Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #88 – 1981 Ferndale Golden Eagles

July 15, 2015 Tyler 5 Comments

RECORD: 7-2 – COACH: Tom Manke

LEAGUE: 6-2 (2nd Place in the NWL)

CLASSIFICATION: AA – PLAYOFFS: None

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 21.3 – Allowed: 9.9 – Differential: +11.4

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Arlington 20, Ferndale 0

Week 2: Ferndale 22, Stanwood 13

Week 3: Ferndale 26, Sedro Woolley 24

Week 4: Ferndale 14, Mount Vernon 0

Week 5: Ferndale 34, Sehome 6

Week 6: Ferndale 29, West Vancouver 0

Week 7: Ferndale 28, Anacortes 0

Week 8: Ferndale 33, Burlington-Edison 14

Week 9: Bellingham 25, Ferndale 6

Mini-Playoff Game: Arlington 7, Ferndale 0

The 1981 Golden Eagles just couldn’t get past Arlington to get into the state tournament, but it was still a great season for a great team.

Senior quarterback John Swobody completed 30 passes for 406 yards and five touchdowns, while also rushing for two more scores. When he wasn’t dropping back to pass, he was likely handing off to arguably the best running back Whatcom County had to offer in the 1980’s. Senior John Locker had an another amazing season, rushing for 1228 yards (6.1 average) and 11 touchdowns. He also caught a touchdown pass, and was named All-League 1st Team for the third year in a row, and was named the League’s Offensive Player of the Year for the second time in three seasons. He graduated as Whatcom County’s leading career rusher, and it’s hard to believe he wasn’t named All-State. He remained the county’s all-time leading rusher for 10 years, and is currently ranked 8th all-time. Perhaps more impressive is that his 3371 rushing yards were accumulated before offensive linemen were allowed to use their hands, at all. Numbers shy-rocketed after that rule change.

Joining Locker in the backfield was junior Keith Hanson and senior Greg Ebe. Hanson finished with 301 yards (6.4), while Ebe plowed forward for 277 yards (3.9) and six touchdowns. John’s brother Scott Locker also made some big plays in the backfield, using his amazing speed. The junior only carried the ball nine times, but ran for 102 yards (11.3) and scored twice. Junior tight end Greg Finkbonner was the team’s leading receiver with nine catches for 117 yards (13.0) and two scores. He was also a great blocker, and was named All-League 2nd Team. Scott Locker caught eight passes for 97 yards (12.1) and two touchdowns.

The offensive line also got it done for the Golden Eagles, opening a lot of holes for it’s awesome running backs. Senior Tom Hull led the way from his center position, and the 5-foot-9 168-pounder was named All-League 2nd Team. Other standouts included seniors Ken Altona (6-0 180) and Tor Hanson (6-1 190). Both of which were also named All-League 2nd Team. Ferndale ran for over 2000 yards, averaging 5.3 yards per rushing play.

The defense shut out three opponents during the season, and the line was led by Altona, who was named All-League 1st Team. He was joined up front by All-League 2nd Teamer, Keith Hanson. Ebe was a rock in the middle, and he was named All-League 1st Team at linebacker. He also intercepted a pass against Sehome and brought it back 68 yards for a touchdown. John Locker led the secondary, and was named All-League 2nd Team.

Sophomore Jim Wilkerson handled the kicking, booting four extra points. The Golden Eagles opted to go for two points more often than not, and they converted nine times, with John Locker getting five of them. Scott Locker returned the kicks, and had a 56-yard punt return for a touchdown against Burlington-Edison.

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #89 – 1997 Mount Baker Mountaineers

July 14, 2015 Tyler 2 Comments

RECORD: 8-2 – COACH: Ron Lepper

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

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

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 32.9 – Allowed: 12.0 – Differential: +20.9

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Mount Baker 14, Blaine 7

Week 2: Mount Baker 48, Granite Falls 12

Week 3: Mount Baker 28, Lynden Christian 15

Week 4: Mount Baker 64, King’s 3

Week 5: Mount Baker 13, Lakewood 7

Week 6: Mount Baker 34, Chimacum 0

Week 7: Meridian 41, Mount Baker 28

Week 8: Mount Baker 40, Nooksack Valley 0

Week 9: Mount Baker 38, Sultan 7

State Playoffs: 1st Round: Elma 28, Mount Baker 22

The ’97 Mounties accomplished something that hadn’t been done before, and hasn’t happened since… they averaged over 400 yards rushing per game. Let that sink in for a moment. After finishing second in the newly formed North Cascades Conference, they were handed a tough draw, having to face Elma on the road. They lost by six to the eventual state champions.

Although not asked to throw much, senior quarterback Chad Hoidal made the majority of his throws count. He completed 15 passes for 276 yards and six touchdowns, to just one interception. He also ran for a touchdown, and was named All-League Honorable Mention. He had one of the best 1-2 punches in school history behind him to hand off to. Senior Joe Schleimer had the most prolific season a running back has ever had at Mount Baker. He ran for 1880 yards (7.6 average) and 20 touchdowns, while catching five passes for 83 yards (16.6) and three scores. The 6-foot-2 201-pounder played the majority of the season with some sort of injury, and was named All-League 1st Team, as well as All-State 1st Team. In the second quarter of the Granite Falls game, Schleimer went down with an injury, so senior fullback Jacob Prince took over as the featured back. All he did was rush for a then-state-record 422 yards. He was taken out in the 4th quarter, as the backups got some long runs in, as the team totaled 668 yards on the ground…. in just that one game. Prince finished the season with 1151 yards (8.9) and eight touchdowns. He was also named All-League 1st Team. Junior fullback Derek Isenhart chipped in with 377 yards (5.8) and a score.

Senior tight end Erik Knutzen was an extension of the offensive line with his run blocking, but showed his great pass catching skills as well. He was the Mounties’ leading receiver with five receptions for 87 yards (17.4) and two touchdowns. He also ran in a touchdown on an end-around play, and was named All-League 1st Team. Whoever lined up at wide receiver was generally not asked to run pass patterns, but to wipe out the cornerback for the running play that was selected. A trio of seniors rotated in and out, usually bringing in the play selection, and all three, Zach Mallahan, Josh Sivo and Jeremiah Kafhold, each caught a pass.

The offensive line was one of the best in Whatcom County history. It was led the 6-foot-2 265-pound senior left guard, Travis LoGrande. Coach Lepper called him the best high school offensive lineman he’s ever coached, mostly because of how great his feet were. He was named All-League 1st Team, as well as All-State 1st Team. At left tackle was junior, Brandon “The Load” Welters. When senior Luke Kalsbeek went down with an injury in week one, the big 296-pound junior was inserted into the starting lineup. He created huge running lanes, and was named All-League Honorable Mention. At center was the “little guy”, senior, Myron Cronk. At 5-foot-8 and 184 pounds he used his leverage and strength to get under opposing defensive tackles, and was named All-League 2nd Team. Senior Randy Fleming was a huge presence (6’4″ 230) at right guard. He finished his career with a bang, being named All-League 1st Team, and started at four of the five offensive line positions in his three-year varsity career. He was also the long snapper for Baker. At right tackle was senior Brent Moa. The 6-foot-1 244-pounder was another mauling run blocker, and an emotional leader. He was named All-League 2nd Team.

The defensive line was led by senior defensive end, Kris DeKriek. A punishing hitter, DeKriek has a knack for getting to the quarterback. He finished with 71 total tackles, 22 QB hurries, 11 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and he was named All-League 1st team. Fleming was the other defensive end, and he finished with 43 total tackles, nine QB hurries, seven tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, one sack, and was named All-League Honorable Mention. The defensive tackles were Moa and fellow senior, Josh Erholm, and they were both named All-League 2nd Team. Moa tallied 70 total tackles, three tackles for loss, three sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one interception. Erholm had 48 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, six QB hurries, three sacks and two forced fumbles.

Knutzen led the linebacking corps, and was named All-League 1st Team. He finished with 110 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, three passes broken up, three forced fumbles, two sacks, one fumble recovery and one interception. Next to him was Isenhart, who was named All-League 2nd Team. He totaled 64 total tackles, four tackles for loss, two passes broken up, one sack, one interception and one forced fumble. The outside linebacker spots were manned by seniors Nathan Brouwer and Chad Rathjen, both of which were named All-League Honorable Mention. Brouwer had 60 total tackles, five tackles for loss, three QB hurries, three fumble recoveries and one interception. Rathjen finished with 42 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, five QB hurries, two passes broken up and one fumble recovery.

Prince and Mallahan were on an island at cornerback, and they held their own. Prince was named All-League 1st Team, finishing with 20 tackles, five passes broken up, one sack, one tackle for loss and one interception. Mallahan was an All-League 2nd Teamer with 23 tackles, 12 passes broken up, and two interceptions. Sophomore Wes Carson took over mid-season at free safety, and was eventually named All-League Honorable Mention. He totaled 39 tackles, two interceptions, one pass broken up, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

The placekicking was problematic before settling on sophomore, Travis Galbraith. He connected on 13 extra points. Prince averaged 30.4 yards per punt. Sivo and Prince also provided some major fireworks returning kickoffs, both averaging over 30 yards per return. Mallahan averaged 12.7 yards per punt return, including a touchdown against King’s.

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #90 – 1975 Bellingham Red Raiders

July 13, 2015 Tyler 11 Comments

RECORD: 7-2 – COACH: Vel West

LEAGUE: 5-2 (2nd Place in the NWL)

CLASSIFICATION: AAA – PLAYOFFS: None

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 19.4 – Allowed: 7.3 – Differential: +12.1

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Bellingham 15, Cascade (Everett) 14

Week 2: Bellingham 28, Vancouver College 0

Week 3: Oak Harbor 6, Bellingham 0

Week 4: Bellingham 21, Anacortes 7

Week 5: Bellingham 20, Mount Vernon 6

Week 6: Bellingham 14, Ferndale 6

Week 7: Bellingham 38, Sedro Woolley 6

Week 8: Burlington-Edison 21, Bellingham 0

Week 9: Bellingham 19, Sehome 0

The 1975 Red Raiders were all about running the ball down your throat. On average they ran the ball 41 times a game, and passed it three times a game. The opposition knew what was going to happen, they just didn’t know who it was going to happen with!

Junior quarterback Chris Galley led the charge for Bellingham, and he completed 10 passes for 146 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for 114 yards and two touchdowns, and was named All-League 2nd Team. He also had a pair of senior running backs that were each named All-League 2nd Team. Larry Ripley had an awesome year, rushing for 791 yards (7.8 average) and 12 touchdowns. His 7.8 yards per carry was the school’s single season record that stood for 39 years until quarterback Kalien Hayes broke it in 2014. He also ran for 240 yards in a game against Sehome, the most ever by a Red Raider against their crosstown rival. Bill Slesk was also amazing, rushing for 460 yards (6.2) and three scores. Bellingham also received hard running from junior Jon Pearson (257 yards) and senior Brett Emmons (100 yards).

Senior tight end Kent Barber was the main threat in the passing game. He caught three passes for 74 yards (24.7) and a touchdown. He was named All-League 1st Team. Slesk, along with juniors Terry Todd and Tim O’Connell, each caught a pair of passes.

The offensive line was senior driven, and they opened up some major holes for the run-oriented Red Raiders. Seniors, Mel Chapman, Chris Yonlick and Pete Hay were all named All-League 2nd Team. Bellingham ran for nearly 2000 yards, averaging 5.4 yards per carry, and scored 24 rushing touchdowns.

The defense was led by the All-League 1st Team, and League Defensive Player of the Year, Rick Faupel. Although undersized, the 5-foot-10 165-pound senior used amazing skill and quickness from his defensive tackle spot to dominate the rest of the league. Other standouts on defense included Emmons, Galley, Chapman, Ripley and Slesk. They were also joined by seniors Wade Smith, Bob Thompson and junior Carr Lanham.

Junior Jon Christie was a great kicker, connecting on 17 extra points while being named All-League 2nd Team. Slesk returned a kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown against Burlington-Edison.

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #91 – 1996 Lynden Christian Lyncs

July 12, 2015 Tyler 6 Comments

RECORD: 10-2 – COACH: Dan Kaemingk

LEAGUE: 5-1 (2nd Place in the WCL)

CLASSIFICATION: A – PLAYOFFS: State Quarterfinalist

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 25.4 – Allowed: 12.0 – Differential: +13.4

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Lynden Christian 14, Sultan 7

Week 2: Lynden Christian 44, Granite Falls 0

Week 3: Lynden Christian 20, Mount Baker 7

Week 4: Lynden Christian 42, Friday Harbor 21

Week 5: Meridian 23, Lynden Christian 8

Week 6: Lynden Christian 22, King’s 21

Week 7: Lynden Christian 35, Nooksack Valley 3

Week 8: Lynden Christian 42, Blaine 28

Week 9: Lynden Christian 14, Concrete 6

State Play-in Game: Lynden Christian 21, Orting 0

State Playoffs: 1st Round: Lynden Christian 43, Forks 0

State Quarterfinals: Toledo 28, Lynden Christian 0

The 1996 Lyncs were back on track after missing the state playoffs the previous two seasons. It was traditional LC football, a big line, pound the ball, throw when needed and a swarming defense.

Junior Greg Dykstra took over at quarterback, after being the league’s leading receiver the year before. A true dual threat, he completed 71 passes for 1062 yards and 10 touchdowns, while rushing for 695 yards and eight touchdowns. He was also named All-League 2nd Team. Joining Dykstra in the backfield was one of the toughest running backs of the era. Senior Josh Elgersma ran for 873 yards (4.7 average) and 10 touchdowns, and caught 11 passes for 153 (13.9) and a score. He was also named All-League 2nd Team. Junior Joey Mellema added 474 yards on the ground (4.7) and six touchdowns, while senior Jason Engels rushed for 255 yards (5.7) and two TD’s.

Junior tight end Josh Parsons was on the receiving end of numerous Dykstra passes. He was the team’s leading receiver with 23 catches for 405 yards (17.6) and four touchdowns, and he was named All-League 2nd Team. Junior wide receiver Rob Dykstra had great hands, and size (6’4″ 195), and caught 19 passes for 293 yards (15.4) and three scores. Seniors Darin Postma and Dan Boon each caught a touchdown pass as well.

Like I stated earlier, the offensive line was big. Not only that, but they were very good! It started with 6-foot-1 250-pound senior, Dan Lenssen. He was a big, strong mauler that cleared many lanes for the backs, and was named All-League 1st Team. He was joined by super-sophomore, Nick Scholten. He had all the tools, size (6’5″ 300), agility, strength, and he purely dominated. He was also named All-League 1st Team. Senior Joel Hoksbergen was also a great lineman, and was named All-League 2nd Team. The Lyncs totaled 2400 yards on the ground and ran for 27 touchdowns.

The “Big-Three” that dominated on the offensive line were huge threat on the defensive line as well. Scholten was named All-League 1st Team, Hoksbergen was All-League 2nd Team and Lenssen was All-League Honorable Mention. Senior Ben Corning was also named All-League Honorable Mention. Parsons manned the middle, and was named All-League 2nd Team at linebacker. Senior Jake Nelson made great plays stuffing the run, as well as getting to the quarterback from his outside linebacker spot, and was named All-League 1st Team. Postma also had a knack for making big plays, and was an All-League Honorable Mention pick at linebacker. Greg Dykstra led the secondary, being named All-League 1st Team, with Elgersma and Mellema each an All-League Honorable Mention pick.

Elgersma handled the kicking, and nailed 22 extra points. Parsons used his line-drive punts towards the sidelines to his advantage, and was named All-League Honorable Mention. Mellema and Elgersma returned kickoffs, while Greg Dykstra handled the punt returns, bringing one back to the house against Forks in the playoffs.

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #92 – 2001 Meridian Trojans

July 11, 2015 Tyler 15 Comments

RECORD: 7-3 – COACH: Bob Ames

LEAGUE: 6-2 (3rd Place in the NCC)

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

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 41.5 – Allowed: 14.9 – Differential: +26.6

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Meridian 52, Sultan 6

Week 2: Meridian 66, South Whidbey 6

Week 3: Meridian 34, Blaine 0

Week 4: Meridian 62, Granite Falls 0

Week 5: Meridian 42, Tacoma Baptist 24

Week 6: Nooksack Valley 24, Meridian 23

Week 7: Meridian 67, Lakewood 13

Week 8: Meridian 28, Mount Baker 0

Week 9: Lynden Christian 27, Meridian 20

State Playoffs: 1st Round: Elma 49, Meridian 21

The 2001 Trojans were coming off of two straight appearances in the state championship game, one of which they won. Although many of the great players had graduated from those teams, a few remained, and some new great players were born.

One of those great players was senior quarterback, Mark Simmons. He had a huge season, completing 122 passes for 1651 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also ran for 324 yards (6.8 average) and seven touchdowns on his way to being named All-League 1st Team. He also handed off to one of the best running backs in school history. Junior Jesse Alderson enjoyed a breakout season, rushing for 1294 yards (9.1) and 20 touchdowns. He was named All-League 1st Team, the League’s Offensive Player of the Year and was also selected All-State 1st Team. Fellow junior Colin Morris joined him in the backfield, and was also split out wide many times. He ran for 403 yards (7.0) and four touchdowns. He also caught 20 passes for 177 yards (8.9) and two touchdowns, and was named All-League 2nd Team as a wide receiver. Sophomores Cody Bowden and Brady Emmons also contributed with 168 yards and 118 yards, respectively.

Senior Sean McKinnon was a big play threat at wide receiver, and he caught 20 passes for 346 yards (17.3) and a team-high seven touchdowns. Opposite of McKinnon was senior receiver, Jon Murray. He caught a team-high 31 passes for 346 yards (11.2) and one touchdown, and was named All-League 1st Team. Junior tight end Willie Wantz (6’4″) was a big target, and he made big plays. He caught 30 passes for 508 yards (16.9) and five touchdowns on his way to being named All-League 1st Team. Senior Michael Barrett also caught a pair of touchdown passes.

The offensive line was led by one of the best lineman in school history. Senior Mike Allinson fought injuries off his entire career, but still was able to dominate. After being named All-State as a junior, he was named All-League 1st Team for the second year in a row. He was joined by seniors Zac Nightingale and Pete Noel. Nightingale was an All-League 1st Team pick, and Noel was selected on the All-League 2nd Team. The Trojans averaged an amazing 7.4 yards per rushing play, and scored 37 rushing touchdowns.

Allinson led the charge on defense, and was named All-League 1st Team, and All-State 2nd Team from his defensive line position. Joining him upfront were Noel and Bowden, both of which were named All-League 2nd Team. Nightingale and Emmons locked down the linebacker positions, and were each named All-League 2nd Team. Murray led the secondary, and was named All-League 2nd Team, while McKinnon led the team with four interceptions.

Barrett handled the kicking, and connected on 37 extra points. Alderson had one of the best seasons in Whatcom County history as a kick returner. He returned 11 kickoffs for 388 yards (35.3) and two touchdowns, while he returned 10 punts for 209 yards (20.9) and three touchdowns.

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #93 – 1979 Lynden Lions

July 10, 2015 Tyler 13 Comments

RECORD: 9-1 – COACH: Rollie DeKoster

LEAGUE: 9-0 (1st Place in the WCL)

CLASSIFICATION: A – PLAYOFFS: Lost in 1st Round

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 15.1 – Allowed: 8.4 – Differential: +6.7

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Lynden 17, Lynden Christian 13

Week 2: Lynden 23, Mount Baker 7

Week 3: Lynden 28, Meridian 16

Week 4: Lynden 7, Nooksack Valley 6

Week 5: Lynden 39, Blaine 18

Week 6: Lynden 7, Lynden Christian 6

Week 7: Lynden 13, Mount Baker 0

Week 8: Lynden 7, Meridian 0

Week 9: Lynden 10, Nooksack Valley 6

State Playoffs: 1st Round: Sultan 12, Lynden 0

The 1979 Lions were loaded, and went through the league unblemished. A tough loss to Sultan in the opening round ended the season, but it still was a great season.

Junior lefty Vince Blauser won the quarterback job, and didn’t disappoint. He completed 19 passes for 231 yards, three touchdowns, and he ran for two more scores. Senior Benji Lange also showed off his strong arm, completing seven passes for 174 yards and three touchdowns. Junior Craig Seutz was the workhorse for the Lions, rushing for 647 yards (4.7 average) and three touchdowns, and he was named All-League 2nd Team. Fellow junior Leif Erickson was a load to bring down. At 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds he rambled for 369 yards (4.7) and five touchdowns on his was to being named All-League 1st Team. Senior Bart Amsler ran for 327 yards (4.5) and one touchdown while junior Rick Holt chipped in with 249 yards (3.0) and three scores.

When Lynden went to the air, they usually went to one guy. 6-foot-3 senior receiver Kurt Langstraat had a great year, catching 13 passes for 286 yards (22.0) and three touchdowns on his way to being named All-League 1st Team. Senior Fred Silva, junior Greg Stoffer and Holt each caught a touchdown pass.

The offensive line was the biggest strength for the ’79 team. It was loaded with talent, and seniors Mark Morgan and Keith Louws led the way. Although on the smaller side (5’9″ 170), Morgan was named All-League 1st Team for the second year in a row. Louws (6’3″ 190) had a tremendous year, and was also named All-League 1st Team, and he was also named All-State 1st Team. Senior Gary Allen was an All-League 2nd Team selection, as was junior center Mark Maberry. The Lions ran for 1675 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Much of the same players that dominated on the offensive line did the same on the defensive line. Allen was not only an All-League 1st team pick, but he also landed on the All-State 1st Team. Louws joined Allen on the All-League 1st Team. Morgan was also very good on the d-line, and was named All-League 2nd Team. Holt and Erickson teamed up to form one of the best junior linebacking duos in school history. While Erickson was picking up All-League 2nd Team honors, Holt’s amazing play landed him on the All-League 1st Team, and he was chosen as the League’s Defensive Player of the Year. The secondary was led by 5’9″ 170-pound senior Rich Anker, who was named All-League 2nd Team.

Lange did it all on special teams, and has the awards to prove it. He kicked 15 extra points and three field goals, and was named All-League 2nd Team as a kicker. He also showed off his powerful leg while punting the ball, and was named All-League 1st Team as a punter.

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #94 – 1987 Meridian Trojans

July 9, 2015 Tyler 16 Comments

RECORD: 8-3 – COACH: Bob Ames

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

CLASSIFICATION: A – PLAYOFFS: Lost in 1st Round

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 22.9 – Allowed: 9.7 – Differential: +13.2

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Meridian 21, Lynden 6

Week 2: Lynden Christian 14, Meridian 10

Week 3: Meridian 7, Nooksack Valley 6

Week 4: Meridian 20, Mount Baker 0

Week 5: Meridian 21, Blaine 7

Week 6: Lynden 29, Meridian 24

Week 7: Meridian 17, Lynden Christian 0

Week 8: Meridian 46, Nooksack Valley 12

Week 9: Meridian 23, Mount Baker 3

State Play-in Game: Meridian 41, Granite Falls 0

State Playoffs: 1st Round: Eatonville 30, Meridian 22

After making the state playoffs for the first time in school history in 1983, the Trojans made a run to the state championship in 1984. But, it took three years to get back to the postseason, and the ’87 team was loaded.

Behind center was the strong-armed senior, Todd Tutterow. The All-League 1st team quarterback completed 96 passes for 1557 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also ran for five touchdowns, and was named the League’s Offensive Player of the Year. He had the pleasure of handing off to some very talented backs, as well. Senior Frank Castaneda was a big-play threat every time he touched the ball. He ran for 713 yards (6.9 average) and eight touchdowns, and was named All-League 1st Team. Senior Art Mayshack had great speed, and tremendous strength at the running back position. He totaled 630 yards (5.1) and two touchdowns. He also caught 10 passes out of the backfield, and was named All-League 2nd Team. Senior Brian Karber added 484 yards on the ground (6.0) and two scores.

6-foot-3 junior, Kelley Thrift, exploded onto the scene in 1987. Originally battling Tutterow for the quarterback job, he moved to wide receiver and dominated the rest of the league. He caught 37 passes for 775 yards (21.0) and seven touchdowns. He was named All-League 1st Team, and was also named All-State 1st Team. Senior wide receiver Chris Edmonds also had a good season, catching 21 passes for 225 yards (10.7) and two touchdowns. Fellow senior receiver John Coe caught on with 11 receptions for 175 yards (15.9) and two scores. Senior tight end Steve Haugen also had a big year with 18 catches for 271 yards (15.1) and three touchdowns.

The offensive line featured some amazing players as well. Converted fullback, junior Travis Bass was an All-League 1st Team pick as an offensive tackle, and he tremendous strength and speed. Junior Dennis Strickler was an All-League 2nd Team performer from his center position. Strickler was bookended by a great pair of senior guards, Bill Palmberg and Nathan Hull. Both were named All-League 2nd Team.

The defensive line was led by a pair of underclassmen. Junior Todd Pfannenstiel was small, but extremely quick and effective, and Bass teamed with him to cause havoc in the backfield. Both players were named All-League 2nd Team. Castaneda led the linebacking corps, and was named All-League 1st Team. The secondary was loaded with Edmonds, Thrift and senior Marc Urban. Edmonds led the team with seven interceptions, and was an obvious All-League 1st Team selection. Thrift picked off three passes, returning one of them for a touchdown, while Urban intercepted four passes, returning one for a score, and was named All-League 2nd Team.

Senior John Karuza was one of the best specialists of the decade. He booted 19 extra points and three field goals on his way to being named All-League 2nd Team as a kicker. He also averaged 32.2 yards per punt, and was an All-League 1st Teamer there. Pfannenstiel, Edmonds and senior Troy Linderman handled the kick returning.

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #95 – 1984 Lynden Lions

July 8, 2015 Tyler 10 Comments

RECORD: 6-3 – COACH: Rollie DeKoster

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

CLASSIFICATION: A – PLAYOFFS: None

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 28.8 – Allowed: 9.2 – Differential: +19.6

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Lynden 18, Lynden Christian 0

Week 2: Lynden 40, Mount Baker 8

Week 3: Meridian 20, Lynden 3

Week 4: Lynden 54, Nooksack Valley 0

Week 5: Lynden 42, Blaine 7

Week 6: Lynden 27, Lynden Christian 0

Week 7: Mount Baker 27, Lynden 7

Week 8: Meridian 21, Lynden 14

Week 9: Lynden 54, Nooksack Valley 0

The 1984 Lions dominated in their wins (outscoring their opponents 235-15), but their three league losses kept them out of the state playoffs.

Senior quarterback Curt Hallberg was tossing pig skins all over the place in ’84. He completed 69 passes for 1053 yards and 10 touchdowns, while also rushing for 108 yards and two scores. Lynden used a handful of running backs to gain yardage on the ground. Seniors Daren Van Dalen and Derek Overstreet got the bulk of the carries. Van Dalen led the team with 462 yards (5.6 average) and seven touchdowns, while Overstreet ran for 250 yards (3.5) and a team-high nine touchdowns. Juniors Paul Blair and Ladd Tremaine also got decent playing time. Blair had 221 yards on the ground (5.3) and Tremaine finished with 215 yards (7.7).

The Lion passing attack was great, and they had a trio of tall receivers to get the ball. Senior wide outs, Brian Vander Yacht (6’0″) and Troy Lautenbach (6’2), each caught three touchdown passes. Vander Yacht had 14 catches for 279 yards (19.9), while Lautenbach totaled 13 receptions for 171 yards (13.2). Both players were named All-League 2nd Team. Junior tight end Eric Petersen (6’5″) led the team with 16 catches, which amounted to 218 yards (13.6) and two touchdowns, and he was chosen as an All-League 1st Team pick. Van Dalen and Overstreet each also caught a touchdown pass.

The offensive line was led by the big (6-3 220) senior, Bryan Nelson, who was named All-League 1st Team. Senior Pat Helt played awesome, and was named All-League 2nd Team for the second year in a row, and senior center Chad Fleming was also an All-League 2nd Team selection. The line led an extremely balanced offense that put up over 1000 yards, both in the air, and on the ground.

The defense posted four shutouts during the season, and was led up front by Nelson, who was named All-League 1st Team. He was joined on the line by Petersen, and senior John Metz. Both players were named All-League 2nd Team. The linebacking corps was headed up by Helt, and junior Brian Cowin, who were both named All-League 2nd Team. Vander Yacht had another great season in the secondary, and was named All-League 1st Team for the second year in a row.

Petersen handled all the kicking duties, and was named All-League 1st team at both kicker and punter. He connected on 30 extra points and two field goals. Junior speedster Les Powers returned a punt 83 yards for a touchdown against Lynden Christian.

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #96 – 1988 Meridian Trojans

July 7, 2015 Tyler 27 Comments

RECORD: 10-2 – COACH: Bob Ames

LEAGUE: 8-1 (T-1st Place in the WCL)

CLASSIFICATION: A – PLAYOFFS: State Semifinalist

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 25.3 – Allowed: 11.0 – Differential: +14.3

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Meridian 22, Blaine 0

Week 2: Meridian 38, Lynden 33

Week 3: Meridian 30, Lynden Christian 21

Week 4: Meridian 37, Nooksack Valley 12

Week 5: Meridian 16, Mount Baker 0

Week 6: Meridian 22, Blaine 6

Week 7: Lynden 35, Meridian 8

Week 8: Meridian 28, Lynden Christian 6

Week 9: Meridian 26, Nooksack Valley 6

State Playoffs: Round One: Meridian 38, Granite Falls 6

State Quarterfinals: Meridian 38, Toledo 0

State Semifinals: Lynden 7, Meridian 0

The 1988 season was a great one for the Trojans, following up an awesome 1987 campaign. After beating Lynden in week two, the only two losses all year came to those pesky Lions, the final one deciding who was going to play for a state championship.

Junior Victor Nelson took the reigns as the starting quarterback, and had a really good season. He completed 74 passes for 1395 yards and 12 touchdowns, and he was named All-League 2nd Team. Nelson also had a great pair of running backs that had two different styles. Senior running back Todd Pfannenstiel had tremendous speed, and it was hard to catch him if he got out in front. He ran for 1158 yards (5.8 average) and 15 touchdowns, and was named All-League 1st Team. He was joined in the backfield by fellow senior, Travis Bass. At six feet tall, and 240 pounds, Bass was one of the biggest players in the league, but was also one of the fastest. He ran for 662 yards (4.9) and 10 touchdowns, and was an All-League 2nd Team selection.

Meridian has had many great wide receivers in its storied history, and the first truly great one was Kelley Thrift. He was tall (6’3″), he had great speed, great hands and he could jump. He was a mismatch problem for any team. He caught 35 passes for 672 yards (19.2) and eight touchdowns. Not only was he named All-League 1st Team for the second year in a row, he was also named All-State 1st Team for the second year in a row! Senior receiver Dan Bess lined up on the other side, and had a great year as well. He caught 18 passes for 423 yards (23.5) and three touchdowns, and he was named All-League 2nd Team. Senior Chris Garman contributed with 11 receptions for 157 yards (14.3).

The offensive line played awesome, and cleared the way for a lot of big plays. They were led by the man in the middle, senior center, Dennis Strickler. He was named All-League 2nd Team for the second year in a row, and was as dependable as they come. He was joined by fellow senior Chad Newton at tackle, and junior Jamie Weg at guard. They were also both named All-League 2nd Team.

The defensive line proved to be the strength of the Trojans, on defense. It was led by Bass, and fellow senior Casey Stock. Bass was not only an All-League 1st Team selection, but he was named the league’s Defensive Player of the Year, and was an All-State 1st Team pick. Casey joined him on the line, and put the “Stock” into stocky. At 5-10 and 225 pounds, he used his low leverage to get under his opponents, and was named All-League 2nd Team. Junior Rick Ruzicka was an extremely hard hitter from his linebacker posistion, and was named All-League 2nd Team. The secondary was loaded as well, with junior Brett Schlembaker getting the nod as an All-League 1st Teamer. Thrift intercepted a team-high four passes, and was named All-League 2nd Team and Garman returned an interception 45 yards and was also a part of the All-League 2nd Team.

Bess also proved to be one of the best kickers around, nailing 27 extra points and six field goals, and he was named All-League 1st Team. Pfannenstiel and junior Kirk Palmberg returned the kickoffs while junior Scott Pfannenstiel handled the punt returns.

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #97 – 1992 Sehome Mariners

July 6, 2015 Tyler 11 Comments

RECORD: 7-2 – COACH: Birger Solberg

LEAGUE: 6-2 (2nd Place in the NWL)

CLASSIFICATION: AA – PLAYOFFS: None

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 21.4 – Allowed: 15.0 – Differential: +6.4

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Sehome 25, Bellingham 6

Week 2: Anacortes 28, Sehome 14

Week 3: Sehome 23, Stanwood 12

Week 4: Sehome 21, Mount Vernon 14

Week 5: Ferndale 21, Sehome 20

Week 6: Sehome 21, Lynwood 14

Week 7: Sehome 13, Burlington-Edison 0

Week 8: Sehome 21, Arlington 12

Week 9: Sehome 35, Sedro Woolley 28

The 1992 Mariners had one of those great “turnaround” seasons, but came up just shy of making the playoffs. After a 2-7 season the year before, Sehome flipped the switch in ’92, to go 7-2.

At quarterback, senior Kevin Johnson beat out fellow senior Dane Hatch to be the starter. He had a great first game against rival Bellingham (Sehome defeated Bellingham for the first time in nine years), and continued to have an awesome season. He completed 41 passes for 615 yards, 10 touchdowns and just one interception. He also had a bevy of backs to hand to their Wing-T “Ground Birger” offense. Senior Cody Miller showed great moves, rushing for 669 yards (5.4) and one touchdown, and he was named All-League Honorable Mention. Scott Randall made the move from wide receiver to wingback, enabling the diminutive, but speedy, senior to get his hands on the ball more often. It paid off. He ran for 493 yards (6.2) and a team-high nine touchdowns. He also was the leading receiver with 17 catches for 322 yards (18.9) and seven touchdowns. He was named All-League 2nd Team, but the Bellingham Herald chose him as the League’s Co-Offensive Player of the Year. Senior James Murphy ran for 297 tough yards (5.0) from his fullback position. He also shared the position with sophomore Todd Zuehlke who totaled 384 yards (7.5) and three touchdowns.

The Mariners marched up to the line every play with awesome bookends on each side. Senior tight end A.J. LaBree was an All-League Honorable Mention performer, catching six passes for 119 yards (19.8) and one touchdown. On the other side was hulking junior, Josh Smith. He caught eight passes for 91 yards (11.4). Miller and fellow senior Shawn Huartson each also caught a touchdown pass.

The offensive line was a powerful strength for the Mariners. The leaders were junior Evan Ayres (All-League 1st Team) and senior Luke Raymond (All-League Honorable Mention). They were joined by Jake Beattie, Tyler Michaelson and Steve Griggs to push over the rest of the Northwest League, averaging almost five yards per carry and 17 touchdowns on the ground.

On defense, Smith completely terrorized opponents from his defensive line position, and was named All-League 1st Team. Senior Mark Simmons joined him on the line and was named All-League Honorable Mention. Griggs was a strong tackler, and was named All-League 2nd Team at linebacker. Randall was dynamic at defensive back. He was named All-League 1st Team, the League’s Defensive Player of the Year and was also chosen as an All-State 1st Team pick.

Junior kicker Brian Dehnert had one of the strongest legs in the league. He booted 19 extra points and two field goals. Raymond proved to be the best punter around, being named All-League 1st Team.

RECORD: 7-2 – COACH: Tom Manke

LEAGUE: 6-2 (2nd Place in the NWL)

CLASSIFICATION: AA – PLAYOFFS: None

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 21.3 – Allowed: 9.9 – Differential: +11.4

RECORD: 8-2 – COACH: Ron Lepper

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

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

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 32.9 – Allowed: 12.0 – Differential: +20.9

RECORD: 7-2 – COACH: Vel West

LEAGUE: 5-2 (2nd Place in the NWL)

CLASSIFICATION: AAA – PLAYOFFS: None

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 19.4 – Allowed: 7.3 – Differential: +12.1

RECORD: 10-2 – COACH: Dan Kaemingk

LEAGUE: 5-1 (2nd Place in the WCL)

CLASSIFICATION: A – PLAYOFFS: State Quarterfinalist

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 25.4 – Allowed: 12.0 – Differential: +13.4

RECORD: 7-3 – COACH: Bob Ames

LEAGUE: 6-2 (3rd Place in the NCC)

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

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 41.5 – Allowed: 14.9 – Differential: +26.6

RECORD: 9-1 – COACH: Rollie DeKoster

LEAGUE: 9-0 (1st Place in the WCL)

CLASSIFICATION: A – PLAYOFFS: Lost in 1st Round

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 15.1 – Allowed: 8.4 – Differential: +6.7

RECORD: 8-3 – COACH: Bob Ames

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

CLASSIFICATION: A – PLAYOFFS: Lost in 1st Round

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 22.9 – Allowed: 9.7 – Differential: +13.2

RECORD: 6-3 – COACH: Rollie DeKoster

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

CLASSIFICATION: A – PLAYOFFS: None

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 28.8 – Allowed: 9.2 – Differential: +19.6

RECORD: 10-2 – COACH: Bob Ames

LEAGUE: 8-1 (T-1st Place in the WCL)

CLASSIFICATION: A – PLAYOFFS: State Semifinalist

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 25.3 – Allowed: 11.0 – Differential: +14.3

RECORD: 7-2 – COACH: Birger Solberg

LEAGUE: 6-2 (2nd Place in the NWL)

CLASSIFICATION: AA – PLAYOFFS: None

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 21.4 – Allowed: 15.0 – Differential: +6.4

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