellow seniors Bryce Bouwman and Zach Sipma in the first quarter, and the fair-haired senior gun-slinger had three touchdown passes on his first three attempts of the game. He finished with 235 yards on 9-of-12 passing.
The Trojans had their best opportunity in the beginning of the second quarter, as they drove all the way to the LC 2-yard line. Meridian dialed up a fake field goal, but Ethan Brooks’ pass was knocked down by senior linebacker Davis Gatterman and the Lyncs took possession.
Corkill scored his second touchdown of the game on a 6-yard fly sweep to end the second quarter. Those were the only two times the speedy senior touched the ball.
Bouwman, who is a tremendous quarterback in his own right but is playing wide receiver this season to help his team out, caught his second touchdown of the game in the third quarter. He finished with a game-high 85 yards receiving on his two touchdown receptions.
Backup quarterback Logan Dykstra threw a tremendous 7-yard touchdown pass through traffic to senior Tanner Feenstra in the third quarter to close out the scoring. Dykstra also led the Lyncs with 37 yards on the ground, and this came after he lost 21 yards on a snap that went over his head just before the end of the game.
The Lync defense was outstanding once again, and put pressure on quarterback Cameron Webster all game. LC totaled eight sacks with senior defensive tackles Zach Sipma and Chase Van Dalen leading the charge through the middle. The Lyncs will get an added boost next week with the return of Jackson Apol. The junior was slated to start at free safety and return punts, but a broken collar bone just days before the season opener has sidelined him the entire season.
Lynden Christian (7-1) will host a cross-over game against Cedar Park Christian (7-2) on Friday night, with the winner advancing to the Class 1A state tournament. Meridian (2-7) is still alive, and will travel to Granite Falls (3-6) to play on Tuesday night. The winner of that game will play on the road against King’s (4-5) on Saturday night for a state berth.
Meridian 0
Lynden Christian 42
MER 0 0 0 0 – 0
LC 21 7 14 0 – 42
LC – Corkill 61 pass from Schouten (DenBleyker kick)
LC – Bouwman 48 pass from Schouten (DenBleyker kick)
LC – Sipma 37 pass from Schouten (DenBleyker kick)
LC – Corkill 6 run (DenBleyker kick)
LC – Bouwman 37 pass from Schouten (DenBleyker kick)
LC – Feenstra 10 pass from Dykstra (DenBleyker kick)
MER LC
29-24 Rushing Att-Yards 27-122
16-26-0 Comp-Att-Int 11-14-1
150 Passing yards 252
Individual Leaders
RUSHING – MER: Martin 10-18, Watt 1-10, Webster 17-(-2), Silves 1-(-2). LC: Dykstra 9-37, Da. Bootsma 5-33, Korthuis 4-22, Stremler 5-19, Schouten 1-7, Corkill 1-6, Sipma 1-2, Bajema 1-(-4).
PASSING – MER: Webster 16-25-0-150, E. Brooks 0-1-0-0. LC: Schouten 9-12-1-235, Dykstra 2-2-0-17.
RECEIVING – MER: Johnson 4-50, E. Brooks 4-16, Martin 3-22, Watt 2-31, Silves 2-25, Burkett 1-6. LC: Bouwman 2-85, Sipma 2-49, Feenstra 2-17, Corkill 1-61, Vander Veen 1-27, Moorlag 1-7, Korthuis 1-6, Stremler 1-0.
