Category Archives: Top 150 Teams

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #62 – 2000 Lynden Christian Lyncs

RECORD: 9-2 – COACH: Dan Kaemingk

LEAGUE: 7-1 (2nd Place in the NCC)
CLASSIFICATION: 2A – Playoffs: State Quarterfinalist
POINTS PER GAME: 33.8 – POINTS ALLOWED PER GAME: 8.4
POINT DIFFERENTIAL: +25.6

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Lynden Christian 49, Blaine 0

Week 2: Lynden Christian 42, Nooskack Valley 6

Week 3: Lynden Christian 74, Granite Falls 0

Week 4: Lynden Christian 28, Sultan 0

Week 5: Lynden Christian 21, Lakewood 12

Week 6: Lynden Christian 53, South Whidbey 0

Week 7: Lynden Christian 14, Mount Baker 7

Week 8: Lynden Christian 43, Emerald Ridge 18

Week 9: Meridian 14, Lynden Christian 7

State Playoffs: 1st Round: Lynden Christian 27, Montesano 14

State Quarterfinals: Castle Rock 21, Lynden Christian 14

Coach Dan Kaemingk had an incredibly run with the Lyncs in the 90’s, and he started out the 2000’s with another fantastic team. They were a touchdown away from getting to the Tacoma Dome, and were a very well-rounded team.

Jeremy Huntley

Senior Jeremy Huntley had a knack for throwing an incredibly accurate deep ball, and he was named All-League 2nd Team. He completed 95 passes for 1475 yards and 23 touchdowns, to only six interceptions. He also ran for three touchdowns.

Brent Berendsen

The offensive backfield turned into a three-headed monster with juniors Brent Berendsen and Scott Dirksen, along with senior Mike Ruble. Ruble was named All-League 2nd Team, and the bruising 210-pound fullback plowed his way for 391 yards (5.8 average) and six touchdowns. Berendsen finished with 498 yards (6.1) and four touchdowns, while Dirksen totaled 446 yards (4.1) and five touchdowns. Senior Greg Mouw also contributed with 206 yards (4.0) and three scores.

Rob Ylinen

Rob Ylinen graduated as the school’s all-time leading receiver. The athletic senior finished his final year with 41 catches for 611 yards (14.9) and six touchdowns, and he was named All-League 2nd Team. Junior Lincoln Vander Veen caught 29 passes for 528 yards (18.2) and a team-high eight touchdowns, and he went on to be named All-League 1st Team. Juniors Ian Hinton, Clint Bosman and Taylor DeBoer caught three touchdowns apiece.

Daren Heerspink

The offensive line was led by seniors Joe Vanderpol (6-4 195) and J.D. DeVries (6-2 250). Both players were named All-League 1st Team. Senior Lucas Hemnes (6-2 215) was named All-League 2nd Team. Senior Dillon Honcoop (6-2 190) and junior Daren Heerspink (6-5 215) rounded out the rest of the line.

Lincoln Vander Veen

Vanderpol also led the charge from the defensive line, and he was named All-League 1st Team. Heerpsink was also showing what his future was about to be, and was named All-League 2nd Team. Ruble was a three-year starter, and a rock as an inside linebacker, and he was named All-League 1st Team. Vander Veen was in his third year has a varsity defensive back, and he was named All-League 1st Team. Bosman had one of the best legs in school history, nailed 43 extra points, and was named All-League 2nd Team at kicker.

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #63 – 1998 Lynden Lions

RECORD: 11-2 – COACH: Curt Kramme

LEAGUE: 5-1 (2nd Place in the NWL)
CLASSIFICATION: 3A – Playoffs: State Semifinalist
POINTS PER GAME: 30.1 – POINTS ALLOWED PER GAME: 17.4
POINT DIFFERENTIAL: +12.7

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Lynden 24, Sehome 14

Week 2: Lynden 35, Mountlake Terrace 14

Week 3: Lynden 21, Anacortes 0

Week 4: Lynden 48, Mount Vernon 21

Week 5: Lynden 40, Sedro Woolley 24

Week 6: Ferndale 28, Lynden 13

Week 7: Lynden 48, Squalicum 19

Week 8: Lynden 23, Kamiak 6

Week 9: Lynden 34, Burlington-Edison 12

State Play-In Game: Lynden 41, Stanwood 24

State Playoffs: 1st Round: Lynden 14, Mount Si 6

State Quarterfinals: Lynden 24, White River 23

State Semifinals: Mariner 35, Lynden 26

Although the magic of the 1998 season ran out in the state semi-finals for the Lynden Lions, they had a lot to be proud of, and they broke a few school records along the way.

Tony Wilson

There was a lot of passing of the pig skin on Rollie DeKoster Field that season. So much so, that it was the first time in Whatcom County history that a team passed for over 2000 yards in a season. And, who better to do that with than senior quarterback, Tony Wilson? He had a huge arm, to go along with a huge season, completing 172 passes for 2686 yards and 24 touchdowns, and he was named All-League 1st Team.

Lance Ellis

Senior Lance Ellis led the rushing attack, and was known as one of the toughest running backs in school history. He finished the season with 1126 yards on the ground (6.1 average) and 16 touchdowns. Senior Ryan Rathbun was a battering ram, rushing for 462 yards (5.6) and six touchdowns. Junior Tyson Felix ran for 374 yards (5.1) and five touchdowns, and he was even more effective in the passing game, catching 35 passes for 408 yards (11.7) and a touchdown on his way to being named All-League 2nd Team.

Ryan Van Diest

Senior wide receiver Ryan Van Diest had a season for the ages, and is regarded as one of the best wide receivers of all time. His 74 catches and 1266 yards receiving both became the new standards in Whatcom County. He also caught nine touchdown passes, was named All-League 1st Team, as well as All-State 1st Team. Fellow senior wide receivers Drew Langstraat and Rob Rodgers also had standout seasons in the wide open Lynden offensive. The 6-foot-6 Langstraat provided a gigantic catch radius for Wilson, and finished with 31 receptions for 572 yards (18.5) and eight touchdowns. He was named All-League 2nd Team. Rodgers had tremendous hands, catching 30 passes for 403 yards (13.4) and four touchdowns, and he was named All-League Honorable Mention.

Sie Robinson

The offensive line was led by a pair of extremely strong seniors, Sie Robinson and Jon Holman. Robinson had a little “nasty” in the trenches, and Holman was more of a “bring your lunch pail to work” kind of player, but both were named All-League 1st Team. They were joined up front by 240-pound junior Matt Alexander, who was named All-League Honorable Mention.

Casey Crnich

The defensive line was led by senior Casey Crnich. His physical play resulted in 75 total tackles, six tackles for loss, five sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery, and he was named All-League 1st Team. He was joined on the line by seniors Derek Som and Chris Bargen. Som finished with 62 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, three pass deflections and two sacks, and Bargen totaled 52 tackles, four sacks and two tackles for loss. Both players were named All-League Honorable Mention.

Ryan Rathbun

The linebackers were a little undersized, but they made up for it with intensity and intensity. Senior Zach Boyd had 112 total tackles, a team-high nine tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and three passes broken up, and he was named All-League 1st Team. He was joined by Rathbun and senior Tony Stopperan. Rathbun finished with 116 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, six sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and an interception, and he was named All-League Honorable Mention. Stopperan led the team in total tackles with 120. Eight were for a loss of yards, he also forced two fumbles and broke two passes up on his way to being named All-League 2nd Team.

Tyson Felix

Van Diest led the secondary, and was named All-League 1st Team. He finished with 78 total tackles, 12 passes broken up, six interceptions and three forced fumbles. He was joined by senior strong safety Jason Vermulm who had 61 tackles, nine for loss and two forced fumbles. He was named All-League 2nd Team. Felix also contributed in the defensive backfield with 38 tackles, seven passes broken up and three picks, and he was named All-League 2nd Team.

Junior Darren Stauffer was named All-League 2nd Team at kicker, connecting on 15 extra points and two field goals. Sophomore B.J. Louws kicked 16 extra points and a field goal. Wilson was named All-League 1st Team, and All-State 1st Team at punter. Stopperan was named All-League 1st Team at long snapper. Van Diest returned a kick-off 90 yards for a touchdown against Mount Vernon.

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #64 – 2003 Ferndale Golden Eagles

RECORD: 9-2 – COACH: Adam Mathieson

LEAGUE: 6-1 (1st in the NWL)
CLASSIFICATION: 3A – Playoffs: State Quarterfinalist
POINTS PER GAME: 25.7 – POINTS ALLOWED PER GAME: 13.8
POINT DIFFERENTIAL: +11.9

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Ferndale 49, Roosevelt 0

Week 2: Ferndale 21, Heritage 14

Week 3: Ferndale 30, Bellingham 0

Week 4: Burlington-Edison 41, Ferndale 27 (Decision reversed)

Week 5: Sehome 21, Ferndale 12

Week 6: Ferndale 19, Squalicum 3

Week 7: Ferndale 28, Sedro Woolley 7

Week 8: Ferndale 26, Lynden 14

Week 9: Ferndale 35, Anacortes 14

State Playoffs: 1st Round: Ferndale 36, Camas 7

State Quarterfinals: O’Dea 31, Ferndale 0

It was the post-Vic Randall era. It was the pre-Jamie Plenkovich era. In what could have been looked at as a “transitional” season, the Golden Eagles made the most of it!

Jake Locker

Sophomore Jake Locker became the full time starter, and his greatness shined through from game one. He was named All-League 1st Team, completing 30 passes for 713 yards and nine touchdowns. He also rushed for 478 yards (6.0 average) and three touchdowns.

Sean Morrison

Senior fullback Sean Morrison enjoyed a gigantic breakout season, rushing for 1403 yards (5.5) and 19 touchdowns, and he was named All-League 2nd Team. Senior Adam Lane proved to be one of the most versatile players on the team, rushing for 411 yards (6.7) and three scores, while catching a team-high 12 passes for 314 yards (26.2) and three more TD’s, and he was named All-League 1st Team.

Adam Lane

Senior Riley Cornelsen rushed for 225 yards (3.8) and two touchdowns, and he also caught six passes for 92 yards (15.3) and two scores on his way to being named All-League Honorable Mention. Seniors Kyle Scarborough and Cameron Dahl each proved to be big-play receivers, both averaging over 20 yards a reception.

Riley Cornelsen

Seniors Beau Haugness and Cody Higgerson were the leaders of the massive Ferndale offensive line. Both players were named All-League 2nd Team. They were joined by juniors Jack Piper and Ronnie Gomez, both of whom were named All-League Honorable Mention. The ground-oriented Golden Eagles ran for over 2600 yards and 31 touchdowns.

Jack Piper

Morrison and Piper led the defensive front, with Morrison being named All-League 2nd Team, and Piper and All-League Honorable Mention selection. Cornelsen was the unquestioned leader of the defense, and was named All-League 1st Team. He also regarded as one of the best linebackers in school history, and was named All-State 1st Team. He was joined at linebacker by senior Aaron Ivy and junior Jamie Howard, both of whom were named All-League Honorable Mention.

Ronnie Gomez

Locker headed up the secondary, and was named All-League 1st Team for the second year in a row. Lane was named All-League 2nd Team, and Scarborough was an All-League Honorable Mention pick at defensive back. Senior Dean Dammarell nailed 26 extra points and a field goal.

 

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #65 – 1980 Ferndale Golden Eagles

RECORD: 7-2 – COACH: Tom Manke

LEAGUE: 2-2 (3rd Place in the NWL)
CLASSIFICATION: “AA” – Playoffs: None
POINTS PER GAME: 25.4 – POINTS ALLOWED PER GAME: 4.9
POINT DIFFERENTIAL: +20.5

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Ferndale 26, Mount Vernon 7

Week 2: Ferndale 24, Sehome 0

Week 3: Ferndale 21, Sedro Woolley 0

Week 4: Ferndale 47, Stanwood 0

Week 5: Burlington-Edison 10, Ferndale 0

Week 6: Bellingham 27, Ferndale 26

Week 7: Ferndale 42, Monroe 0

Week 8: Ferndale 34, Queen Anne 0

Week 9: Ferndale 9, Mount Vernon 0

They were third place in the league, and they didn’t make the playoffs. But, what an awesome team! They shut out six of their opponents in their seven wins, and their two losses were by a total of 11 points.

Kurt Hanson

Seniors Kurt Hanson and Scot Schwisow split time at quarterback. Hanson completed 11 passes for 206 yards and five touchdowns, with Schwisow amassing 12 completions for 164 yards and three scores. Of course, the Golden Eagles were more ground-oriented, and Hanson ran for 79 yards and three touchdowns.

John Locker

Junior John Locker had another outstanding season, rushing for 866 yards (6.0 average) and nine touchdowns, and he was named All-League 1st Team for the second year in a row. He was joined by senior Glenn Niemela who rushed for 455 yards (5.7) and three scores. The three-headed rushing attack wouldn’t have been complete without junior Greg Ebe and his 211 yards rushing (5.6) and four touchdowns.

Greg Daws

6-foot-4 senior tight end Greg Daws made huge plays for the Golden Eagles, catching nine passes for 136 yards (15.1) and five touchdowns. Senior Kurt Evans caught seven passes for 69 yards (9.9), and sophomore tight end Greg Finkbonner caught a pair of touchdown passes.

John Brandt

The offensive line was led by the 170-pound senior, John Brandt. He was named All-League 1st Team, and cleared many paths for Locker and company. Fellow senior Dennis Butolph also pushed his weight around up front, and the Ferndale rushing attack totaled 1745 yards, and averaged 5.4 yards per carry, and this was before the time when offensive linemen could use their hands at all!

Glenn Niemela

The defensive line was led by junior Ken Altona, and Daws. Altona was an All-League 1st Team selection, and Daws was named All-League 2nd Team. At 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, Ebe had the perfect combination of size and speed to dominate at linebacker, and he was named All-League 1st Team. Locker led the secondary, and was named All-League 1st Team. Finkbonner also scored a defensive touchdown against Mount Vernon.

Fabio Froes

Senior Fabio Froes handled the kicking duties, and he hit on 19 extra points and three field goals. Ebe also returned a kickoff 81 yards for a touchdown against Sehome.

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #66 – 2002 Meridian Trojans

RECORD: 9-1 – COACH: Bob Ames

LEAGUE: 8-0 (1st Place in the NCC)
CLASSIFICATION: 2A – Playoffs: Lost in 1st Round
POINTS PER GAME: 40.2 – POINTS ALLOWED PER GAME: 4.4
POINT DIFFERENTIAL: +35.8

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Meridian 19, Lynden Christian 13

Week 2: Meridian 6, Mount Baker 3

Week 3: Meridian 59, South Whidbey 7

Week 4: Meridian 51, Sultan 0

Week 5: Meridian 42, Granite Falls 0

Week 6: Meridian 59, Blaine 0

Week 7: Meridian 51, Lakewood 0

Week 8: Meridian 77, North Surrey (BC) 0

Week 9: Meridian 26, Nooksack Valley 7

State Playoffs: 1st Round: Rochester 14, Meridian 12

The 2002 version of the Trojans were loaded with talent, they took care of the regular season, but lost a heart-breaker in the first round of the state playoffs.

Jordan Slesk

Sophomore Jordan Slesk had a great season, especially for his first year as a starting quarterback. He completed 79 passes for 1290 yards and 12 touchdowns. His 1290 yards passing broke the Whatcom County record for a sophomore. He also ran for three touchdowns.

Jesse Alderson

Senior running back Jesse Alderson had another magical season, and he was named the League’s Offensive Player of the Year for the second year in a row. He rushed for 1722 yards (9.9 average) and he became the first player in Whatcom County history to score 30 touchdowns in a season. He was also named All-League 1st Team, as well as All-State 2nd Team. He was joined in the backfield by burly junior fullback, Brady Emmons. He ran for 252 yards (7.6) and four touchdowns, and was named All-League 2nd Team. Senior Colin Morris added 281 yards on the ground (5.7) and three touchdowns.

Matt Hagen

Slesk spread the wealth in the passing game, with seven different players gaining over 100 yards receiving. Sophomore Matt Hagen led the team with 14 receptions, for 188 yards (13.4) and two touchdowns. Junior Cody Bowden and senior Willie Wantz each made huge plays in the passing game, each averaging over 20 yards per catch. Senior tight end Tyler Ruzicka was named All-League 2nd Team, catching eight passes for 141 yards (17.6) and a pair of scores.

Steve Auld

The offensive line was loaded with underclassmen. Juniors Steve Auld, Dustin Knight, Tristan Burgess and Tyler Hazen were all named All-League 1st Team, and collectively, they were a huge reason for Alderson’s record-breaking season. The Trojans ran for over 2600 yards and passed for over 1200 yards.

Brady Emmons

The defense shut five opponents out in a row during the season. Burgess (from the interior) and Bowden (off the edge) controlled the defensive line, and were each named All-League 1st Team. Emmons was named the League’s Defensive Player of the Year, and was dominant at inside linebacker. Auld was also force at linebacker, and was also named All-League 1st Team. They were joined by senior Josh Hurst, who was an All-League 2nd Team selection. Alderson was an All-League 2nd Team pick in the secondary.

Cody Bowden

Senior Josh Ramey was named All-League 1st Team at kicker, and he booted 36 extra points and one field goal. Alderson was named All-State as a kick returner, and handled most of the return duties.

 

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #67 – 1977 Bellingham Red Raiders

RECORD: 8-1 – COACH: Vel West

LEAGUE: 7-1 (2nd Place in the NWL)
CLASSIFICATION: “AA” – Playoffs: None
POINTS PER GAME: 22.1 – POINTS ALLOWED PER GAME: 9.8
POINT DIFFERENTIAL: +12.3

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Bellingham 25, Liberty (Issaquah) 7

Week 2: Bellingham 26, Mount Vernon 0

Week 3: Bellingham 28, Sehome 6

Week 4: Bellingham 23, Ferndale 15

Week 5: Bellingham 19, Lake Stevens 18

Week 6: Bellingham 19, Anacortes 12

Week 7: Burlington-Edison 27, Bellingham 8

Week 8: Bellingham 8, Monroe 7

Week 9: Bellingham 43, Stanwood 14

They had a bruising defense, they had a powerful run game and they had a tremendously strong offensive line. The one thing they didn’t have was a playoff appearance. In 1977 only one team from the Northwest League made the state playoffs, and that was the league champion, and eventual state champion, Burlington-Edison Tigers. Bellingham had just one loss, and it was against those Tigers.

Todd Stephan

Senior Craig Christie had the control of the offense, and he ran the ship well. This was before the “run and shoot” days of the Red Raiders, so they were mostly ground based. He completed 12 passes for 281 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran for 106 yards and two more scores.

Bob Csolti

They had a trio of senior running backs that were relied upon heavily. Dean Wickenburg led the team in rushing with 718 yards (5.8 average), and he scored four touchdowns. Todd Stephan was the big-play guy, rushing for 579 yards (7.0) and a team-high nine touchdowns. Ron Limbacher ran for 374 yards (4.9) and seven scores. Stephan was named All-League 2nd Team, and scored all 28 points in the crosstown rival game against Sehome (four touchdowns and two 2-point conversions). Junior John Herda contributed with 163 yards (4.1) and a touchdown.

Kevin Foster

Junior tight end Chris Bergner was the main target, catching 10 passes for 189 yards (18.9) and a touchdown. Senior Kevin Kurtz was the big play receiver. Even though he only caught four passes, he made them count, totaling 158 yards (39.5) and a pair of touchdowns.

Bruce Ebergson

The offensive line was loaded, and had a pair of seniors that were returning All-League 1st Team players. Senior Bob Csolti and Kevin Foster were each again named All-League 1st Team, and could be the best duo of offensive linemen that Whatcom County saw in the 1970’s. They were joined by senior Cary Gustafson, who was named All-League 2nd Team.

Don Fenton

The defense was led by Csolti on the line, and he was named as the League’s Lineman of the Year, and he was chosen All-League 1st Team. He was joined up front by senior Scott Elsner, who was named All-League 2nd Team. Senior Bruce Ebergson returned an interception 51 yards for a touchdown in the first game of the season, and was named All-League 1st Team at linebacker. Junior Don Fenton kicked six extra points, and was named All-League 1st Team at punter. Senior Jeff Jenkins returned a punt 46 yards for a touchdown against Stanwood.

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #68 – 1999 Sehome Mariners

RECORD: 9-1 – COACH: Ted Flint

LEAGUE: 8-0 (T-1st Place in the WesCo)
CLASSIFICATION: 4A – Playoffs: Lost in 1st Round
POINTS PER GAME: 31.4 – POINTS ALLOWED PER GAME: 10.2
POINT DIFFERENTIAL: +21.2

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Sehome 28, Edmonds-Woodway 0

Week 2: Sehome 27, Oak Harbor 13

Week 3: Sehome 49, Shorewood 21

Week 4: Sehome 39, Shorecrest 0

Week 5: Sehome 27, Marysville-Pilchuck 7

Week 6: Sehome 57, Mountlake Terrace 20

Week 7: Sehome 16, Mariner 9

Week 8: Sehome 14, Squalicum 0

Week 9: Sehome 42, Snohomish 7

State Playoffs: 1st Round: Capital 25, Sehome 15

The 1999 Sehome Mariners dedicated their season to memories of coach Birger Solberg, who died of cancer, and running back Pete Staskiews, who was killed in a car accident. The upperclassmen were a tight-knit group, and they all came together and had an amazing season.

After tossing 12 touchdown passes in 1998, senior Paul Nicholes was ready for a breakout season at quarterback. The ’99 version of the Mariners were more grounded. Nicholes completed 28 passes for 545 yards and nine touchdowns. He also ran for three more scores.

Paul Nicholes

Senior Evan Zaslow had an outstanding year, rushing for 1317 yards (7.4 average) and a school record 21 touchdowns. He would go on to be named All-League 1st Team. Junior Andrew Holloway also enjoyed a big season, rushing for 641 yards (6.5) and seven touchdowns. 145-pound senior Mike Roe contributed with 119 yards (4.8) and two scores from his wing back position.

Evan Zaslow

64% of Nicholes’ completions were to wide receiver, Gary Gould, and who could blame him. The 6-foot-4 senior had everything you would need in a receiver. He had size, speed, hands and the ability to make huge plays. He finished with 18 receptions for 405 yards (22.5) and seven touchdowns, and he was named All-League 1st Team. Senior tight end Graham Lasee caught five passes for 70 yards (14.0) and his run blocking was outstanding.

Gary Gould

The offensive line was huge, and was led by the 265-pound senior Bryan Weimer. He was named All-League 1st Team, and was also named All-State 1st Team. He was joined by junior Matt Chalfant (6-5 273) who was named All-League Honorable Mention. They were joined up front by Mike Reed (235 lbs), Nate Croy (200) and Greg Haveman (230).

Bryan Weimer

Lasee was a beast at defensive end, being named All-League 1st Team for the second year in a row, and this time he was also named All-State 1st Team. Weimer was also an All-League 1st Team selection on the defensive line. Senior Tyler Luke was an All-League 1st Team pick at linebacker, and he was joined by junior Mike McEvoy, who was an All-League Honorable Mention pick. Junior Andrew Andersen broke the school record with 33 extra points kicked.

Graham Lasee
Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #69 – 1982 Bellingham Red Raiders

RECORD: 8-3 – COACH: Vel West

LEAGUE: 6-2 (2nd Place in the NWL)
CLASSIFICATION: “AA” – Playoffs: State Quarterfinalist
POINTS PER GAME: 13.7 – POINTS ALLOWED PER GAME: 11.1
POINT DIFFERENTIAL: +2.6

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Anacortes 14, Bellingham 8

Week 2: Bellingham 7, Burlington-Edison 6

Week 3: Bellingham 28, Vancouver College (BC) 6

Week 4: Arlington 48, Bellingham 15

Week 5: Bellingham 10, Stanwood 7

Week 6: Bellingham 14, Sedro Woolley 6

Week 7: Bellingham 23, Mount Vernon 14

Week 8: Bellingham 20, Sehome 0

Week 9: Bellingham 7, Ferndale 3

State Playoffs: 1st Round: Bellingham 12, O’Dea 0

State Quarterfinals: Othello 18, Bellingham 7

The 1982 version of the Red Raiders made history as the first time the Bellingham football team reached the quarterfinals of the state tournament.

Senior Brian Dujmovich started the season at quarterback, but was replaced by sophomore Dean Fenton two games into the season. Fenton completed 88 passes for 952 yards and nine touchdowns. Before Dujmovich’s move to running back he completed 17 passes for 183 yards and a score. Fenton also ran for a pair of TD’s.

Mike Elsner

Dujmovich found his calling at running back, and used his speed and size (6-2 190) to rush for 512 yards (4.8 average) and three touchdowns, and he was named All-League 2nd Team. Junior All Hillaire contributed with 383 yards on the ground (4.0) and four touchdowns.

Steve Alvord

In the Red Raiders run and shoot offense of the early 80’s, passing was on display. Hauling in the majority of those passes was senior Mike Elsner. He was named All-League 1st Team for the second year in a row, catching 33 passes for 463 yards (14.0) and a team-high five touchdowns. Junior Tim Carlson hauled in 26 passes for 245 yards (9.4) and two scores. Dujmovich caught 19 passes out of the backfield for 168 yards (8.8), with Hillaire and senior Tom Erickson each catching seven passes.

Todd Ramsay

The offensive line was stacked with seniors Steve Alvord and Todd Ramsay completely dominating their opponents. Both were named All-League 1st Team, and Alvord was voted as the Washington State Lineman of the Year.

Alvord was even more dominant on the defensive side of the ball with numerous tackles for loss, and even returning an interception 35 yards for a touchdown against Vancouver College. He was named All-League 1st Team, the Northwest League Defensive Player of the Year and All-State 1st Team, and his highly regarded as the best player in school history. Senior Barry Ebergson was also named All-League 1st Team at defensive end, with senior Steve Hempler being named All-League 2nd Team as the other defensive end. Senior Roger Jones was named All-League 2nd Team at linebacker, and Elsner led the secondary, being named All-League 1st Team for the second season in a row.

Senior Tony Frazier made big kicks, connecting on 14 extra points and two field goals. Dumjovich was named All-League 1st Team at punter.

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #70 – 1992 Meridian Trojans

RECORD: 10-2 – COACH: Bob Ames

LEAGUE: 5-1 (T-1st Place in the WCL)
CLASSIFICATION: “A” – Playoffs: State Semifinalist
POINTS PER GAME: 32.9 – POINTS ALLOWED PER GAME: 11.4
POINT DIFFERENTIAL: +21.5

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Meridian 35, Nooksack Valley 14

Week 2: Meridian 35, Mount Baker 0

Week 3: Lynden Christian 21, Meridian 7

Week 4: Meridian 35, Lynden 13

Week 5: Meridian 28, Mount Baker 7

Week 6: Meridian 35, Nooksack Valley 8

Week 7: Meridian 42, Friday Harbor 6

Week 8: Meridian 63, Aldergrove (BC) 6

Week 9: Meridian 31, Blaine 14

Mini Play-In Game: Meridian 14, Lynden Christian 6

State Playoffs: 1st Round: Meridian 25, Montesano 17

State Quarterfinals: Meridian 35, Steilacoom 7

State Semifinals: Eatonville 27, Meridian 24

The 1992 Trojans were loaded with one of the best senior classes in Whatcom County history. They started 10 seniors on defense, had the best special teams in the county, and became the first team in Whatcom County history to score over 50 touchdowns in a season.

In his third season at starting quarterback, Bob Bennum had all the tools to lead this team. He completed 88 passes for 1338 yards and 16 touchdowns, to only four interceptions. He also ran for 420 yards (3.8 average) and seven touchdowns, and was an easy selection as the All-League 1st Team quarterback. He finished his career as only the second player in Whatcom County history to surpass over 3000 yards passing (Bellingham’s Sean Linville was the first).

Bob Bennum

The Trojans had a trio of horses in the backfield. Senior Rick Paxton got the bulk of the carries, rushing for 620 yards (5.6) and 12 touchdowns. Senior Nick Marino added 445 yards (5.6) and nine scores, while junior Patrick Ames had 364 yards (4.6) and seven touchdowns. Paxton was named All-League 1st Team, Marino was All-League 2nd Team and Ames was an All-League Honorable Mention selection.

Rick Paxton

The receiving corps was loaded as well, with a trio of seniors that complimented each other very well. Ty Harrison was smooth as silk, catching everything thrown his way, and he could change direction on a dime without losing speed. He finished with 44 receptions for 636 yards (14.5) and eight touchdowns. That made at five players on the team that scored at least seven touchdowns, which was the first time in Whatcom County history that had ever happened. Joey Simmons made huge plays, and had a great knack for breaking tackles. He caught 29 passes for 506 yards (17.4) and four touchdowns. Harrison and Simmons were each named All-League 1st Team.

Ty Harrison

Kurt Roy was a “jack-of-all-trades” kind of player, that was extremely dependable. Usually lining up in the slot, or at tight end, he caught 11 passes for 176 yards (16.0) and four touchdowns. He would be named All-League 2nd Team, and was most likely the best backup quarterback in the Whatcom County League.

Christopher Ames

Being a team that scored 55 touchdowns, the offensive line had to be great, and it was. It was anchored by third-year starter, senior Christopher Ames. The 5-foot-11 215-pound left tackle used his overpowering strength, to go along with his football knowledge, to manhandle his opponents. He was named All-League 1st Team, and was also named All-State 1st Team. He was joined by the perfect pair of pulling guards, seniors Josh Lehman and Jeff Crnich. Lehman had unmatched strength, to go along with his 4.8 40-time speed, and although Crnich was smaller in build, he was nasty and he had great technique. They were both named All-League 1st Team. Senior Kevin Van De Wege was named All-League 2nd Team at center, and senior Greg Vaughn was an All-League Honorable Mention selection as the right tackle.

Josh Lehman

The defensive line was led by Lehman and Crnich as the defensive ends. Meridian would generally get a two or three touchdown lead, forcing it’s opponents to throw, and that was when they got after it. Both were named All-League 1st Team. The interior of the defensive line was filled by Ames, and senior Jason Wiggins. Wiggins became the most improved player on the team throughout the season, and was completely dominant in the post season. Both players were named All-League Honorable Mention.

Jeff Crnich

Simmons led the linebackers from his outside position. Almost a hybrid strong safety/outside linebacker, “The Python” had a knack for being around the ball, and making key plays. He was named All-League 1st Team. He was joined in the middle of the field with Paxton and seniors Greg Anderson and Rich Lane. Paxton and Anderson were named All-League 2nd Team, and Lane was named All-League Honorable Mention.

Joey Simmons

The secondary was loaded with Harrison, Bennum and Roy. Harrison was named All-League 1st Team, and was chosen as the Whatcom County League Defensive Player of the Year. He was also named All-State 1st Team. Bennum was chosen All-League 1st Team for the second year in a row, and Roy was an All-League 2nd Team pick. Harrison and Bennum each had five interceptions.

Kurt Roy

Harrison had a tremendous year on the special teams, doing almost everything. He was named All-League 1st Team at both kicker and punter, and was probably the best returner in the League. He kicked 39 extra points, and four field goals (including a 47-yarder in the playoffs). He also average 36 yards per punt, and rarely had a return attempted on his punts, because of the hang time he was able to put on the ball. He also returned 32 punts for 328 yards and a touchdown.

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #71 – 1977 Lynden Lions

RECORD: 10-2 – COACH: Rollie DeKoster

LEAGUE: 9-1 (1st Place in the WCL)
CLASSIFICATION: “A” – Playoffs: State Semifinalist
POINTS PER GAME: 20.7 – POINTS ALLOWED PER GAME: 7.8
POINT DIFFERENTIAL: +12.9

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Lynden 47, Mount Baker 6

Week 2: Lynden 35, Blaine 0

Week 3: Lynden 40, Nooksack Valley 0

Week 4: Lynden 15, Lynden Christian 8

Week 5: Lynden 3, Meridian 0

Week 6: Mount Baker 35, Lynden 14

Week 7: Lynden 9, Blaine 6

Week 8: Lynden 15, Nooksack Valley 14

Week 9: Lynden 28, Lynden Christian 12

Week 10: Lynden 28, Meridian 0

State Quarterfinals: Lynden 14, Sultan 6

State Semifinals: Winlock 6, Lynden 0

A six-point loss was all that kept Lynden from reaching its first state championship game. After a dominant beginning to the season (outscoring their opponents 122-6 in the first three weeks), the Lions came back down to Earth, but still managed to win close games, and also the League Championship.

Brent Rutgers

It wasn’t a unique offense, if you were looking at formations. But, if you were looking at personnel, it was definitely different. Seniors Rick DeGraaff and Brent Rutgers shared time at quarterback, but when one was under center, the other would be playing somewhere else on the field. DeGraaff completed 29 passes for 404 yards, while Rutgers completed 28 passes for 486 yards and a touchdown. DeGraaff also ran for 215 yards (3.2 average) and three scores, while catching 10 passes for 167 yards (16.7). Rutgers ran for 419 yards (5.8) and a team-high 10 touchdowns, while catching nine passes for 111 yards (12.3) and a score.

Rick DeGraaff

Junior Mike Hill led the Lions on the ground with 430 yards (3.8) and four touchdowns. He was joined by senior Ray Alexander’s 403 yards rushing (3.8) and five TD’s. Junior Brian Anderson ran for 376 yards (6.1) and a touchdowns, including a 150-yard performance against Nooksack Valley. Senior Tim Martin contributed with 164 yards rushing (3.8) and three touchdowns.

Tom Lange

Senior Tom Lange was named All-League 2nd Team at tight end, and led the team with 11 receptions for 212 yards (19.3). Alexander caught nine passes for 182 yards (20.7) and senior Alonzo Briones caught eight passes for 85 yards (10.6).

John Van Ieperen

The offensive line was led by a trio of seniors. John Van Ieperen was named All-League 1st Team (amazingly the ONLY player on the team named All-League 1st Team on offense). Brian Reimer and Jeff Jones were each named All-League 2nd Team. They paved the way for 27 rushing touchdowns, which stood as the Whatcom County record for rushing touchdowns by a team in one season. The state championship Blaine team would break that record the following season.

Van Ieperen led the defensive line, and was named All-League 1st Team as well as the Whatcom County League Defensive Player of the Year. He was joined up front by Reimer, who was also named All-League 1st Team. At 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, Hill used his great size and speed at linebacker, and he was named All-League 1st Team. Rutgers led the secondary, and was named All-League 1st Team. DeGraaff made huge plays, returning two interceptions for touchdowns (one in each game against the crosstown rival Lyncs), and was named All-League 2nd Team. Alexander picked off a pass against Blaine, and took it 35 yards for a touchdown.

Lange was an exceptional kicker, and was named All-League 1st Team for the second year in a row. He finished with 25 extra points and two field goals. Alexander averaged nearly 40 yards per punt, and was named All-League 2nd Team.