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.
Yeah Boys!