Category Archives: Top 150 Teams

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #72 – 1986 Lynden Christian Lyncs

RECORD: 10-4 – COACH: Gary Van Hulzen

LEAGUE: 6-3 (2nd Place in the WCL)
CLASSIFICATION: “A” – Playoffs: State Finalist
POINTS PER GAME: 18.2 – POINTS ALLOWED PER GAME: 13.1
POINT DIFFERENTIAL: +5.1

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Lynden Christian 19, Meridian 13

Week 2: Mount Baker 20, Lynden Christian 0

Week 3: Lynden Christian 14, Lynden 0

Week 4: Lynden Christian 34, Nooksack Valley 2

Week 5: Blaine 19, Lynden Christian 7

Week 6: Lynden Christian 29, Meridian 13

Week 7: Mount Baker 20, Lynden Christian 6

Week 8: Lynden Christian 19, Lynden 14

Week 9: Lynden Christian 28, Nooksack Valley 0

State Play-In Game: Lynden Christian 35, South Whidbey 18

State Playoffs: 1st Round: Lynden Christian 14, Eatonville 12

State Quarterfinals: Lynden Christian 21, Mount Baker 20

State Semifinals: Lynden Christian 14, Tenino 0

State Championship: Ephrata 32, Lynden Christian 15

Following a pair of 2-win seasons, it would have been a big stretch to predict greatness for the 1986 Lynden Christian Lyncs. But after a week one 19-13 win against Meridian (LC’s first win over the Trojans since 1982) at Civic Stadium, it seemed that the Lyncs were in for a heck of a season. It would be the first trip to the state playoffs for Lynden Christian, and it was a memorable one.

Darren Johnson

Darren Johnson started at running back as a sophomore in 1984, and he became the starting quarterback in 1985. Now in his second season behind center, the 6-foot tall senior had plenty of varsity experience, mastered the roll-out pass and he put up numbers that broke many school records at the time. He completed 110 passes for 1596 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also ran for 162 yards, one touchdown, and he was named All-League 2nd Team.

Rick Mellema

Senior Rick Mellema was utilized in both the running game and passing game. He rushed for 757 yards (4.3 average) and eight touchdowns, while catching 25 passes for 246 yards (9.8) and two more scores. He would go on to be named All-League 1st Team. Senior fullback Kent Roorda pounded out 454 yards (3.5) between the tackles and was named All-League 2nd Team. Senior Kerry Vander Griend contributed with 211 yards on the ground (3.7) and three touchdowns.

Craig Shagren

Vander Griend also proved his worth as a receiver, catching 15 passes for 224 yadrs (14.9) and two touchdowns, but senior Craig Shagren was Johnson’s main target. The 6-foot-3 190-pound tight end had a season for the ages, and still regarded as the best tight end in school history. He caught 47 passes for 876 yards (18.6) and 11 touchdowns, and he was named All-League 1st Team as well as All-State 1st Team.

Kent Roorda

The offensive line was led by big senior Rob Heerspink. He was named All-League 1st Team, and was the main man up front. Left handed senior center Chad Chambers also had a great season, and was named All-League 2nd Team. An extremely balanced team, the ’86 Lyncs became the first team in Whatcom County history to run for over 1700 yards and pass for over 1700 yards in the same season.

Barry DeZeeuw

The defensive line was headed up by Shagren and senior Rick Bajema, both of which were named All-League 1st Team, with Shagren scoring a defensive touchdown against Meridian. They were joined by senior Gary Groothuis and junior Steve Korthuis, who were both named All-League 2nd Team. Roorda was the heart and soul of the defense from his middle linebacker position, and he was named All-League 1st Team, and was also chosen as the Whatcom County League Defensive Player of the Year. Senior Andy Mellema led the secondary, and was named All-League 1st Team. He was joined by Rick Mellema and junior Barry DeZeeuw, both were named All-League 2nd Team. John Geleynse also took an interception back 80 yards for a touchdown agasinst Nooksack Valley. DeZeeuw was also named All-League 2nd Team at kicker, and he hit on 19 extra points and a field goal.

This is a special team in Lynden Christian’s history, and his highly credited for lifting the program up and setting the bar at a new level for future Lync gridders.

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #73 – 1975 Lynden Lions

RECORD: 9-1 – COACH: Rollie DeKoster

LEAGUE: 9-1 (T-1st Place in the WCL)
CLASSIFICATION: “A” – Playoffs: Lost Play-In Game
POINTS PER GAME: 21.8 – POINTS ALLOWED PER GAME: 5.2
POINT DIFFERENTIAL: +16.6

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Lynden 24, Lynden Christian 0

Week 2: Lynden 21, Blaine 0

Week 3: Nooksack Valley 12, Lynden 3

Week 4: Lynden 13, Mount Baker 12

Week 5: Lynden 49, Meridian 0

Week 6: Lynden 14, Lynden Christian 6

Week 7: Lynden 28, Blaine 7

Week 8: Lynden 15, Nooksack Valley 12

Week 9: Lynden 19, Mount Baker 3

Week 10: Lynden 32, Meridian 0

Mini Play-In Game: Nooksack Valley 12, Lynden 0

The 1975 version of the Lions was your typical Lynden squad. Big, tall, talented and a loaded senior class. They also only allowed three teams to reach double-digits in scoring, but couldn’t get past Nooksack Valley in a mini-playoff game.

Scott Rutgers

The old saying goes, “When you have two quarterbacks, you don’t really have one.” But, it worked for Lynden, with seniors Dean Vander Yacht and Scott Rutgers sharing the duties behind center. Vander Yacht was named All-League 2nd Team, completing 24 passes for 403 yards and five touchdowns. Rutgers put up similar numbers, completing 21 passes for 290 yards and three touchdowns.

Rick Honcoop

Senior Rick Ellis and junior Rick Honcoop split carries in the backfield. Ellis ran for 559 yards (4.5 average) and six touchdowns, while Honcoop totaled 533 yards on the ground (4.4) and seven touchdowns. Ellis was named All-League 1st Team, and Honcoop garnered second team honors. Senior Don Roe contributed on the ground with 103 yards (3.3) and a pair of scores.

Monte Maberry

Senior tight end Monte Maberry caught 11 passes for 124 yards (11.3) and a touchdown, and he was named All-League 1st Team. He was also involved on end-around trick pass plays, completing three long passes for touchdowns. Roe was a big-play receiver, catching 12 passes for 271 yards (22.6) and two touchdowns. Junior Dennis Hill caught a team-high 13 passes for 201 yards (15.5) and two touchdowns. Ellis hauled in a team-high three touchdown receptions.

Bob Bonsen

6-foot-2 165-pound senior Bob Bonsen led the offensive line from his center position, and was named All-League 1st Team. He was joined up front by seniors Tim Vonk, Doug Helgath, Gregg Nelson and junior Wade Bailey.

Tim Vonk

Vonk was the unquestioned leader of the defense, and put fear into many opponents. The 5-foot-11 205-pound nose tackle was named All-State at defensive line, and was also named the Whatcom County League Defensive Player of the Year. Rutgers was the main man in the middle, at linebacker, and was named All-League 1st Team. Rutgers and Vonk shared Lynden’s coveted “High Tackle Award”. Rutgers also booted five extra points, and was named All-League 1st Team as a kicker.

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #74 – 1991 Lynden Christian Lyncs

RECORD: 10-2 – COACH: Dan Kaemingk

LEAGUE: 8-1 (1st Place in the WCL)
CLASSIFICATION: “A” – Playoffs: State Semifinalist
POINTS PER GAME: 24.1 – POINTS ALLOWED PER GAME: 10.4
POINT DIFFERENTIAL: +13.7

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Lynden Christian 42, Meridian 20

Week 2: Lynden Christian 24, Blaine 0

Week 3: Lynden Christian 50, Mount Baker 0

Week 4: Lynden 27, Lynden Christian 3

Week 5: Lynden Christian 26, Nooksack Valley 7

Week 6: Lynden Christian 21, Meridian 7

Week 7: Lynden Christian 21, Blaine 7

Week 8: Lynden Christian 35, Mount Baker 0

Week 9: Lynden Christian 20, Lynden 7

State Playoffs: 1st Round: Lynden Christian 17, Eatonville 14

State Quarterfinals: Lynden Christian 20, Forks 15

State Semifinals: Lynden 21, Lynden Christian 10

In Dan Keamingk’s second year as the Lynden Christian head coach, his Lyncs won the Whatcom County League Championship for the second time. But, in this season, his team made a run to the semi-finals against the cross-town rival Lynden Lions.

David Cowan

In his second year as the starting quarterback, senior David Cowan (who was built more like a fullback) improved his passing skills, to go along with his bruising rushing style, and he was named All-League 1st Team. He completed 77 passes for 1031 yards and 11 touchdowns, and he ran for 599 yards (3.5 average) and a team-high 12 touchdowns.

Greg Terpstra

He was joined in the backfield by a talented pair of seniors. Greg Terpstra used his amazing agility to rush for 647 yards (6.0) and four touchdowns, while Kris Bouwman had unbelievable down-hill speed, rushing for 645 yards (7.7) and four scores. Dykstra was named All-League 1st Team and Bouwman was named All-League 2nd Team.

Travis Love

Senior Travis Love was undoubtedly the main target through the air. He reeled in nearly half of the team’s receptions, with 34, going for 472 yards (13.9) and five touchdowns, and he was named All-League 1st Team. Terpstra, and junior Joel Senti, each hauled in nine passes. Senior tight end Mark Zylstra caught seven passes for 74 yards (10.6) and two touchdowns, and was named All-League 2nd Team.

Simon Timmermans

The offensive line was big, it was nasty and it was led by senior Simon Timmermans. At tackle, he was the main man on the line that the Lyncs ran behind. He was named both All-League 1st Team and All-State 1st Team. Junior guard Derek DeKoster also had a standout year, and was named All-League 1st Team. Senior center Daryl Lankhaar was an All-League Honorable Mention selection. As a team, they ran for over 2000 yards and 23 touchdowns.

Mark Zylstra

Timmermans and DeKoster also led the defensive line, and were named All-League 1st Team and 2nd Team, respectively. Senti was named All-League 2nd Team at defensive end, and Bouwman used his combination of size and speed to be named All-League Honorable Mention from the other defensive end spot. Zylstra was a hammer at linebacker, and was named All-League 1st Team. Terpstra picked off seven passes from his cornerback position, and was named All-League 1st Team for the second year in a row, and Cowan was also named All-League 1st Team while roaming the middle of the field at strong safety. Bouma was named All-League 2nd Team in the secondary.

Junior kicker Mark Shutt had a great year, connecting on 23 extra points and four field goals. His biggest field goal of the year was a 37-yarder against the defending state-champion Eatonville Cruisers in the first round of the playoffs, that proved to be the game winner. Shutt would go on to be named All-League 1st Team. Zylstra handled the punting duties, and Terpstra returned kickoffs and punts, including an 85-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against Mount Baker.

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #75 – 1987 Ferndale Golden Eagles

RECORD: 8-2 – COACH: Vic Randall

LEAGUE: 7-1 (2nd Place in the NWL)
CLASSIFICATION: “AA” – Playoffs: Lost in 1st Round
POINTS PER GAME: 21.3 – POINTS ALLOWED PER GAME: 8.2
POINT DIFFERENTIAL: +13.1

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Ferndale 18, Sedro Woolley 15

Week 2: Bellingham 17, Ferndale 14

Week 3: Ferndale 41, West Vancouver (BC) 8

Week 4: Ferndale 14, Burlington-Edison 7

Week 5: Ferndale 28, Arlington 0

Week 6: Ferndale 7, Mount Vernon 0

Week 7: Ferndale 25, Sehome 8

Week 8: Ferndale 14, Stanwood 7

Week 9: Ferndale 39, Anacortes 0

State Playoffs: 1st Round: Lake Stevens 20, Ferndale 13

The 1987 Golden Eagles were loaded with talent, and their only two losses came to teams that made deep runs into the state playoffs. They also had a good mix of seniors and underclassmen, which helped out in the following season.

Brion Mattson

After three years of Doug Pederson, followed by a year of Darin Nolan, at quarterback, Ferndale went with untested junior, Scott Campbell. All he did was throw a game winning touchdown pass in a week one upset win at Sedro-Woolley, and lead his team to the state playoffs. Campbell finished with 24 completions for 404 yards and two touchdowns.

Chad Vanden Haak

Junior Brion Mattson led the team with 579 yards rushing (5.0 average), and he scored four touchdowns while being named All-League 2nd Team. Seniors John Slaughter and Ralph Pratt also received a number of carries. Slaughter ran for 565 yards (8.2) and three touchdowns, while Pratt finished with 549 yards (5.7) and eight touchdowns. Junior Shawn Van De Mark also scored eight touchdowns on the ground, and all three players were named All-League Honorable Mention. Senior receiver Chad Vanden Haak was the main target in the passing game, hauling in eight passes for 194 yards (24.3) and two touchdowns, including the game-winner in week one. Van De Mark caught seven passes, while Mattson had six receptions.

Frank Hernandez

The offensive line was undoubtedly led by senior Frank Hernandez. After occaisonally singing the National Anthem before the game, Hernandez crossed the white line and became a beast in the trenches, and he was named All-League 1st Team. Senior Jerrod Saab also helped up front, and was named All-League Honorable Mention. Jerry Bird, Trevor Ford and Roy Finkbonner rounded out the line, opening huge holes for the Golden Eagle rushing attack. Ferndale ran for over 2000 yards and 27 touchdowns.

Steve Roughton

The Golden Eagle defense was amazing, shutting out three opponents and holding four other teams to just one touchdown. The defensive line was led by senior Steve Roughton at defensive end, and Hernandez at defensive tackle. Both players were named All-League 1st Team. Slaughter was an Honorable Mention pick at defensive tackle, as was junior defensive end Bo Westford, who made a ton of great plays, including a blocked punt for a touchdown against Arlington, and an interception return for a touchdown against Sehome.

6-foot-4 195-pound junior Scott Burkhalter was a fierce presence at linebacker, and was named All-League 2nd Team. Mattson shined in the secondary, and was named All-League 1st Team. He was joined in the defensive backfield with Pratt and sophomore Jason Muggy, both of whom were named All-League Honorable Mention. Saab kicked 16 extra points and one field goal, while John Hoyer handled the punting duties.

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #76 – 1986 Mount Baker Mountaineers

RECORD: 9-2 – COACH: Stu Gorski

LEAGUE: 8-1 (1st Place in the WCL)
CLASSIFICATION: “A” – Playoffs: State Quarterfinalist
POINTS PER GAME: 17.7 – POINTS ALLOWED PER GAME: 6.5
POINT DIFFERENTIAL: +11.2

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Mount Baker 6, Blaine 0

Week 2: Mount Baker 20, Lynden Christian 0

Week 3: Mount Baker 13, Meridian 6

Week 4: Mount Baker 19, Lynden 13

Week 5: Mount Baker 21, Nooksack Valley 0

Week 6: Mount Baker 14, Blaine 0

Week 7: Mount Baker 20, Lynden Christian 6

Week 8: Meridian 17, Mount Baker 7

Week 9: Mount Baker 32, Lynden 8

State Playoffs: 1st Round: Mount Baker 23, North Mason 0

State Quarterfinals: Lynden Christian 21, Mount Baker 20

After multiple second-place finishes in the 1980’s, it all came together for the Mountaineers in 1986. After beating Lynden Christian twice in the regular season they met again in the quarterfinals of the state tournament, and they lost an overtime thriller to the eventual state runner up.

Jeff Curtis

Baker was led by one of the greatest overall athletes in school history, Jeff Curtis. The 6-foot-1 170-pound senior was named the league’s Offensive Player of the Year, completing 86 passes for 1417 yards and 14 touchdowns while rushing for 143 yards and five touchdowns.

Tim Jacoby

Senior running back Tim Jacoby transferred from Ferndale and led the Mountie rushing attack. He ran for 596 yards (3.8 average), seven touchdowns and he was named All-League 1st Team. Junior Nathan Hull added 207 yards on the ground (3.6). He also caught seven passes for 47 yards (6.7).

Roger Van Weerdhuizen

Seniors Roger Van Weerdhuizen and Jeff Gorski each spent time at tight end, as well as being split out wide, and were a great receiving combo for Curtis. Van Weerdhuizen used his height (6’4″) and his leaping ability (6’9″ high jumper) to create big plays down field. His 45 catches for 910 yards (20.2) and 13 touchdowns made up for the most prolific receiving season that Whatcom County saw in the decade of the 1980’s, and he was named All-League 1st Team. Gorski caught 26 passes for 287 yards (11.0), and he was named All-League 2nd Team.

Bob Carbee

The offensive line was led by three All-League 1st Team selections; seniors Bob Carbee and Doug Chadwick, along with junior John Raper. Seniors Warner Webb and Willie Pitts were named All-League 2nd Team to round out one of the best overall offensive lines in school history.

John Raper

Raper also stood out on the defensive line, being named both All-League 1st Team and All-State 1st Team. He was joined up front by Pitts and Webb, who were each named All-League 2nd Team. Junior Jeff Sande was all over the field from his linebacker position and was named All-League 1st Team. Curtis and Van Weerdhuizen used their supreme athleticism to dominate in the secondary. Curtis was named both All-League 1st Team and All-State 1st Team, and Van Weerdhuizen nabbed All-League 2nd Team honors.

Jeff Sande

Curtis handled the kicking duties, hitting on 12 extra points and a field goal, and he was also named All-League 1st Team at punter for the second season in a row.

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #77 – 2010 Ferndale Golden Eagles

RECORD: 8-3 – COACH: Jamie Plenkovich

LEAGUE: 2-0 (1st Place in the 3A NWC)
CLASSIFICATION: 3A – PLAYOFFS: LOST IN 1ST ROUND
POINTS PER GAME: 35.1 – POINTS ALLOWED PER GAME: 25.7
POINT DIFFERENTIAL: +9.4

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Ferndale 32, Squalicum 7

Week 2: O’Dea 28, Ferndale 13

Week 3: Ferndale 56, Arlington 55 (OT)

Week 4: Ferndale 44, Blaine 27

Week 5: Lynden 35, Ferndale 21

Week 6: Ferndale 41, Mount Baker 7

Week 7: Ferndale 28, Sedro Woolley 18

Week 8: Ferndale 48, Shorecrest 27

Week 9: Ferndale 49, Mount Vernon 20

State Play-In Game: Ferndale 44, Wilson 28

State Playoffs: 1st Round: O’Dea 31, Ferndale 10

Ferndale was loaded in 2010, but a loss to Lynden, and two more to O’Dea, sealed the the fate for the Golden Eagles.

Jake Frost

In his second year as the starting quarterback, junior Jake Frost completed 56 passes for 882 yards and four touchdowns. He also ran for 140 yards and seven touchdowns.

Willy Scott

The backfield had one of the quickest duos in Whatcom County history, and they were a pair of 1000-yard rushers – seniors Willy Scott and Riley Locker. Scott was named All-League 1st Team for the second season in a row, rushing for 1007 yards (9.4 average) and 12 touchdowns. Locker had a huge senior season, rushing for 1416 yards (6.7) and 24 touchdowns. He was also named All-League 1st Team, and his 1416 rushing yards in a season is the most by any Locker, and that is impressive! Junior Tanner Dawson contributed with 303 yards (8.7) and a pair of touchdowns.

Riley Locker

Senior tight end Tanner Olson led the team in receiving with 18 receptions for 320 yards (17.8). Scott caught 11 passes for 168 yards (15.3) and sophomore Richmond Baardson hauled in eight passes for 104 yards (13.0). Dawson caught a pair of touchdown passes, while senior Colson Crim and sophomore Alex Conley each caught a touchdown pass.

Daniel Canzater

Junior Daniel Canzater led the Golden Eagles up front, and was named All-League 1st Team. The offensive line as a whole led the way for a rushing attack that averaged almost seven yards per carry as a team!

Kyle Prather

Junior Kyle Prather led the attack on defense from his linebacker position, and he was named All-League 1st Team. Locker and Scott were also each named All-League 1st Team, both playing in the secondary. Locker was also named All-State 2nd Team. Sophomore kicker Wyatt Dunn nailed 42 extra points and a field goal, and would go on to be one of the most prolific kickers in Whatcom County history.

 

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #78 – 2009 Nooksack Valley Pioneers

RECORD: 11-3 – COACH: Robb Myhre

LEAGUE: 5-1 (T-1st Place in the 1A NWC)
CLASSIFICATION: 1A – PLAYOFFS: STATE SEMIFINALIST
POINTS PER GAME: 35.9 – POINTS ALLOWED PER GAME: 17.5
POINT DIFFERENTIAL: +18.4

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Nooksack Valley 13, Mount Baker 10

Week 2: Sedro Woolley 16, Nooksack Valley 12

Week 3: Nooksack Valley 55, Concrete 6

Week 4: Nooksack Valley 49, Friday Harbor 7

Week 5: Nooksack Valley 55, Lynden Christian 30

Week 6: Nooksack Valley 23, Meridian 20 (OT)

Week 7: Nooksack Valley 52, Friday Harbor 0

Week 8: Nooksack Valley 45, Lynden Christian 14

Week 9: Meridian 26, Nooksack Valley 22

Week 10: Nooksack Valley 19, Lynden Christian 0

State Play-In Game: Nooksack Valley 42, Vashon Island 20

State Playoffs: 1st Round: Nooksack Valley 49, Battle Ground 21

State Quarterfinals: Nooksack Valley 54, King’s 47

State Semifinals: Cascade Christian 28, Nooksack Valley 12

It was one of the best teams in school history, with a great regular season and an unbelievable post season, the 2009 Pioneers will be a team that the residents of Everson, Nooksack and Sumas will be talking about for a while.

Tyler Perry

Junior quarterback Tyler Perry had one of the most impressive seasons in recent memory. He is still the only player in Whatcom County history to pass for over 2000 yards and rush for over 1000 yards in the same season, which he did in 2009. He completed 163 passes for 2037 yards and 15 touchdowns, while rushing for 1098 yards (5.6 average) and 20 touchdowns, and he was named All-League 2nd Team.

Nick deGrasse

Senior running back Nick DeGrasse was named All-League 1st Team for the second year in a row. He ran for 1125 yards (7.0) and 14 touchdowns, including a 37-carry, 239-yard, 4-touchdown performance against King’s in one of the biggest comeback wins in Washington State Playoff history.

Anthony Reese

Perry used many receivers in the Pioneer spread offense, but none more than senior Anthony Reese. Reese had rare athleticism, and finished with 58 catches for 914 yards (15.8) and 10 touchdowns, and he was named both All-League 1st Team and All-State 1st Team. 6-foot-4 junior Kyle Handy provided a large catch radius for Perry, and he had 38 receptions for 500 yards (13.2) and a touchdown. DeGrasse caught 15 passes for 250 yards (16.7) and two scores. Sophomore Trevon Myhre caught 17 passes for 205 yards (12.1) and two touchdowns, while rushing for 200 yards (4.5) and three touchdowns.

Jessie Salmonson

Seniors Jon Charroin and Jessie Salmonson were the leaders of the offensive line. Both were named All-League 1st Team, and were able to form the wall that protected the high-octane Pioneer offense. Sophomore B.J. Salmoson provided rare size and strength, and was named All-League 2nd Team, along with senior Devin Dykes. A rare occurrence, the offense totaled over 5000 yards and 60 touchdowns!

Jon Charroin

The Salmonson boys headed up the defensive line, with Jessie being named All-League 1st Team, and B.J. was All-League Honorable Mention. Dykes was also named All-League 1st Team up front, and fellow senior Josh Larson was an All-League 2nd Team selection. Charroin was moved from defensive end to linebacker, and had another spectacular season. He was in on 143 tackles, and had six fumble recoveries, five forced fumbles and three sacks. He was named the league’s Most Valuable Player, and was All-State 1st Team. Senior Levi Stuit was stout at linebacker, and was named All-League 1st Team. Perry was named All-League 1st Team at defensive back for the second year in a row, and Reese was named All-League 2nd Team in the secondary.

BJ Salmonson

Senior Travis Benner made 35 extra points and one field goal. DeGrasse and Reese had huge years returning kickoffs and punts, respectively.

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #79 – 1998 Mount Baker Mountaineers

RECORD: 10-1  –  COACH: Ron Lepper

 LEAGUE: 8-0 (1st Place in the NCC)
 CLASSIFICATION: 2A – PLAYOFFS: State Quarterfinalist
Scoring Stats “Per Game”
Points: 30.5 – Allowed: 11.8 – Differential: +18.7

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Mount Baker 28, Blaine 7

Week 2: Mount Baker 68, Granite Falls 0

Week 3: Mount Baker 24, Lynden Christian 0

Week 4: Mount Baker 21, King’s 14

Week 5: Mount Baker 49, Lakewood 21

Week 6: Mount Baker 50, Chimacum 28

Week 7: Mount Baker 14, Meridian 13

Week 8: Mount Baker 21, Nooksack Valley 16

Week 9: Mount Baker 39, Sultan 0

State Playoffs: 1st Round: Mount Baker 7, Castle Rock 0

State Quarterfinals: Elma 31, Mount Baker 14

In Ron Lepper’s third year as the head coach of the Mountaineers, he went from a 6-3 season that didn’t make the playoffs in 1996, to a playoff team in 1997, to an undefeated conference championship winning team in 1998.

Andy Grimes

Andy Grimes had one of the best seasons in school history at quarterback. The senior co-captain was named All-League 2nd Team while completing 41 passes for 484 yards and seven touchdowns. His passing accuracy was unmatched, completing 67.2% of his passes, and he only threw one interception. He also ran for 178 yards and a touchdown.

Jim Schleimer

Junior Jim Schleimer followed up his brother Joe’s impressive season with an amazing season of his own. He ran for 1557 yards (6.2 average) and 28 touchdowns, and he was named All-League 1st Team. Sophomore Jeff Lawrence was a pleasant surprise, rushing for 497 yards (5.7) and five scores on his way to being named All-League Honorable Mention. Junior Wes Carson contributed with 323 yards (7.7) on the ground.

Derek Isenhart

Senior Derek Isenhart, usually a fullback, was put into action at tight end, and he didn’t disappoint. He still did rush for 371 yards (5.3) and two touchdowns, but from the tight end position he caught 10 passes for 93 yards and two scores, and he was named All-League 1st Team. Senior Adam McAbee provided a big target for Grimes (6-4) hauling in 14 passes for 193 yards (13.8) and a touchdown. He was named All-League 2nd Team. Senior Rob Boleak split time with McAbee, catching five passes for 46 yards (9.2) and was named All-League Honorable Mention.

Brandon Welters

The offensive line was tremendous, and senior right tackle Brandon Welters was the undisputed leader. At 6-foot-2 and 296 pounds, “The Load” was a handful on opposing defenders, and he was named All-League 1st Team. Junior left tackle Isaac Parham used superior strength at left tackle, and he was also named All-League 1st Team. Junior Kyle Lukes and Klinton Moa were each named All-League 2nd Team, while junior Jesse Morris was an All-League Honorable Mention selection. The Mounties would rush for over 3300 yards and 39 touchdowns.

Travis Galbraith

The Mount Baker defense shut out four opponents, including one in the state playoffs. It was led up front by the dynamic defensive end duo of Parham and Travis Galbraith. Both juniors, and both were named All-League 1st Team. Parham had 50 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, five sacks and five forced fumbles. Galbraith had 69 total tackles, an amazing 22 tackles for loss, seven sacks, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. Moa, along with sophomore Bryce Hamilton, filled in the interior of the defensive line. Each recorded three sacks, and were named All-League Honorable Mention.

Isaac Parham

The linebacking corps was led by Isenhart in the middle. He accumulated 115 total tackles, six tackles for loss, three fumble recoveries and two interceptions on his way to being named All-League 1st Team. Morris joined him on the inside with 77 total tackles, eight tackles for loss and three interceptions. He was named All-League Honorable Mention. Schleimer and McAbee were the outside linebackers. Schleimer had 62 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and six passes defended while being named All-League 1st Team. McAbee had 57 total tackles and five tackles for loss, and he was named All-League Honorable Mention.

Wes Carson

Carson led the secondary from his free safety position, with 34 total tackles and three forced fumbles while being named All-League 1st Team. Sophomore Joe Mattingley was named All-League 2nd Team as a first-year starter at corner. He had 44 total tackles, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. Senior Ryan Cowden played at the other corner, and was named All-League Honorable Mention, totaling 30 tackles, six passes defended and two interceptions.

Ryan Cowden

Cowden had a great year kicking, with 37 extra points and a field goal, and would be named All-League Honorable Mention. Galbraith also kicked a pair of extra points and a 35-yard field goal against Lynden Christian. Morris handled the punting.

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #80 – 1980 Nooksack Valley Pioneers

RECORD: 8-1  –  COACH: Birger Solberg

 LEAGUE: 8-1 (T-1st Place in the WCL)
 CLASSIFICATION: A – PLAYOFFS: Lost Mini Play-in Game
Scoring Stats “Per Game”
Points: 22.1 – Allowed: 7.0 – Differential: +15.1

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Nooksack Valley 27, Lynden Christian 0

Week 2: Nooksack Valley 47, Blaine 8

Week 3: Nooksack Valley 13, Mount Baker 0

Week 4: Meridian 13, Nooksack Valley 7

Week 5: Nooksack Valley 16, Lynden 10

Week 6: Nooksack Valley 22, Lynden Christian 6

Week 7: Nooksack Valley 22, Blaine 12

Week 8: Nooksack Valley 19, Mount Baker 0

Week 9: Nooksack Valley 26, Meridian 14

Mini-Playoff Play-in Game: Lynden 14, Nooksack Valley 0

If it wasn’t for a week four loss against Meridian, it may have been the Nooksack Valley Pioneers playing in the 1980 King Bowl. Instead, the Lynden Lions won the state championship, with their only loss coming to the Pioneers. The talent was there, but the playoffs weren’t, as Nooksack Valley would lose a mini-playoff game to Lynden.

Senior Randy Mitchell started at quarterback for the second straight season, and he had a great one! He completed 80 passes for 1069 yards and eight touchdowns. The 6-foot-3 185-pounder was also named All-League 1st Team.

Chuck Handy

Chuck Handy was the main offensive weapon for the Pioneers in 1980. In fact, he was the main offensive weapon of the Whatcom County League, and was named the League’s Offensive Player of the Year. The 5-foot-9 155-pound senior ran for 565 yards (6.9 average) and eight touchdowns, while catching 24 passes for 343 yards (14.3) and two scores. Junior Jim Van Diest ran hard between the tackles, totaling 379 yards on the ground (4.6) and three scores. Senior Jim Harmon added 146 yards rushing (3.7) and three touchdowns.

Allen Vinkes

6-foot-4 senior Allen Vinkes provided a huge target for Mitchell on the outside, catching 23 passes for 309 yards (13.4) and four touchdowns, and would be named All-League 1st Team at wide receiver. Junior Jay Schweigert showed his top-notch athleticism with 20 receptions for 220 yards (11.0) and two scores. He would be named All-League 2nd Team. Sophomore Glen Leenders showed off his skills, catching eight passes for 132 yards (16.5).

Jay Schweigert

The Pioneers’ explosive offense ran behind a strong offensive line. It began with senior center, Jeff Todahl. The 6-foot-1 185-pounder was named All-League 1st Team. He teamed with fellow senior, Bill Edwards (5-7 155), who was named All-League 2nd Team.

The Nooksack Valley defense recorded three shutouts in 1980, and only gave up seven points per game. Massive senior Lyle Olesen (6-2 205), along with Vinkes, led the attack up front. Vinkes was named All-League 1st Team, with Olesen nabbing 2nd Team honors. The back half of the defense was led by Handy, who was not only named All-League 1st Team, but was also All-State 1st Team. Schweigert also played well in the secondary, and was named All-League 2nd Team.

Vinkes kicked 12 extra points and a field goal, and he was named All-League 2nd Team. Olesen also kicked two extra points. Handy returned three punts for touchdowns, proving he was a threat any time he touched the football.

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #81 – 1995 Meridian Trojans

RECORD: 10-3  –  COACH: Bob Ames

 LEAGUE: 4-2 (T-2nd Place in the WCL)
 CLASSIFICATION: A – PLAYOFFS: State Semifinalist
Scoring Stats “Per Game”
Points: 27.6 – Allowed: 10.5 – Differential: +17.1

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Meridian 68, Granite Falls 0

Week 2: Meridian 25, King’s 0

Week 3: Blaine 6, Meridian 0

Week 4: Meridian 48, Nooskack Valley 8

Week 5: Lynden Christian 13, Meridian 7

Week 6: Meridian 48, Concrete 16

Week 7: Meridian 15, Mount Baker 0

Week 8: Meridian 29, Lakewood 6

Week 9: Meridian 41, Friday Harbor 8

Mini-Playoff Game: Meridian 23, Lynden Christian 7

State Play-in Game: Meridian 19, Chimacum 0

State Playoffs: 1st Round: Meridian 29, Montesano 20

State Quarterfinals: Meridian 21, Steilacoom 0

State Semifinals: Ridgefield 40, Meridian 9

After two non-league blowout wins, the ’95 Trojans lost two of their first three league games, and the chance to make the state playoffs looked grim. But, they came together as a team, rallied down the stretch and surprised everyone, (except maybe themselves) as they rolled on all the way to the Tacoma Dome before losing to the eventual state champion Spudders from Ridgefield.

Jeb Kratzig

Senior Chris Kelly began the season as the starting quarterback, and he completed 34 passes for 493 yards and five touchdowns. But, by mid-season, junior Jeb Kratzig had taken over behind center. He was named All-League Honorable Mention and completed 76 passes for 1287 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also ran for 175 yards and four scores.

Gabe Matheson

Senior running back Gabe Matheson was the Trojan workhorse, rushing for 846 yards (6.7 average) and 14 touchdowns on his way to an All-League 1st Team selection. Junior Travis Patterson nabbed All-League Honorable Mention honors, rushing for 433 yards (5.3) and three touchdowns. Seniors Greg Flockoi and Marshall Watson ran for 331 and 263 yards, respectively.

Shane Stacy

Seniors Shane Stacy, P.J. Trompeter and Art Downs rounded out the wide receiving corps. Stacy ran nearly perfect routes, and led Meridian with 34 receptions for 483 yards (14.2) and two touchdowns. Trompeter showed off his track speed, catching 20 passes for 412 yards (20.6) and three scores. Downs worked the slot, hauling in 10 passes for 118 yards and two touchdowns. Stacy was named All-League 1st Team, Trompeter was All-League 2nd Team, while Downs was an All-League Honorable Mention selection. Senior Brian Paxton put up huge numbers at tight end, catching 28 passes for 404 yards (14.4) and nine touchdowns. He was named All-League Honorable Mention.

Michael Ames

The senior-laden offensive line was led by Michael Ames who stood out from his guard position, and was named both All-League 1st Team and All-State 1st Team. Seniors Kurt Ingram (All-League 1st Team), Josh Robson (All-League 2nd Team) and Ruben Perez (All-League Honorable Mention) all had standout seasons.

Steve Bernardy

The junior trio of Steve Bernardy, Trevor Corzine and Kelly Smith on the defensive line proved to be a nightmare for opposing backfields. Bernardy and Corzine were both All-League 1st Team picks, with Bernardy also being named All-State 2nd Team. Smith was named All-League 2nd Team, and they were joined on the line by Ames who was named All-League Honorable Mention. Paxton led the linbacking corps, and was named All-League 1st Team. Watson was named All-League 2nd Team, while Flockoi and Nate Bouma were each All-League Honorable Mention picks.

Brian Paxton

Adam Jensen, Trompeter and Matheson teamed to make up the best secondary in the Whatcom County League. Jensen and Trompeter were each named All-League 1st Team, and Matheson was All-League 2nd Team. Stacy was named All-League 1st Team at kicker, booting 19 extra points and a field goal. Junior Ryan Bauthues kicked 13 extra points and a field goal, as well.