Monthly Archives: July 2015

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #98 – 1998 Meridian Trojans

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RECORD: 7-2  –  COACH: Bob Ames

 LEAGUE: 6-2 (3rd Place in the NCC)
 CLASSIFICATION: 2A – PLAYOFFS: None
Scoring Stats “Per Game”
Points: 39.8 – Allowed: 5.8 – Differential: +34.0

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Meridian 58, King’s 0

Week 2: Meridian 37, Nooksack Valley 3

Week 3: Meridian 74, Ocosta 0

Week 4: Meridian 26, Lynden Christian 7

Week 5: Blaine 21, Meridian 14

Week 6: Meridian 78, Sultan 7

Week 7: Mount Baker 14, Meridian 13

Week 8: Meridian 19, Lakewood 0

Week 9: Meridian 39, Granite Falls 0

The 1998 Trojans might just be the best collection of talent to not play in the post season. Even though they averaged nearly 40 points per game, and allowed less than a touchdown per game, they lost a couple of heart-breakers to league opponents.

Jeff Bennum
Jeff Bennum

Junior quarterback Jeff Bennum showed tremendous passing ability, completing 93 passes for 1415 yards and 17 touchdowns to only six interceptions. He also ran for six touchdowns, and was named All-League 1st Team. He handed off to senior Jarred Johnson who totaled 383 yards (5.0 average) and five touchdowns, and was named All-League 2nd Team. Junior Matt Matheson also contributed on the ground with 355 yards (4.9), six touchdowns, and he was an All-League Honorable Mention selection.

Jarrod Karuza
Jarrod Karuza

Meridian also had a fleet of receivers that could put some major numbers on the scoreboard. Senior wide outs, Aaron Hayes and Bear Cochran, were both named All-League 1st Team, and they each caught a team-high six touchdown passes. Hayes finished with 41 receptions for 502 yards (12.2), and Cochran hauled in 19 passes for 320 yards (16.8). Junior tight end Jarrod Karuza had a knack for making big plays, catching 12 passes for 259 yards (21.6) and three touchdowns. He was also an All-League 2nd Team pick. Senior Josh Macomber and sophomore Eli Slesk each caught seven passes, and had one touchdown. Slesk was an All-League Honorable Mention selection.

Bear Cochran
Bear Cochran

The offensive line had a good mix of seniors and juniors, and became adapt to run blocking and pass blocking. Junior Allen Conway led the way, and was named All-League 2nd Team. Seniors Trevor Bosman and Matt Munger were also huge up front, and were each named All-League Honorable Mention, as was junior Jake Pederson.

Allen Conway
Allen Conway

The defense was flat out amazing. They allowed just 43 first downs for the entire year. They allowed 796 total yards. They held opponents to a 23.8% completion percentage, only 20 completions! The defensive line made numerous plays behind the line. It was loaded with Munger, seniors John Wantz and Spencer Crockett, and juniors Chase Schmidtz and Cale Mabbott. Wantz was an All-League 1st Team pick. Munger, Schmidtz and Crockett were All-League 2nd Team picks, and Mabbot was named All-League Honorable Mention.

Eli Slesk
Eli Slesk

Cochran led the linebacking corps, and was named All-League 1st Team. He was joined by Hayes, who was named All-League 2nd Team, and junior Jimmy Nightingale was an All-League Honorable Mention selection. The secondary was also loaded with numerous athletes. Senior Josh Randall and Macomber were both named All-League 1st Team. Bennum was named All-League 2nd Team, and led the team with three interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. Nightingale, Hayes and sophomore Joel Pears also each returned an interception for a touchdown.

Randall was a slam dunk choice as the All-League 1st Team kicker for the second season in a row. He nailed 32 extra points, and had five field goals. Slesk handled the punting, and averaged 37 yards per punt, and was named All-League 2nd Team. Randall and junior Corey Culp handled the kick returning, and Slesk had a great year returning punts. He totaled 310 yards, and was an All-League 2nd Team pick as a returner.

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #99 – 1992 Lynden Christian Lyncs

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RECORD: 7-2  –  COACH: Dan Kaemingk

 LEAGUE: 5-1 (T-1st Place in the WCL)
 CLASSIFICATION: A – PLAYOFFS: None
Scoring Stats “Per Game”
Points: 30.0 – Allowed: 9.7 – Differential: +20.3

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Lynden 14, Lynden Christian 6

Week 2: Lynden Christian 34, Nooksack Valley 7

Week 3: Lynden Christian 21, Meridian 8

Week 4: Lynden Christian 41, Mount Baker 7

Week 5: Lynden Christian 42, Aldergrove, BC 0

Week 6: Lynden Christian 27, Blaine 0

Week 7: Lynden 21, Lynden Christian 6

Week 8: Lynden Christian 54, Friday Harbor 15

Week 9: Lynden Christian 39, Nooksack Valley 15

Mini-Playoff Half Game #1: Meridian 14, Lynden Christian 6

Mini-Playoff Half Game #2: Lynden 14, Lynden Christian 0

The 1992 Lyncs had a great offense, perhaps even a better defense, but the Whatcom County League teams were loaded. After an evening of mini-playoff games between all the teams that tied for the league championship, LC was handed the short stick and didn’t advance to the state playoffs.

Grant Terpstra
Grant Terpstra

Junior Grant Terpstra took over the reigns as starting quarterback, and they lefty put up some pretty good numbers. He completed 75 passes for 1224 yards and 14 touchdowns. He was also named All-League 2nd Team. Senior running back Jared Dotinga, who got a lot of playing time in the semi-finals the year before when Greg Terpstra went down, was the main ball carrier. The speedster ran for 905 yards (7.1 average) and eight touchdowns, and he was named All-League 1st Team. Junior fullback Mike Apol was a tough runner, and he gained 250 yards (4.8), six touchdowns, and was an All-League Honorable Mention pick. Senior Sacha Estrada and junior Monte Bode were valuable backups, each rushing for four touchdowns.

Jared Dotinga
Jared Dotinga

LC’s double tight end sets left one wide receiver on the field, and usually that guy was the tall senior, Jason Van Hofwegen. The All-Leauge 2nd Teamer found the end zone frequently, catching 23 passes for 319 yards (13.9) and nine touchdowns. Senior tight end Joel Senti had great speed, and he caught 27 passes for 438 yards (16.2) and four touchdowns. He was named All-League 1st Team. The other tight end was senior, Robb Bouma. He made huge plays, catching 11 passes for 267 yards (24.3) and one touchdown. He was named All-League Honorable Mention. Senior wide receiver Duane Vermeer also had a good year, catching 10 passes for 135 yards (13.5) and two scores.

Jason Van Hofwegen
Jason Van Hofwegen

As was the “norm” in the early 90’s, the Lyncs’ offensive line was loaded. Senior guard Derek DeKoster and junior tackle Brian Matheis were both great, and were each named All-League 2nd Team. Junior center Ryan Brink was named All-League Honorable Mention, as was senior tackle, Jon DeJong. The Lyncs averaged nearly five and a half yards per run, and scored 24 touchdowns on the ground.

Derek DeKoster
Derek DeKoster

The defensive line was very impressive with DeKoster and Matheis. DeKoster was an All-League 1st Team pick, with Matheis garnering 2nd Team honors. The were flanked on the outside by DeJong and Bouma. DeJong was named All-League 2nd Team, and Bouma was an All-League Honorable Mention choice. The inside linebacker spot was filled by an animated tackling machine named Brian Roorda. The senior was an All-League 1st Team pick, and returned an interception 12 yards for a touchdown against Meridian. Senti was an All-League Honorable Mention selection at linebacker. The secondary was led by senior Kyle Brennan, and his team-high three interceptions. Junior Justin Meenderinck was an All-League Honorable Mention at defensive back, and he was a great tackler.

Brian Roorda
Brian Roorda

Estrada was the placekicker, hitting on 22 extra points. Bouma averaged 34.2 yards per punt. Dotinga was one of top kick returners in the league, averaging nearly 30 yards per return. Brennan handled the punt returns, and a great year as well, with a 16-yard average.

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #100 – 1995 Blaine Borderites

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RECORD: 9-2  –  COACH: Jim Rasar

 LEAGUE: 6-0 (1st Place in the WCL)
 CLASSIFICATION: A – PLAYOFFS: State Quarterfinalist
Scoring Stats “Per Game”
Points: 21.6 – Allowed: 10.9 – Differential: +10.7

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: King’s 23, Blaine 6

Week 2: Blaine 40, Lakewood 6

Week 3: Blaine 6, Meridian 0

Week 4: Blaine 33, Granite Falls 0

Week 5: Blaine 13, Mount Baker 10

Week 6: Blaine 21, Friday Harbor 13

Week 7: Blaine 14, Concrete 6

Week 8: Blaine 21, Lynden Christian 14

Week 9: Blaine 42, Nooksack Valley 0

State Playoffs: Round One: Blaine 28, King’s 7

State Quarterfinals: Ridgefield 41, Blaine 14

The 1995 Borderites had a very strong core of seniors that were leaned on heavily, and they delivered the school it’s first playoff appearance since the 1978 state championship team.

Travis Thayer
Travis Thayer

Leading the way was senior quarterback, Travis Thayer. He completed 58 passes for 632 yards and seven touchdowns. He also ran for three scores, and although his numbers weren’t outstanding, his leadership was unmatched. He made key plays in key situations, scoring the game-winning touchdown in overtime against Meridian, completing the game-winning touchdown pass on fourth down in overtime against Mount Baker, as well as playing hurt throughout the year. Because of all that, he was named the Most Valuable Player of the league. He also had a great pair of senior running backs to rely on. Colby Dixon led the team with 917 yards rushing (6.6 average) and eight touchdowns. He also caught seven passes for 46 yards (6.6) and a score, and he was named All-League 1st Team. Will Wright also had a big year, rushing for 748 yards (5.3) and six touchdowns. He caught seven pass as well, and was named All-League 2nd Team. Junior Tony Gobbato and sophomore Lane Scheib proved to be valuable backups. Gobbato gained 251 yards on the ground (5.6), and Scheib had some real big-play ability, rushing for 167 yards (8.0) and four touchdowns.

Will Wright
Will Wright

The running game was the definite strength on offense, but they did have some nice weapons through the air when they needed it. The main weapon was senior tight end, Tony Harriman. Not only was he an aggressive blocker, but he had great hands, and made big plays after catching the ball. He totaled 25 receptions for 319 yards (12.8) and five touchdowns, and he was named All-League 2nd Team. Junior Anthony Newell split time between wide receiver and tight end, based on the formation, and hauled in 10 passes for 157 yards (15.7) and a score. Senior Mike Miller and sophomore Greg Wright each caught five passes.

Tony Harriman
Tony Harriman

The offensive line was athletic, determined, and had been together for a while, especially the guard/tackle combination of seniors Dan Burden and Jay Dodd. It was their third year starting next to each other on the offensive line, and when they ran quick pitch to their side, and those two came pulling out…. that cornerback better look out. Burden was masterful, and although he wasn’t the biggest lineman (6-0 195), he had tremendous strength and ability. Dodd had great size (6-0 250), and was extremely athletic for his size. Both players were named All-League 1st Team. They were joined by senior Bob Woods at center, and he was named All-League 2nd Team. Also, senior Matt Aller enjoyed a great season on the line, and was named All-League Honorable Mention.

Jay Dodd
Jay Dodd

The Borderites defense was the calling card for their undefeated run through the Whatcom County League. On the defensive line, Will Wright’s unbelievable quickness at nose tackle led him into the opposing team’s backfield many times. He was named All-League 1st Team. Junior Rob Mathey and Dodd were also stout on the line, and were each named All-League Honorable Mention.

Dan Burden
Dan Burden

It’s nice to have a pair of state-champion wrestlers playing linebacker for you, if they know how to play football. And these guys did! Burden stood out at inside linebacker, and was in on many plays from sideline to sideline. Not only was he named All-League 1st Team, but he was also chosen as an All-State 1st Teamer. Harriman joined him, and was also named All-League 1st Team, but his technique was a little different. The three-time state champion wrestler looked like he was competing at the annual Ferndale Takedown Tournament. If he got a hold of the opposing player with the ball, he was going to be taken down, and if he was getting blocked, he was going to take him down as well. Both players also came up with a pair of interceptions.

Colby Dixon
Colby Dixon

Newell played great at safety, delivering big hits, and he also intercepted four passes. He was named All-League 2nd Team. Greg Wright played well in the secondary as well, intercepting a team-high five passes, and was named All-League Honorable Mention. Miller also intercepted three passes, and had a touchdown return called back due to a penalty. Juniors Newt Bouma and Dwayne Magnusson offered support to the secondary, each intercepting a pass.

Anthony Newell
Anthony Newell

Harriman handled both the kicking and punting duties. He made 20 extra poitns, and averaged 32.6 yards per punt, and was named All-League 2nd Team at punter. Miller returned a kickoff for a touchdown against Lakewood, and Newell handled the punt returns.

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #101 – 1995 Lynden Lions

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RECORD: 7-2  –  COACH: Curt Kramme

 LEAGUE: 3-2 (3rd Place in the NWL)
 CLASSIFICATION: AA – PLAYOFFS: None
Scoring Stats “Per Game”
Points: 34.3 – Allowed: 14.3 – Differential: +20.0

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Lynden 35, Roosevelt 15

Week 2: Lynden 42, Lake Stevens 24

Week 3: Lynden 47, Vashon Island 6

Week 4: Lynden 35, Centralia 19

Week 5: Lynden 48, Bellingham 21

Week 6: Anacortes 24, Lynden 21

Week 7: Lynden 47, Sedro Woolley 6

Week 8: Ferndale 14, Lynden 3

Week 9: Lynden 31, Burlington-Edison 0

The 1995 Lions weren’t a playoff team, but they were still a great team. The could run the ball, they could pass the ball and they played unbelievable defense.

Matt Wall
Matt Wall

Quarterback Matt Wall had a tremendous senior season. He completed 69 passes for 1024 yards and 11 touchdowns to only five interceptions. He was also a major threat on the ground, rushing for 244 yards (4.7 average), three touchdowns, and he was named All-League 1st Team. He also had a great tailback to hand the ball off to in senior, John Hilt. When speaking about great Lynden running backs of the 90’s, names like Noteboom, Wall and Ellis seem to be mentioned. But, you can’t overlook how great Hilt was. He ran for 1021 yards (an unbelievable 8.4 average), 11 touchdowns, while catching four passes for 75 yards (18.8) and a score. He was an easy choice for All-League 1st Team. Nipping at his heels was a great junior back, Nick Ellis. He ran for 461 yards (8.0) and seven touchdowns. Leading the way for these tailbacks was the powerful junior fullback, Ben Elenbaas. He cleared the path for both backs, and he supplied some bruising running of his own, gaining 352 yards (6.4) and five touchdowns.

John Hilt
John Hilt

Senior wide receiver Michael Nyhoff was the top target for the Lions, catching a team-high 30 passes for 469 yards (15.6) and one touchdown, on his way to being named All-League 2nd Team. A pair of underclassmen tight ends also made their presence known. Sophomore Dominic Alexander caught 19 passes for 234 yards (12.3) and three touchdowns, and was also named All-League 2nd Team. Junior Brad Heppner made some huge plays, catching six passes for 146 yards (24.3) and four touchdowns. He was named All-League Honorable Mention.

Ben Elenbaas
Ben Elenbaas

The offensive line had some “Grade A” beef up front, opening up huge holes for the Lion offense. A couple of Chris’s led the blocking up front. Junior Chris Polinder (6-1 230) was as good as it got at guard. He was an All-League 2nd Team selection, but he was named All-State 1st Team. Senior tackle Chris Boyd (6-2 250) was massive, and strong. He was an All-League 1st Team pick. They were joined on the line by seniors Josh Nipges (5-11 245) and Michael Costanti (5-11 170). Both players were named All-League Honorable Mention.

Chris Polinder
Chris Polinder

The defense did a lot of great things in 1995, one of them was holding Ferndale’s All-State running back Ash Perrin to just 57 yards on 17 carries. Perrin ran for over 2000 yards that season, the first player in Whatcom County history to do so. The defensive line was led by 280-pound senior, Trevor Kleindel. He was named All-League 1st Team and finished with 43 total tackles, six tackles for loss, one sack and one fumble recovery. He was joined up front by Polinder, who had 29 total tackles, four tackles for loss, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Also on the D-Line was the 200-pound sophomore, Alex Jimenez. He amassed 34 total tackles, five tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 14 quarterback hurries, two fumble recoveries, two blocked kicks and one forced fumble. Polinder and Jimenez were each named All-League Honorable Mention.

Nick Ellis
Nick Ellis

A pair of underclassmen led the linebacking corps. Junior Kyle Van Dyk (6-1 180) had a big year, with 77 total tackles, one tackle for loss, one interception and one fumble recovery. Sophomore Dante Alexander had 54 total tackles, three pass deflections, two fumble recoveries, one tackle for loss, one forced fumble and one interception. Both players were named All-League Honorable Mention.

Ryan Van Diest
Ryan Van Diest

The secondary was loaded with talent, and it was led by the heart and soul of the entire defense. Hilt was outstanding at his strong safety position, with 63 total tackles, six tackles for loss, one blocked kick, and he returned an interception for a touchdown. Ellis was a great cornerback, finishing with 37 total tackles, five passes broken up and one interception. Both players were named All-League 1st Team. Heppner was great at free safety with his 6-foot-4 height. He had 53 total tackles, four passes broken up, one interception and one forced fumble. He was an All-League 2nd Team pick. The other corner was a  new guy on the scene….. freshman, Ryan Van Diest. He finished with 33 total tackles, eight passes broken up, one interception and one tackle for loss, and he was named All-League Honorable Mention.

Jon Lange
Jon Lange

Sophomore toe-puncher Jon Lange proved to be a very valuable kicker. He made 31 extra points, two field goals and was named All-League Honorable Mention. Ellis returned a kickoff for a touchdown in the opening game of the season.

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #102 – 2001 Nooksack Valley Pioneers

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RECORD: 8-2  –  COACH: Robb Myhre

 LEAGUE: 7-1 (2nd Place in the NCC)
 CLASSIFICATION: 2A – PLAYOFFS: Lost in 1st Round
Scoring Stats “Per Game”
Points: 36.6 – Allowed: 8.9 – Differential: +27.7

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Nooksack Valley 54, South Whidbey 0

Week 2: Nooksack Valley 59, Granite Falls 7

Week 3: Nooksack Valley 57, Sultan 8

Week 4: Nooksack Valley 28, Blaine 0

Week 5: Lynden Christian 12, Nooksack Valley 0

Week 6: Nooksack Valley 24, Meridian 23

Week 7: Nooksack Valley 53, Cascade Christian 6

Week 8: Nooksack Valley 48, Lakewood 7

Week 9: Nooksack Valley 43, Mount Baker 13

State Playoffs: 1st Round: Orting 13, Nooksack Valley 0

The 2001 Pioneers had one of the biggest turnarounds, from one season to the next, in Whatcom County history. In Coach Myhre’s second year at the helm it all gelled together.

Darrin Van Weerdhuizen
Darrin Van Weerdhuizen

Junior quarterback Darrin Van Weerdhuizen played a good season, and was quite a dual threat. He gained valuable experience the year before, due to an injury. He completed 31 passes for 539 yards and six touchdowns, while also scoring three more times on the ground. He had a giant mix of skill players to hand the ball off to. The speedy, and shifty, sophomore Ty Willemsen exploded onto the scene, and was a touchdown scoring machine. The All-League 2nd Teamer ran for 613 yards (6.6 average) and 12 touchdowns. He was also the teams leading receiver with 12 catches for 223 yards (18.6) and a score. Junior fullback Andrew Larson didn’t have as much shiftiness in his style, but his straight-ahead style wound up leading the team with 704 yards on the ground (7.2) and he scored six touchdowns. Senior Aaron Haley, a transfer from Texas, added 464 yards (7.9) and five touchdowns, while junior Anthony Aure contributed with 384 yards rushing (7.1) and four scores.

Ty Willemsen
Ty Willemsen

Junior tight end Scott Venn made some great catches during the season, and finished with 12 receptions for 202 yards (16.8) and two touchdowns. He was also named All-League 2nd Team. Aure also caught a pair of touchdowns, and junior Trent Willemsen hauled in a touchdown pass.

Kevin Spoelstra
Kevin Spoelstra

The offensive line was big, but extremely athletic. It revolved around an amazing set of senior pulling guards. Kevin Spoelstra (6-3 210) had great size, strength and speed, and he was named All-League 1st Team. Mitch Thompson (5-10 200) was built more like a guard, and he loved to hit! The Pioneers averaged 6.8 yards per carry, and scored 39 rushing touchdowns.

Mitch Thompson
Mitch Thompson

The same two players that led the offensive line were the main pillars on defense. Spoelstra made huge plays at huge moments from his defensive end spot, including the game-saving tackle against Meridian that would help them clinch a state playoff spot for the first time in 12 years. Thompson at linebacker… I don’t think I can put into words how amazing he was. After interviewing multiple coaches and former players, the word I most commonly heard when speaking about Mitch Thompson was “best”. It was hard to find one better. He was named All-League 1st Team, the League’s Defensive Player of the Year and was named All-State 1st Team. Haley joined Thompson at linebacker, and was an All-League 2nd Teamer. Willemsen starred in the secondary, returned two interceptions for touchdowns, and was named All-League 1st Team. Both seniors Nick Bruland, and Nick Harvey, each returned an interception for a touchdown as well.

Harvey connected on 32 extra points, and was an All-League 2nd Team pick. Willemsen was also a dynamic punt returner, bringing two of them back to the house, a certain skill-set he obtained from his uncles Bill and Chuck Handy.