NOOKSACK – The Pioneers scored three touchdowns on plays of 40 yards or more in the first half, but it wasn’t enough as the methodical offense of Meridian came through at the end as the Trojans defeated Nooksack Valley 27-18 at Sid Lambert Field on Friday night.
Meridian ran 80 plays in the game, to Nooksack’s 36 plays, and quarterback Cameron Webster was a main result of 57 of them. The 6-foot-2 205-pound senior led his presence be known as he attempted 30 passes (completing 17 for 162 yards) and ran the ball 27 times.
After forcing a three-and-out on the opening drive of the game, the Trojans marched down the field and scored on a 7-yard touchdown pass from Webster to senior Ryan Johnson. Johnson finished with a game-high six receptions for 51 yards.
The Pioneers answered right back when senior quarterback Keldon Weidkamp threw a fade route that was placed perfectly for junior wide receiver Scout Whittern, as the two connected on a 51-yard touchdown pass. The extra point was blocked, however, and Meridian led 7-6.
Nooksack Valley senior running back Dane Winter showed his explosiveness moments later when he got a pair of awesome blocks from guards Levi Harlan and Levi DeWeber, and scampered 69 yards for a touchdown.
The Trojans countered with a long drive that ended with a 9-yard touchdown run by Webster over left end, as Meridian re-gained the lead 14-12. But, Winter broke off another long touchdown run before half time, and the Pioneers went into the break leading 18-14. Winter finished the game with 118 yards rushing on eight carries.
It looked like Nooksack Valley would add to its lead in the third quarter when Weidkamp hit Cole Eldrigde on a 78-yard touchdown pass, but it was called back because of a penalty. Meridian used the momentum swing from there on out, and shut out the Pioneers the rest of the way, with Webster completing key passes to Johnson and Ethan Brooks, while also scoring two more touchdowns on the ground.
Webster also forced a fumble, that was recovered by fellow co-captain Joseph Plagerman, in the fourth quarter. It was a key moment of the game, with Meridian ahead 20-18, and the Pioneers driving.
The Trojans’ third co-captain, defensive tackle Trent Gookstetter, put his finishing touches on the game by sacking Weidkamp twice on the final drive.
Meridian (2-5) will host Mount Baker (6-1) on Friday, and Nooksack Valley (2-5) will travel to Lynden Christian (5-1) on Friday.
Meridian 27
Nooksack Valley 18
MER 7 7 0 13 – 27
NV 12 6 0 0 – 18
MER – Johnson 7 pass from Webster (Loya kick)
NV – Whittern 51 pass from Weidkamp (kick blocked)
NV – Winter 69 run (run failed)
MER – Webster 9 run (Loya kick)
NV – Winter 42 run (pass failed)
MER – Webster 1 run (kick failed)
MER – Webster 6 run (Loya kick)
MER NV
50-170 Rushing Att-Yards 18-104
17-30-0 Comp-Att-Int 8-18-0
162 Passing yards 111
Individual Leaders
RUSHING – MER: Martin 15-91, Webster 27-66, Watt 6-10, Johnson 2-3. NV: Winter 8-118, Eldridge 5-5, Leyba 1-2, Whittern 1-(-2), Weidkamp 3-(-19).
PASSING – MER: Webster 17-30-0-162. NV: Weidkamp 8-18-0-111.
RECEIVING – MER: Johnson 6-51, E. Brooks 5-74, Martin 3-23, Watt 2-9, Naidu 1-8. NV: Eldridge 4-39, Whittern 2-55, Veening 2-17.
