Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #103 – 2011 Meridian Trojans

June 30, 2015 Tyler 22 Comments

RECORD: 8-3 – COACH: Bob Ames

LEAGUE: 5-1 (1st Place in the 1A NWC)

CLASSIFICATION: 1A – PLAYOFFS: Lost in 1st Round

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 38.9 – Allowed: 14.6 – Differential: +24.3

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Meridian 19, Mount Baker 6

Week 2: Sequim 29, Meridian 22

Week 3: Meridian 50, Friday Harbor 27

Week 4: Meridian 52, Lynden Christian 6

Week 5: Nooksack Valley 31, Meridian 21

Week 6: Meridian 42, Friday Harbor 7

Week 7: Meridian 47, Lynden Christian 0

Week 8: Meridian 47, Nooksack Valley 13

Week 9: Meridian 47, Coupeville 0

Week 10: Meridian 42, Charles Wright 27

State Playoffs: 1st Round: Toledo 24, Meridian 21

The Trojans had a great run in 2011, but hit a rough spot in the state playoffs. There were a lot of new starters, that had to replace some all-time greats in school history. But, they showed that they could play with anyone.

Junior Max McGuinn took over as the quarterback in 2011, and he looked good back there. He completed 128 passes for 1901 yards and 16 touchdowns. He proved to be a dual threat as well, rushing for 250 yards and nine scores, on his way to being named All-League 1st Team. Senior John Murphy had a huge year at running back. Even if Coach Ames said, “He’s little… We’ve got to put rocks in his pocket so he doesn’t blow away.” He also saw what made Murphy special by saying, “But he’s quick and he changes direction good.” Coach was was sure right about that! Murphy was named All-League 1st Team, and was the League’s Most Valuable Player. He was also selected on the All-State 2nd Team. He finished with 1503 yards on the ground (7.7) and 19 touchdowns, while catching 15 passes for 204 yards (13.6) and two more scores. Junior Castro, a junior, supplied support in the backfield, rushing for 210 yards (4.8) and three touchdowns.

As usual the Trojans spread the wealth in the passing game. Senior Casey Smith had a team-high 33 catches for 500 yards (15.2) and two touchdowns on his way to being named All-League 1st Team. 6-foot-8 senior Chase Heslep hauled in 30 passes for 483 yards (16.1) and seven touchdowns. The third receiver was athletic junior Relijah McMillen. He finished with 17 receptions for 309 yards (18.2) and a pair of scores. Meridian also had a reliable receiver in their big, senior tight end, Denver VanderYacht. He caught 12 passes for 148 yards (12.3) and was a dominant run blocker.

The offensive line had great players up and down the line. It began with massive (300-plus pounder) senior, Ivan Yelfimov. His mauling run blocking ability, and quick feet allowed him to be named All-League 1st Team for the second year in a row. He was joined by fellow All-League 1st Teamers in senior Brett Gunderson and up and coming sophomore, Spencer Blackburn. The Meridian line paved the way for a 6.3 yards per rush, and 36 touchdowns on the ground.

The defense was led by VanderYacht, who was named All-League 1st team at linebacker for the second season in a row. Blackburn was a force on the defensive line. he even scored two defensive touchdowns in a three-game span. Murphy was solid at linebacker, while Smith and Zack Gray dominated the secondary. Smith led the team with five interceptions, returning them for an amazing 153 yards and one touchdown. Each of these players were All-League 1st Team selections.

Junior Casey Bromet handled the kicking duties, booting 15 extra points, while Heslep was the punter, with a 28.0 average. Castro did something on special teams, a record that might never be broken. He returned two kickoffs for a touchdown in the same game!

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #104 – 1983 Mount Baker Mountaineers

June 29, 2015 Tyler 6 Comments

RECORD: 7-2 – COACH: Stu Gorski

LEAGUE: 7-2 (2nd Place in the WCL)

CLASSIFICATION: A – PLAYOFFS: None

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 22.8 – Allowed: 9.7 – Differential: +13.1

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Mount Baker 47, Lynden 0

Week 2: Mount Baker 17, Nooksack Valley 0

Week 3: Mount Baker 14, Blaine 0

Week 4: Mount Baker 15, Lynden Christian 13

Week 5: Meridian 13, Mount Baker 0

Week 6: Mount Baker 38, Lynden 21

Week 7: Mount Baker 47, Nooksack Valley 0

Week 8: Blaine 34, Mount Baker 14

Week 9: Mount Baker 13, Lynden Christian 6

The Mountaineers had a few things going for them in 1983. They had a great pair of running backs. They had an outstanding defense. And, they only had to play Meridian once. However, it still wasn’t enough to get into the playoffs.

The offense was led by junior quarterback, Tim Knebel. It was his first year as the starting quarterback, and he had a great one. He completed 53 passes for 569 yards and nine touchdowns. He also ran for 173 yards, three touchdowns, and was named All-League 2nd Team. He had a pair of halfbacks that put up almost identical numbers. Junior Leroy Harkness ran the ball for 699 yards (5.9 average) and four touchdowns. Senior Brett Engholm rushed for 695 yards (5.7) and six touchdowns. Both players were named All-League 2nd Team. Helping them gain big yards was senior fullback, Stacy Zudell. A converted offensive lineman, the 5-foot-9 215-pounder could really clear a path. He also ran for four touchdowns.

Putting the ball in the air seemed to be no problem for the Mounties, as they had a great pair of tall targets to toss to. Senior Eric Jacoby was the main one, catching 25 passes for 361 yards (14.4) and six touchdowns, and he was named All-League 1st Team. Senior Jeff Zollner complimented Jacoby well, hauling in 16 passes for 204 yards (12.8) and three scores. Engholm also caught 10 passes out of the backfield.

The offensive line was a good one. They plowed the way for almost 2000 yards rushing, in an era where offensive linemen were not allowed to use their hands in any way. It also started with junior center, Duane Zender. The 190-pounder was an All-League 1st Team pick. As was senior guard Doug Teshera (6-4 195) and senior tackle Mark Silves (also 6-4 195). Baker also got great play up front by the 225-pound senior tackle, Kim Villani, who was named All-League 2nd Team.

The defense shut out four opponents in nine games, and really made life difficult for the opposing offense. Jacoby spearheaded the attack from his defensive end position, and actually brought back two interceptions for touchdowns in the opening game against Lynden, and he was named All-League 1st Team. Senior Shannon Franks (5-11 185) manned the middle, and was named All-League 1st Team at linebacker. Silves and Zudell used their big bodies to create havoc in the interior line, and were each named All-League 2nd Team, while Knebel led the secondary and was also a pick for the All-League 2nd Team.

Mount Baker looked to freshman Warner Webb to handle the kicking duties, and he made 11 extra points. Knebel also made an extra point, and kicked a field goal.

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #105 – 2004 Meridian Trojans

June 28, 2015 Tyler 21 Comments

RECORD: 9-3 – COACH: Bob Ames

LEAGUE: 7-1 (1st Place in the WCL)

CLASSIFICATION: 2A – PLAYOFFS: Lost in 1st Round

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 28.6 – Allowed: 12.1 – Differential: +16.5

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Mount Baker 28, Meridian 21

Week 2: Meridian 13, Bellingham 7

Week 3: Meridian 35, Lynden Christian 12

Week 4: Meridian 42, Blaine 20

Week 5: Meridian 35, Nooksack Valley 6

Week 6: Meridian 21, Mount Baker 0

Week 7: Colville 35, Meridian 7

Week 8: Meridian 27, Lynden Christian 3

Week 9: Meridian 42, Blaine 0

Week 10: Meridian 38, Nooksack Valley 7

State Play-in Game: Meridian 42, King’s 0

State Playoffs: 1st Round: Montesano 27, Meridian 20

The Trojans entered 2004 riding high. They had just went undefeated in the season prior, winning their second state championship in school history. They were also returning All-State quarterback, Jordan Slesk. But, they also had to completely rebuild their offensive line, as well as replace key players on the defense.

Slesk was named All-State 1st Team for the second season in a row, only the second quarterback in Whatcom County history to accomplish that feat (Sean Linville was the first). He completed 170 passes for 2348 yards and 27 touchdowns to just nine interceptions. He also ran for 284 yards and four touchdowns. Slesk also remains the Trojan record holder in career completions (470), yards (6876) and touchdowns (84), and that is quite an accomplishment with all of the talent that has lined up behind center dressed in black.

Junior Tyler Culp emerged as the top running back, getting the bulk of the carries. He ran for 884 yards (5.5 average) and nine touchdowns, while catching 15 passes for 119 yards (7.9) and a touchdown. Senior Brad Wiegand chipped in with 186 yards (5.2) and a score.

Slesk had a wealth of receivers to throw to in 2004. Senior tight end Mac Van Diest was a huge mismatch problem for opposing defenses. He caught 42 passes for 549 yards (13.1) and 12 touchdowns. He was named All-League 1st Team, and was appropriately named All-State 1st Team. Senior Matt Karuza had a huge, breakout season for Meridian. He caught a team-high 52 passes for 682 yards (13.1) and four touchdowns. He was also named All-League 1st Team, and was an All-State 2nd Team pick. Senior Matt Hagen was named All-League 2nd Team, with 35 catches for 559 yards (16.0) and four touchdowns, while junior Josh Keough was the big-play threat with 26 receptions for 558 yards (21.5) and six touchdowns.

As mentioned earlier, the offensive line was completely rebuilt, and they did they rebuilding around a great pair of seniors. Bryan Cronk was the rock of the o-line, and was named All-League 1st Team. John Guthridge was another that had a great season, and was named All-League 2nd Team.

The defense… well, it was your standard Meridian defense, it was awesome, tossing three shutouts. Van Diest led the charge, and was named All-League 1st Team on the line. He was joined up front by Cronk, who was named All-League 2nd Team, as well as an up and coming sophomore, Chris Appel, who was also an All-League 2nd Team selection. Culp was the main man in the middle, and was an All-League 1st Team selection at linebacker. He was joined by Guthridge who got the nod as an All-League 2nd Teamer. The defensive backfield was loaded. Slesk and Karuza were each named All-League 1st Team, and Hagen was an All-League 2nd Team pick.

Karuza did it all in the kicking game, being named All-League 1st team at both kicker and punter. He booted 36 extra points and one field goal, and he also averaged 36.4 yards per punt. Culp returned the kickoffs and Hagen was the punt returner.

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #106 – 2009 Ferndale Golden Eagles

June 27, 2015 Tyler 5 Comments

RECORD: 8-3 – COACH: Jamie Plenkovich

LEAGUE: 2-0 (1st Place in the 3A NWC)

CLASSIFICATION: 3A – PLAYOFFS: None

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 28.0 – Allowed: 17.4 – Differential: +10.6

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Ferndale 28, Bellingham 13

Week 2: Ferndale 52, Shorecrest 6

Week 3: Blaine 28, Ferndale 21

Week 4: Lynden 31, Ferndale 0

Week 5: Ferndale 41, Squalicum 7

Week 6: Ferndale 21, Everett 14

Week 7: Ferndale 41, Sedro Woolley 12

Week 8: Ferndale 24, Stanwood 0

Week 9: Ferndale 31, Mount Vernon 7

State Play-in Game: Ferndale 28, West Seattle 21

State Playoffs: 1st Round: Lindbergh 52, Ferndale 21

The 2009 Golden Eagles featured a lot of fresh faces, but the Ferndale tradition was still there. It was also the first time since 2002 that a Locker wasn’t lining up behind center.

Senior Bo Brudwick started the season at quarterback, and sophomore Jake Frost finished the season there. Both QB’s put up similar numbers, though. Brudwick completed 30 passes for 470 yards and three touchdowns, while Frost completed 25 passes for 480 yards and five touchdowns. Ironically, it had been three years since Ferndale had a 1000-yard rusher, but they had one in 2009. junior Willy Scott was an All-League 2nd Team selection, and he had 1042 yards (9.1 average) and five touchdowns. Senior Brandon Maarhuis bulled his way for 564 yards on the ground (5.0) and a team-high 12 touchdowns. Senior Matt Reynolds added 410 yards rushing (6.7) and eight scores.

Senior Jeff Frost had a great season at wide receiver, catching 27 passes for 434 yards (16.1) and two touchdowns. He was rewarded by being named All-League 2nd Team. Scott caught 16 passes for 301 yards (18.8) and three touchdowns. Reynolds caught a pair of touchdown passes, and senior tight end Isaac Akers also caught one.

The offensive line was led by senior Nick Morris. The 6-foot-1 190-pound former tight end was an All-League 2nd Team selection and helped pave the way for over 2400 rushing yards and 33 touchdowns on the ground.

Morris teamed with Akers to form a great defensive line. Morris was named All-League 2nd Team, and Akers was an All-League Honorable Mention pick. Maarhuis was the heart and soul of the defense from his linebacker spot, and was named All-League 1st Team. Jeff Frost was the only returning starter on defense, and led the secondary. Senior Benny Woodworth intercepted a pass against Squalicum and brought it back 32 yards for a touchdown.

Senior Jake Dunn finished off his great kicking career with a great season. He was an All-League Honorable Mention selection, with 39 extra points and three field goals.

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #107 – 1996 Ferndale Golden Eagles

June 26, 2015 Tyler 4 Comments

RECORD: 7-2 – COACH: Vic Randall

LEAGUE: 3-2 (3rd Place in the NWL)

CLASSIFICATION: AA – PLAYOFFS: None

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 36.2 – Allowed: 14.3 – Differential: +21.9

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Ferndale 54, North Delta 15

Week 2: Ferndale 35, Seattle Prep 0

Week 3: Ferndale 61, Mark Morris 14

Week 4: Ferndale 7, Olympia 6

Week 5: Anacortes 32, Ferndale 12

Week 6: Ferndale 48, Sedro Woolley 18

Week 7: Ferndale 40, Burlington-Edison 0

Week 8: Lynden 31, Ferndale 15

Week 9: Ferndale 54, Bellingham 13

The 1996 Golden Eagles had an abundance of talent, most of these talented players were first year varsity starters. They probably didn’t achieve as much as they wanted to, but it was still a good year.

Passing the ball was not high on the Ferndale priority list, but big plays were made in the passing game. Senior Gary Little had a strong arm, and he completed 14 passes for 357 yards and five touchdowns, and he was named All-League Honorable Mention. Most of the time he handed the ball off to All-League 1st Team junior fullback, Matthias Wilson. Arguably the best pure running back in Whatcom County history, Wilson stepped into the starting role and showed everyone what he could do. He ran for 1546 yards (7.6 average) and 13 touchdowns. He was joined by junior Britton Hanson who ran for 871 yards (8.5) and 14 touchdowns, and he was named All-League 2nd Team. Sophomore Justin Iwasaki also had some big plays running the ball, totaling 522 yards (7.4) and eight touchdowns.

Junior tight end Tyler Ryan led the Golden Eagles with eight receptions for 182 yards (22.8) and three touchdowns, and he was an All-League Honorable Mention selection. Junior wide receiver Jacob Ferry and Hanson each caught a pair of passes.

The offensive line had great ability to go along with tremendous size. 6-foot-6 291-pound senior Max Seppi represented the size, and was named All-League 1st Team, as well as All-State 1st Team. Fellow senior Kyle Johnson wasn’t nearly as big, but was unbelievably valuable at guard in the Wing T offense, and he was also picked as an All-League 1st Teamer. Juniors Bob Carlstrom and Mike Tull also had great seasons up front, and they were each named All-League Honorable Mention. As a team, they averaged 7.3 yards per carry, and had 37 rushing touchdowns.

Seppi led the defensive push up front, and was named All-League 1st Team. He was joined by Carlstrom, who was an All-League 2nd Team pick. The defensive ends were a pair of sophomore studs that the NWL offenses had to gameplan around for the next two seasons. Addison Perrin and B.J. Hoelzle were each named All-League Honorable Mention. Johnson and Iwasaki were great tacklers in the middle of the field, and were each named All-League 1st Team at linebacker. Iwasaki also returned two interceptions for touchdowns. Ryan, at 6-foot-3 with great speed, led the secondary and was named All-League 2nd Team.

Junior Tyson Oreiro had a very strong leg, and he kicked 28 extra points.

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #108 – 1979 Blaine Borderites

June 25, 2015 Tyler 7 Comments

RECORD: 8-1 – COACH: Jack Irion

LEAGUE: 8-1 (2nd Place in the WCL)

CLASSIFICATION: A – PLAYOFFS: None

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 20.3 – Allowed: 10.7 – Differential: +9.6

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Blaine 27, Nooksack Valley 7

Week 2: Blaine 23, Meridian 6

Week 3: Blaine 21, Lynden Christian 0

Week 4: Blaine 20, Blaine 6

Week 5: Lynden 39, Blaine 18

Week 6: Blaine 14, Nooksack Valley 7

Week 7: Blaine 31, Meridian 10

Week 8: Blaine 16, Lynden Christian 14

Week 9: Blaine 13, Mount Baker 7

The 1979 Borderites entered the season full of confidence. They had just come off of Whatcom County’s first football state championship season, and while they lost a lot of key players from the team due to graduation, they were returning their leading rusher, and another Kramme was taking over the reigns of the offense.

Senior Bert Kramme stepped right in at quarterback where his brother Curt left off. He completed 18 passes for 405 yards and five touchdowns. Despite having a great throwing arm, the Borderites still elected to pound the ball with the running game. The majority of those handoffs were to senior fullback, Tony Bladies. He ran for 823 yards (4.5 average) and 16 touchdowns. He was named All-League 1st Team, and was also the League’s Offensive Player of the Year. Senior Russ Moquin ran for 275 yards (4.4) and two touchdowns while being named All-League 2nd Team. Junior Jeff Peltier added 264 yards on the ground while senior Iain Wingard chipped in with 179 yards. Each player ran for a touchdown as well.

Senior Mike Butler was Blaine’s deep receiving threat. He caught six passes for 215 yards (35.8) and two touchdowns. Bladies caught four passes and Moquin hauled in three.

The offensive line was a big asset for the Borderites. Returning at center was junior Rob McAllister. He joined with another big junior (6-4 200) David Wiederspohn to solidify the line. Both players were named All-League 1st Team. Junior Gregg Waters also played well, and was named All-League 2nd Team. The Borderites ran the ball on 86% of their plays, averaging 4.5 yards per carry, and 21 touchdowns.

The defensive line was stout, and it was led by Bladies and Wiederspohn. Bladies was named All-League 1st Team on the defensive line for an amazing third season in a row. Wiederspohn was also named All-League 1st Team. McAllister led the linebacking corps, and was picked All-League 1st Team. The secondary was headed up by Wingard and Moquin, both of whom were All-League 1st Team performers.

After kicking two long field goals in the Kingdome in last year’s state championship, Kramme kept his momentum going with the toe. He was named All-League 1st Team, booting 16 extra points and one field goal. Moquin handled the punting and was an All-League 2nd Team selection.

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #109 – 2000 Lynden Lions

June 24, 2015 Tyler 5 Comments

RECORD: 5-4 – COACH: Curt Kramme

LEAGUE: 4-3 (3rd Place in the NWL)

CLASSIFICATION: 3A – PLAYOFFS: None

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 24.8 – Allowed: 15.9 – Differential: +8.9

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Everett 19, Lynden 6

Week 2: Lynden 42, Monroe 14

Week 3: Lynden 55, Bellingham 0

Week 4: Mount Vernon 21, Lynden 6

Week 5: Anacortes 14, Lynden 7

Week 6: Lynden 21, Burlington-Edison 8

Week 7: Lynden 38, Sedro Woolley 18

Week 8: Ferndale 21, Lynden 13

Week 9: Lynden 35, Squalicum 28

The 2000 Lions were the beginnings of a new wave of Lynden talent. They had a solid senior class, with many talented underclassmen that showed promise for the near future.

Senior quarterback Ty Taubenheim, at 6-foot-6 and 220 pounds, had one of the strongest arms in Whatcom County’s history. In the finale of his junior season he threw for a state-record 514 yards against Squalicum, but the game was lost. In 2000 he completed 87 passes for 1327 yards, eight touchdowns and he was named All-League 2nd Team for the second year in a row. He was joined in the backfield by a pair of underclassmen. Sophomore T.J. Busch had a breakout season, rushing for 817 yards (6.8 average) and seven touchdowns. He had a massive game against Sedro Woolley, rushing for 285 yards, which still stands as the third highest single game total in school history, and he was named All-League Honorable Mention. Junior fullback Jordan Stenersen ran for 296 yards (4.3), was automatic at the goal line with a team-high 10 rushing touchdowns, and he was also named All-League Honorable Mention. Senior B.J. Louws ran for 239 yards while junior Cole Price added 170 yards.

Lynden’s receiver relished at the chance to catch passes from Taubenehim, and they took advantage of many airborne passes. Senior wide receiver Shane Verbrugge was the leading pass catcher with 27 receptions for 491 yards (18.2) and four touchdowns, and he was an All-League 1st Team selection. Junior wide out Kaleb Coleman caught 22 passes for 315 yards (14.3), one touchdown, and was named All-League Honorable Mention. Junior tight end Darrell Visser used his 6-foot-5 frame to haul in 10 passes for 119 yards (11.9), and he was also an All-League Honorable Mention pick.

The offensive line was led by three outstanding seniors. Dan Hagins (6-1 250) was the top lineman, and was named All-League 1st Team. Trevor Holman (6-5 250) was a massive blocker, and was named All-League 2nd Team. Troy Dyer (6-0 240) was another strong one up front, and he was an All-League Honorable Mention pick. A pair of sophomores, Evan Noteboom and Dirk Dahlgren, rounded out the line, and they both got great experience to help them in the next two seasons.

The defense was well-rounded with many players contributing towards its success. The defensive line was led by a pair of juniors. Jeff Roberts was a tall (6-5), athletic defensive end with 39 total tackles, five passes deflected, two tackles for loss and two sacks. Brandon Stauffer broke through the interior of the line to have 50 total tackles, three tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Both players were named All-League 2nd Team.

At linebacker the Lions had a good one in senior Ross Dickinson. He was also named All-League 2nd Team, and he finished with 79 total tackles, one tackles for loss and one fumble recovery. He was joined by Louws, and junior Dave Wall. Louws totaled 78 total tackles, two fumble recoveries and one tackle for loss. Wall came off the edge and had 75 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, four sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Both players were named All-League Honorable Mention.

The secondary was headed up by senior Tyler Thalman, who was named All-League 2nd Team. He finished with 63 total tackles, six tackles for loss, five interceptions, three pass deflections, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He was joined by senior Josh Klaffke and junior Eric Powell. Klaffke had 39 total tackles, four interceptions (one was returned for a touchdown), three fumble recoveries, one tackle for loss and one forced fumble. Powell had 72 total tackles, two tackles for loss, one forced fumble and one interception. Both players were named All-League Honorable Mention. Verbrugge also had a good year on defense, deflecting six passes, blocking two kicks and he returned an interception for a touchdown.

Taubenheim, along with Eli Tadema, split the kicking duties. Taubenehim made 15 extra points and one field goal, and Tadema hit on seven extra points. Taubenheim was also named All-League 1st Team at punter.

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #110 – 1994 Ferndale Golden Eagles

June 23, 2015 Tyler 13 Comments

RECORD: 7-3 – COACH: Vic Randall

LEAGUE: 7-1 (2nd Place in the NWL)

CLASSIFICATION: AA – PLAYOFFS: Lost Play-in Game

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 21.7 – Allowed: 11.5 – Differential: +10.2

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Ferndale 14, Burlington-Edison 6

Week 2: Ferndale 17, Sehome 14

Week 3: Ferndale 41, Anacortes 23

Week 4: Lynnwood 7, Ferndale 6

Week 5: Ferndale 21, Stanwood 0

Week 6: Ferndale 19, Mount Vernon 6

Week 7: Ferndale 42, Bellingham 17

Week 8: Ferndale 28, Sedro Woolley 0

Week 9: Lynden 26, Ferndale 15

State Play-in Game: Shorecrest 16, Ferndale 14

The 1994 Golden Eagles went through a massive transformation from the previous season. In 1993, Ferndale went winless, and although Vic Randall was returning after a four year absence, nobody (outside of the 98264 zip code) could have predicted the turnaround that would happen in 1994.

The pass-happy Golden Eagles of the early 1990’s went back to the ground attack in 1994, and leading it was the superbly athletic senior quarterback, Craig Willis. He completed 14 passes for 275 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for 530 yards (6.5 average), seven touchdowns, and he was named All-League Honorable Mention. He handed off to one of the most talented backs of the decade, junior Ash Perrin. He ran for 1182 yards (7.2) and 11 touchdowns, and he was an All-League 1st Team selection. Senior Damon Fitzgibbon added 306 yards on the ground, and junior Marshall Udo contributed with 201 yards rushing.

Ferndale only attempted 3.3 passes per game in ’94, but they relied on junior Chris Cantrelle to make the big plays. He caught five passes for 145 yards (29.0) and a touchdown. Udo also caught three passes for 74 yards (24.7).

The offensive line was one of the biggest improvements for the Golden Eagles, and it had a great one in senior Pat Humphrey. At 6-foot-2 and 230 pounds, he dominated the rest of the league, and he was not only All-League 1st Team, but was chosen as an All-State 1st Teamer. He was joined by fellow senior Colby Haugness (6-1 210). Haugness was also named All-League 1st Team. Junior tight end Travis LaFave was an All-League Honorable Mention selection. The offensive line led the way for 2768 yards on the ground and 27 rushing touchdowns.

The defense had many standouts at each level. The defensive line was led by Humphrey and 6-foot-5 junior, Isaac Williams. They were each named All-League 1st Team. They were joined up front by junior defensive end, Scott Farrar, who was named All-League Honorable Mention. Junior Ken Arnold led the linebacking corps, and was named All-League 1st Team. He also returned an interception 20 yards for a touchdown against Mount Vernon. As stout as the Golden Eagles were in the front seven, the defensive backfield was a major strength. Senior Deer Creek legend Jeff Segel was a brilliant cover-cornerback. He intercepted five passes, knocked down countless others and he was named All-League 1st Team. Willis was all over the field and was an All-League 2nd Team pick.

Arnold handled the kicking duties, with 21 extra points and one field goal, and he was named All-League 1st Team. Willis also had a great leg, and was named All-League 1st Team. Junior Taylor Rohrbach returned the kickoffs, and Udo returned the punts, including an 85-yarder for a touchdown against Lynwood.

Top 150 Teams

Top 500 #111 – 2011 Ferndale Golden Eagles

June 22, 2015 Tyler 10 Comments

RECORD: 5-5 – COACH: Jamie Plenkovich

LEAGUE: 2-0 (1st Place in the 3A NWC)

CLASSIFICATION: 3A – PLAYOFFS: Lost Crossover Game

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 26.9 – Allowed: 16.4 – Differential: +10.5

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Ferndale 49, Squalicum 7

Week 2: O’Dea 24, Ferndale 21

Week 3: Arlington 44, Ferndale 27

Week 4: Ferndale 34, Blaine 7

Week 5: Lynden 27, Ferndale 7

Week 6: Mount Baker 21, Ferndale 14

Week 7: Ferndale 28, Sedro Woolley 0

Week 8: Ferndale 45, Shorecrest 0

Week 9: Ferndale 30, Mount Vernon 13

Week 10 (Crossover): Mercer Island 21, Ferndale 14

The Golden Eagles went through a few down years after the 2008 League Championship season, and 2011 was the beginning of the turnaround for the program.

Senior quarterback Jake Frost had another good season as both a passer and a runner. He completed 28 passes for 620 yards and four touchdowns, and he ran for 463 yards (5.8 average) and five touchdowns. He ran the Wing-T, handing off to junior Alex Conley, and seniors Tanner Dawson and Kyle Prather. Conley was a scoring machine, rushing for 790 yards (7.9) and 14 touchdowns. He also caught two touchdown passes. Dawson ran for 492 yards (6.2) and five touchdowns while Prather gained 491 yards on the ground (6.6) and four scores. Junior Daniel Ewald chipped in 304 yards rushing(6.8) and three touchdowns.

Junior Richmond Baardson and senior Cory Clark were the main targets at wide receiver when the Golden Eagles went to the air. Baardson caught nine passes for 215 yards (23..9) and a touchdown, while Clark hauled in six passes for 112 yards (18.7) and a score.

The offensive line was big and very physical. It was led by senior All-State 2nd Teamer, Daniel Canzater. He was a two-time All-League 1st Teamer, and at 6-foot-2 and 250 pounds he was as athletic as they come. He was joined up front by some massive players as well. They were senior Chad Hunt (6-3 220), senior David Lytle (6-3 225), senior Caleb Rodriguez (6-3 220) and Lucas Kinley (5-10 245). They averaged 6.7 yards per rush and scored 32 rushing touchdowns.

Ferndale threw a pair of shutouts, with Rodriguez and Prather leading the defense, and they were both named All-State 2nd Team. Rodriguez at defensive line, and Prather as a linebacker. They were also both named All-League 1st Team, and it was the second year in a row for Prather. Conley brought an interception back 42 yards for a touchdown against Squalicum in the opener.

Junior Wyatt Dunn kicked 31 extra points, and 6-foot-6 senior Jacob Bartel was named All-League 1st Team at punter.

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #112 – 1989 Nooksack Valley Pioneers

June 21, 2015 Tyler 11 Comments

RECORD: 7-4 – COACH: Mark Venn

LEAGUE: 6-3 (2nd Place in the WCL)

CLASSIFICATION: A – PLAYOFFS: Lost in the 1st Round

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 26.4 – Allowed: 12.5 – Differential: +13.9

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Nooksack Valley 21, Lynden 0

Week 2: Nooksack Valley 14, Blaine 0

Week 3: Nooksack Valley 49, Meridian 21

Week 4: Lynden Christian 28, Nooksack Valley 26

Week 5: Nooksack Valley 42, Mount Baker 14

Week 6: Nooksack Valley 34, Lynden 8

Week 7: Nooksack Valley 33, Blaine 3

Week 8: Meridian 24, Nooksack Valley 21

Week 9: Lynden Christian 7, Nooksack Valley 2

State Play-in Game: Nooksack Valley 33, Granite Falls 13

State Playoffs: 1st Round: Charles Wright 19, Nooksack Valley 15

The seniors from the 1989 Pioneer football team had been through enough. Many of them were forced to play as freshman, and it wasn’t pretty. The 1986 team averaged less than one yard per play, and failed to score an offensive touchdown all season. Three years later, these guys were ready to right the wrong.

One of those seniors was quarterback Brandon Newell. He completed 65 passes for 1053 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also ran for 134 yards, four touchdowns and he was named All-League 2nd Team. Newell was joined in the backfield by a talented trio. Dave Longoria became the second sophomore in Whatcom County history to surpass 1000 yards rushing (John Locker was the first). He ran for 1004 yards (5.9 average) and 16 touchdowns. Senior Dale Johnson totaled 729 yards on the ground (5.4) and three touchdowns. Speedy sophomore Troy Slayton added 371 yards rushing (5.8) and five touchdowns, while being a huge factor in the passing game, catching 10 passes for 231 yards (23.1) and five more scores.

Nooksack Valley was a big, strong team in 1989, and rarely did it split anyone out into a wide receiver spot. But, why would you when you have possibly the best tight end tandem in school history with senior Mark Coppinger and junior Tom Ackerman. Coppinger caught 14 passes for 237 yards (16.9) and three touchdowns, and was named All-League 2nd Team. Ackerman hauled in a team-high 24 passes for 319 yards (13.3) and one touchdown, and he was an All-League 1st Team selection.

To along with strong blocking of Coppinger and Ackerman, the offensive line boasted a pair of big, strong kids that could hold their own against anyone. Senior Scott Myhre was an All-League 1st Team pick, and fellow senior Rodney Hayes (6-4 205) was an All-League 2nd Team pick. They were joined on the line by senior Landry Lawrence, junior Jeremy Neyens and sophomore Brian Pike.

Defensively, there was little that opposing offenses could do against the pass rush of Hayes. He lived in the backfield, and was named All-League 1st Team. He was joined up front by Myhre, who was an All-League 2nd Team selection. The linebackers were strong with Coppinger and Ackerman. Coppinger was an All-League 2nd Team pick, and Ackerman returned an interception for a 92-yard touchdown against Meridian. Newell was named All-League 1st Team at defensive back, and led the secondary with numerous interceptions. Slayton returned an interception 62 yards for a score against Lynden.

Newell handled the kicking duties and hit on 24 extra points. Slayton was the punter, and Longoria returned a punt 64 yards for a touchdown against eventual league champion Lynden Christian.

RECORD: 8-3 – COACH: Bob Ames

LEAGUE: 5-1 (1st Place in the 1A NWC)

CLASSIFICATION: 1A – PLAYOFFS: Lost in 1st Round

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 38.9 – Allowed: 14.6 – Differential: +24.3

RECORD: 7-2 – COACH: Stu Gorski

LEAGUE: 7-2 (2nd Place in the WCL)

CLASSIFICATION: A – PLAYOFFS: None

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 22.8 – Allowed: 9.7 – Differential: +13.1

RECORD: 9-3 – COACH: Bob Ames

LEAGUE: 7-1 (1st Place in the WCL)

CLASSIFICATION: 2A – PLAYOFFS: Lost in 1st Round

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 28.6 – Allowed: 12.1 – Differential: +16.5

RECORD: 8-3 – COACH: Jamie Plenkovich

LEAGUE: 2-0 (1st Place in the 3A NWC)

CLASSIFICATION: 3A – PLAYOFFS: None

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 28.0 – Allowed: 17.4 – Differential: +10.6

RECORD: 7-2 – COACH: Vic Randall

LEAGUE: 3-2 (3rd Place in the NWL)

CLASSIFICATION: AA – PLAYOFFS: None

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 36.2 – Allowed: 14.3 – Differential: +21.9

RECORD: 8-1 – COACH: Jack Irion

LEAGUE: 8-1 (2nd Place in the WCL)

CLASSIFICATION: A – PLAYOFFS: None

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 20.3 – Allowed: 10.7 – Differential: +9.6

RECORD: 5-4 – COACH: Curt Kramme

LEAGUE: 4-3 (3rd Place in the NWL)

CLASSIFICATION: 3A – PLAYOFFS: None

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 24.8 – Allowed: 15.9 – Differential: +8.9

RECORD: 7-3 – COACH: Vic Randall

LEAGUE: 7-1 (2nd Place in the NWL)

CLASSIFICATION: AA – PLAYOFFS: Lost Play-in Game

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 21.7 – Allowed: 11.5 – Differential: +10.2

RECORD: 5-5 – COACH: Jamie Plenkovich

LEAGUE: 2-0 (1st Place in the 3A NWC)

CLASSIFICATION: 3A – PLAYOFFS: Lost Crossover Game

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 26.9 – Allowed: 16.4 – Differential: +10.5

RECORD: 7-4 – COACH: Mark Venn

LEAGUE: 6-3 (2nd Place in the WCL)

CLASSIFICATION: A – PLAYOFFS: Lost in the 1st Round

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 26.4 – Allowed: 12.5 – Differential: +13.9

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