EVERETT – The top ranked Wildcats had every reason to be favored at home, but the Lynden defense shut down their powerful offense as the Lions defeated Archbishop Murphy 10-7 on Friday night.
Kicker Marko Samoukovic’s 27-yard field goal in the fourth quarter broke a 7-7 tie, and Lynden was able to hold on for the win.
A week after scoring 73 points, the Lynden defense held the powerful Wildcats to just 137 total yards. They also allowed only three plays of 10 yards or more. Senior linebacker Bodie Human showed exactly why he was named All-State last year, and why he’s on the same course this season, as the sure tackler led his team with eight tackles, including a quarterback sack late in the game to help stall another drive.
Junior defensive lineman Carter Van Diest also had one of the best games of his young varsity career as he collected 2.5 tackles for a loss and a late fumble recovery that went a long way in sealing the victory.
Archbishop Murphy has been a juggernaut team, and going back to last season has won six of its last nine games. However, in those last nine games, they are now 0-3 against Whatcom County teams.
In what has become the new way of Lynden football, the offense featured running plays on 80% of its downs. Senior Steven DiLorenzo led the way with 118 yards on 21 carries. Junior quarterback Baylor Ayres finished with 38 yards and scored his team’s only touchdown. He also had key first down runs in the final drive of the game to secure the win.
The Lions (3-1) will have another big game this Friday when they host Lakewood (4-0).
Lynden 10
Archbishop Murphy 7
LYN 0 7 0 3 – 10
ATM 0 0 7 0 – 7
LYN – Ayres 1 run (Samoukovic kick)
ATM – 14 yard touchdown run (kick good)
LYN – Samoukovic 27 FG
LYN ATM
48-183 Rushing Att-Yards 30-114
3-12-1 Comp-Att-Int 2-7-0
16 Passing yards 19
Individual Leaders
RUSHING – LYN: DiLorenzo 21-118, Ayres 18-38, Heppner 9-27. ATM: N/A.
PASSING – LYN: Heppner 2-6-1-13, Ayres 1-6-0-3. ATM: N/A.
RECEIVING – LYN: E. Bode 1-8, Lyons 1-5, Heppner 1-3. ATM: N/A.
