When Ferndale dropped its opening game of the season to Stanwood, a team which had gone 0-10 the year before, it seemed like the start of a long fall. But, the Golden Eagles righted themselves and lost only one more game the rest of the way. Even though they didn’t make the playoffs, they averaged 27.6 points per game, which made them the highest scoring team of the 1970’s.
Matt Beck
Senior quarterback Matt Beck was named All-League 1st Team, and was a dual threat. He completed 25 passes for 384 yards and six touchdowns. He also ran for 456 yards (5.0 average) and 10 touchdowns.
Tom Finkbonner
Ferndale has been known through the years to have many running backs to eclipse the 1000-yard mark during a season, but there can only be one player in school history to be the first to do it. That player was senior, Tom Finkbonner. The 5-foot-11 190-pound senior finished with 1006 yards rushing (5.3) and 12 touchdowns, and he was named All-League 1st Team. Junior Galen Lane accumulated 524 yards on the ground (5.6) and five scores.
Chuck Oltman
Senior tight end Chuck Oltman led the Golden Eagles in receiving for the second straight season, catching 13 passes for 223 yards (17.2) and five touchdowns. Ed Imhoff, Steve Baker and Finkbonner each caught three passes. Senior Randy Brudwick (6-2 195) was the leader of the offensive line, and he garnered All-League 1st Team honors.
Randy Brudwick
The defense recorded three shut outs, and it was led by Beck and junior Eric Swobody as the defensive ends. Finkbonner and Steve Baker manned the inside linebacker spots, with Lane and Rod Brudwick on the outside. Imhoff and Ron Walton played cornerback with Oltman playing free safety. Sowbody and Oltman were each named All-League 2nd Team. Walton also kicked 13 extra points and a field goal for the Golden Eagles.
State Play-in Game: Archbishop Murphy 41, Mount Baker 27
After a few rough seasons in downtown Deming, the Mountaineers turned it around in 2011. It was also the final year of Mount Baker competing in the 2A division, before getting moved back down to 1A.
Andrew Zender
Andrew Zender became the first sophomore quarterback to start a game in school history since Lance Zamzow in 1992. He started from day one, and would go on to have one of the finest Mountie careers. He completed 41 passes for 780 yards and seven touchdowns.
Levi Wigg
Senior Levi Wigg had an incredibly impressive season to cap off his legendary career. He rushed for 1413 yards (9.1 average) and 22 touchdowns, and he was named both All-League 1st Team as well as All-State 1st Team. Junior Jake Schleimer pounded out 680 yards on the ground (6.9) and six touchdowns, while senior wingback Aaron Baddeley had numerous big plays, gaining 243 yards (10.6) and a touchdown.
Zan Roman
Lanky junior Zan Roman was a pleasant surprise, leading the team with 21 catches for 405 yards (19.3) and five touchdowns. Wigg caught 10 passes for 181 yards and a score. All-State senior Alec Postlewait (6-3 266) led the offensive line, and he was joined by All-League 2nd Team center, junior Tyrel Cronk. Together the helped lead the way for nearly 2700 yards on the ground and 33 touchdowns.
Alec Postlewait
Postlewait was a bull up front, with 111 total tackles and 8.5 tackles for loss, he was named All-League 1st Team as well as All-State 2nd Team. Cronk was named All-League 1st Team at linebacker, totaling 121 total tackles, 18 tackles for loss, four passes broken up, three forced fumbles and 1.5 sacks. Wigg and Baddeley stood out in the secondary. Wigg finished with 42 total tackles, eight passes broken up, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and an interception. Baddeley had 69 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, three interceptions and three passes broken up. Wigg was named All-League 1st Team, with Baddeley nabbing All-League 2nd Team honors.
Edgar Zavala
Junior Edgar Zavala hit on 35 extra points and averaged 34.3 yards per punt. Roman averaged 27.2 yards per kickoff return, while he and Wigg handled the punt returning.
State Playoffs: 1st Round: Mount Baker 36, Cedarcrest 16
State Quarterfinals: Eatonville 45, Mount Baker 6
It was the first time in five years that the Mount Baker football team’s head coach would return for another season, and it did wonders. Doug Preston had a talented group of seniors to work with, along with some strong underclassmen that were ready to show what they could do.
Seniors Lance Zamzow and Tom Horsmon split time at quarterback in 1993, helping lead the Mountaineers to their first postseason berth in seven years. The decision was made to use Zamzow’s speed on the outside as a wide receiver, and Horsmon would be the starting quarterback. That lasted one week into the season. Coach Doug Preston needed another talented receiver to take the pressure off of Zamzow, and the decision was made to move Horsmon outside, and insert junior David Galbraith behind center. It worked.
David Galbraith
Galbraith had a huge game at Steilacoom, and the Mounties never looked back. He finished the season completing 72 passes for 1183 yards and 14 touchdowns, to only five interceptions. He also ran for 390 yards (5.8 average) and two touchdowns on his way to being named All-League 2nd Team.
Scott McKeever
Seniors Scott McKeever and Galen Smith shared the workload at tailback in the I-Formation offense that Baker ran in 1994. McKeever led the Mounties in rushing for the third straight season (the only player to do that in school history). He ran for 665 yards (6.0) and six touchdowns, and he was named All-League 1st Team. Smith totaled 498 yards (6.1) and also ran for six touchdowns. He was named All-League 2nd Team. Senior fullback Lee Stavik ran for 153 yards (6.4) and scored a pair of TD’s.
Lance Zamzow
Coming into the season, Baker didn’t have any receivers with varsity experience. Mike Perez transferred to Nooksack Valley, and former quarterbacks Zamzow and Horsmon were now the wide receivers. Zamzow brought amazing speed and play-making ability, while Hormson had size (6’4″) and terrific hands. Zamzow caught 22 passes for 477 yards (21.7) and six touchdowns, and he was named All-League 1st Team. Horsmon led the team with 38 receptions for 581 yards (15.3) and six scores, and he was named All-League 2nd Team. Junior tight end Chris Rainwater was also a pleasant surprise, catching 13 passes for 151 yards (11.6) and two touchdowns, and he was also named All-League 1st Team.
Travis Brouwer
The offensive line was a consistent strength. Full of seniors, left tackle to right tackle, they led up front for Mount Baker’s balanced attack. Right tackle Karl Frombly (6-0 257) and right guard Jacob Cecka (6-4 241) were each named All-League 1st Team. While left tackle Dan Butenschoen (6-4 219), left guard Travis Brouwer (6-0 170) and center Jeremy Zender (5-11 225) were all named All-League Honorable Mention.
Karl Frombly
The defensive line was led by Frombly, who was named All-State 1st Team at defensive tackle. He had 70 tackles, four tackles for loss, three sacks and he scored a touchdown on a fumble return. Galbraith was a rock at defensive end, with 103 tackles (59 solo), 14 tackles for loss, eight sacks while knocking down four passes, and he was named All-League 1st Team. Fellow junior Pete Malec held down the other side at defensive end, with 42 tackles and eight tackles for loss.
Galen Smith
Stavik was named All-League 1st Team at inside linebacker, and he had 99 tackles (66 solo) and 10 tackles for loss. Smith was also in on 103 tackles and was named All-League 2nd Team at linebacker. Rainwater played as an outside linebacker/strong safety and was in on many big plays, scoring three touchdowns on defense, and was named All-League 1st Team.
Chris Rainwater
Horsmon led the secondary from his free safety position. He intercepted nine passes and had 82 tackles, and he was named All-League 1st Team. Zamzow intercepted four passes from his cornerback spot, and was named All-League Honorable Mention.
Tom Horsmon
Junior Travis Weeks was named All-League Honorable Mention at kicker, hitting on 27 extra points and a field goal. Zamzow handled the punting duties. McKeever returned kickoffs, including a touchdown return against Cedarcrest in the state playoffs, and he finished his career with over 1000 kickoff return yards. Zamzow was a dangerous punt returner, with two touchdown returns, and a third that was called back.
State Playoffs: 1st Round: Shorewood 7, Ferndale 6
In Vic Randall’s second season as head coach of the Golden Eagles, he turned the program around from a three-win season to a seven-win season. A tough out in the first round of the state playoffs was disappointing, but Ferndale still had a lot to be proud of in 1983.
Sophomore Doug Pederson ousted junior Trevor Monette to be the starting quarterback, and had a relatively strong season. He completed 31 passes for 300 yards and a pair of touchdowns. The future looked bright for the athletic Pederson.
Junior Duff McBride led the Golden Eagles in rushing with 609 yards, and fellow junior Jim Baker had almost identical numbers, rushing for 593 yards (4.4 average) and five touchdowns. Senior Evan Svedin was a big-play threat out of the backfield, rushing for 378 yards (5.9) and a team-high six touchdowns. Svedin also led the team in receiving with 11 catches and 118 yards. Senior Jim Wilkerson hauled in five passes for 68 yards and a score.
Senior Roger Wilkinson was the leader of the offensive line, and he was named All-League 1st Team. Junior Jeff Slaughter was named All-League 2nd Team. The worked with seniors Eric Graves and Eric Hulsman, and junior Mark Westhoff, as together they helped clear the way for the crafty Wing-T offense.
Wilkinson was named All-League 1st Team as a defensive lineman as well, standing out for the second season in a row. Svedin was also named All-League 1st Team as a defensive end. Junior defensive end Mike Haynie also stood out. McBride led the secondary from his safety position, and was named All-League 1st Team. Sophomore Don Finkbonner scored a 30-yard touchdown on a fumble return against Arlington, and he was named All-League 2nd Team. The defense was terrific, shutting out three opponents.
Wilkerson was named All-League 1st Team as a kicker, as he nailed five extra points and three field goals.
State Playoffs: 1st Round: LaCenter 19, Mount Baker 13
The 2003 version of the Mounties was extremely explosive, and their two losses happen to be at the hands of the two top teams in the state, in the 2A classification.
Wes Norstadt
After playing wide receiver and wingback for the Mounties, senior Wes Norstadt lined up at quarterback in 2003. Although he possessed one of the strongest arms in school history, it was about the running game for Mount Baker. He did complete 28 passes for 642 yards and seven touchdowns, and he was named All-League Honorable Mention. He also ran for 340 yards (6.0 average) and four TD’s. Senior running back Mikel Rathjen had an incredible season, rushing for 1533 yards (8.9), 21 touchdowns and five 2-point conversions. He was named the League’s Offensive Player of the Year, and was All-State 2nd Team. Senior fullback Cody Lawson ran for 694 yards (11.2) and seven touchdowns, while fellow senior Kyle Vessel added 535 yards on the ground (15.7) and nine touchdowns. Both were named All-League 2nd Team.
Mikel Rathjen
Junior wide receiver Kyle Kinder caught seven passes for a team-high 171 yards (24.4) and a touchdown. Senior tight end Keith Williams, a converted offensive lineman, caught a team-high eight passes for 154 yards (19.3) and two scores. He was named All-League Honorable Mention. Vessel and senior Tyler Marshall each caught five passes, and Rathjen caught three.
Guy Gates
The offensive line, as usual, was the unsung hero for Mount Baker. 222-pound junior tackle Guy Gates was named All-League 1st Team and fellow junior Daniel Chudek was named All-League 2nd Team as the center. The rest of the line was filled out by seniors Travis Magnusson and Brad Smith, and sophomore J.C. George. All three were named All-League Honorable Mention. The led the way for 3612 yards on the ground and 55 touchdowns overall. They also helped the Mountaineers average an eye-popping 9.1 yards per carry for the entire season!
Keith Williams
Williams led the defensive attack from his inside linebacker position, leading the team with 178 tackles (30 solo), and three forced fumbles. He also had three tackles for loss. Gates also had an impressive season, lining up next to Williams, with 142 tackles (14 solo), nine tackles for loss and three forced fumbles. Williams was named All-League 1st Team, with Gates nabbing All-League 2nd Team honors. Norstadt led the secondary from his free safety position, and he totaled 53 tackles (18 solo), three interceptions, three passes broken up, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He was named All-League 1st Team as well as All-State 1st Team. Senior Josh Little led the team with three sacks and nine tackles for loss as a defensive tackle, while senior Charlie Brown has seven tackles for loss, two sacks and a team-high four fumble recoveries as a defensive end. Junior Garrett Graham intercepted three passes to help the secondary.
Senior Bryan Visser kicked 32 extra points, while Lawson, Rathjen and Graham handled the return duties.
State Play-in Game: Meridian 42, Nooksack Valley 14
State Playoffs: 1st Round: Meridian 35, Castle Rock 0
State Quarterfinals: Montesnao 21, Meridian 7
The 2007 Trojans came off their third state championship in eight years, and were on a roll. After a dominating regular season, their dream was cut short in the quarterfinals of the state playoffs.
Sean Hurlbut
Junior Max Crook led the team in his first year as a varsity starting quarterback. He completed 83 passes for 1330 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also ran for 177 yards and five more scores. He had two major weapons to get the ball to, either by handing off or through the air. One of those weapons was senior running back, Sean Hurlbut. He led the county in rushing with 1735 yards (7.2 average) and ran for 25 touchdowns. He also caught 16 passes for 279 yards (17.4) and four scores. His seven 2-point conversions were also tops in the league, and he went on to be named All-League 1st Team at running back. He was also named the League’s Offensive Player of the Year and was All-State 1st Team.
Andrei Lintz
The other main offensive threat for the Trojans was 6-foot-4, 230-pound senior, Andrei Lintz. He lined up in the backfield, at tight end, and even split out wide. The ultimate match-up disaster for the defense, Lintz caught 35 passes for 628 yards (17.9) and five touchdowns. He also carried the ball for 442 yards (8.2) and five more scores. The future Washington State Cougar was named All-League 1st Team and All-State 1st Team at tight end. Sophomore Bo Norris ran hard, gaining 255 yards (6.7) and two touchdowns. Senior Chris Warren caught nine passes for 113 yards (12.6) and was named All-League 1st Team.
Austin Childs
Senior Austin Childs led the Meridian offensive line, and was named All-League 1st Team as well as All-State 1st Team. Fellow seniors Rory Pitsch and Kai Rick also bullied the opposition at the line of scrimmage, and were each named All-League 2nd Team. They helped the Trojan offense amass over 4000 yards and 54 touchdowns.
Cody Sorenson
The black and gold defensive front was a force. Lintz was named the League’s Defensive Player of the Year. Norris and Childs were each also named All-League 1st Team. Rick and Pitsch, along with fellow senior Marshall Foster, were all named All-League 2nd Team. Senior linebacker Cody Sorenson was one of the hardest hitters in the league and was named All-League 1st Team, and was joined by senior Kevin Mount, who was named All-League 2nd Team. Hurlbut and Warren led the secondary, each being named All-League 1st Tem. Warren led the team with six interceptions, returning them for 147 yards.
Ryder Chance
Junior Ryder Chance connected on 36 extra points and was named All-League 1st Team, and Lintz averaged over 33 yards per punt. Lintz and Warren each returned kickoffs for touchdowns, and Hurlbut averaged over nine yards per punt return, with a touchdown return against Mount Douglas.
The 1981 Golden Eagles just couldn’t get past Arlington to get into the state tournament, but it was still a great season for a great team.
John Swobody
Senior quarterback John Swobody completed 30 passes for 406 yards and five touchdowns, while also rushing for two more scores. When he wasn’t dropping back to pass, he was likely handing off to arguably the best running back Whatcom County had to offer in the 1980’s. Senior John Locker had an another amazing season, rushing for 1228 yards (6.1 average) and 11 touchdowns. He also caught a touchdown pass, and was named All-League 1st Team for the third year in a row, and was named the League’s Offensive Player of the Year for the second time in three seasons. He graduated as Whatcom County’s leading career rusher, and it’s hard to believe he wasn’t named All-State. He remained the county’s all-time leading rusher for 10 years, and is currently ranked 8th all-time. Perhaps more impressive is that his 3371 rushing yards were accumulated before offensive linemen were allowed to use their hands, at all. Numbers shy-rocketed after that rule change.
John Locker
Joining Locker in the backfield was junior Keith Hanson and senior Greg Ebe. Hanson finished with 301 yards (6.4), while Ebe plowed forward for 277 yards (3.9) and six touchdowns. John’s brother Scott Locker also made some big plays in the backfield, using his amazing speed. The junior only carried the ball nine times, but ran for 102 yards (11.3) and scored twice. Junior tight end Greg Finkbonner was the team’s leading receiver with nine catches for 117 yards (13.0) and two scores. He was also a great blocker, and was named All-League 2nd Team. Scott Locker caught eight passes for 97 yards (12.1) and two touchdowns.
Scott Locker
The offensive line also got it done for the Golden Eagles, opening a lot of holes for it’s awesome running backs. Senior Tom Hull led the way from his center position, and the 5-foot-9 168-pounder was named All-League 2nd Team. Other standouts included seniors Ken Altona (6-0 180) and Tor Hanson (6-1 190). Both of which were also named All-League 2nd Team. Ferndale ran for over 2000 yards, averaging 5.3 yards per rushing play.
Ken Altona
The defense shut out three opponents during the season, and the line was led by Altona, who was named All-League 1st Team. He was joined up front by All-League 2nd Teamer, Keith Hanson. Ebe was a rock in the middle, and he was named All-League 1st Team at linebacker. He also intercepted a pass against Sehome and brought it back 68 yards for a touchdown. John Locker led the secondary, and was named All-League 2nd Team.
Sophomore Jim Wilkerson handled the kicking, booting four extra points. The Golden Eagles opted to go for two points more often than not, and they converted nine times, with John Locker getting five of them. Scott Locker returned the kicks, and had a 56-yard punt return for a touchdown against Burlington-Edison.
State Playoffs: 1st Round: Elma 28, Mount Baker 22
The ’97 Mounties accomplished something that hadn’t been done before, and hasn’t happened since… they averaged over 400 yards rushing per game. Let that sink in for a moment. After finishing second in the newly formed North Cascades Conference, they were handed a tough draw, having to face Elma on the road. They lost by six to the eventual state champions.
Joe Schleimer & Jacob Prince
Although not asked to throw much, senior quarterback Chad Hoidal made the majority of his throws count. He completed 15 passes for 276 yards and six touchdowns, to just one interception. He also ran for a touchdown, and was named All-League Honorable Mention. He had one of the best 1-2 punches in school history behind him to hand off to. Senior Joe Schleimer had the most prolific season a running back has ever had at Mount Baker. He ran for 1880 yards (7.6 average) and 20 touchdowns, while catching five passes for 83 yards (16.6) and three scores. The 6-foot-2 201-pounder played the majority of the season with some sort of injury, and was named All-League 1st Team, as well as All-State 1st Team. In the second quarter of the Granite Falls game, Schleimer went down with an injury, so senior fullback Jacob Prince took over as the featured back. All he did was rush for a then-state-record 422 yards. He was taken out in the 4th quarter, as the backups got some long runs in, as the team totaled 668 yards on the ground…. in just that one game. Prince finished the season with 1151 yards (8.9) and eight touchdowns. He was also named All-League 1st Team. Junior fullback Derek Isenhart chipped in with 377 yards (5.8) and a score.
Erik Knutzen
Senior tight end Erik Knutzen was an extension of the offensive line with his run blocking, but showed his great pass catching skills as well. He was the Mounties’ leading receiver with five receptions for 87 yards (17.4) and two touchdowns. He also ran in a touchdown on an end-around play, and was named All-League 1st Team. Whoever lined up at wide receiver was generally not asked to run pass patterns, but to wipe out the cornerback for the running play that was selected. A trio of seniors rotated in and out, usually bringing in the play selection, and all three, Zach Mallahan, Josh Sivo and Jeremiah Kafhold, each caught a pass.
Travis LoGrande
The offensive line was one of the best in Whatcom County history. It was led the 6-foot-2 265-pound senior left guard, Travis LoGrande. Coach Lepper called him the best high school offensive lineman he’s ever coached, mostly because of how great his feet were. He was named All-League 1st Team, as well as All-State 1st Team. At left tackle was junior, Brandon “The Load” Welters. When senior Luke Kalsbeek went down with an injury in week one, the big 296-pound junior was inserted into the starting lineup. He created huge running lanes, and was named All-League Honorable Mention. At center was the “little guy”, senior, Myron Cronk. At 5-foot-8 and 184 pounds he used his leverage and strength to get under opposing defensive tackles, and was named All-League 2nd Team. Senior Randy Fleming was a huge presence (6’4″ 230) at right guard. He finished his career with a bang, being named All-League 1st Team, and started at four of the five offensive line positions in his three-year varsity career. He was also the long snapper for Baker. At right tackle was senior Brent Moa. The 6-foot-1 244-pounder was another mauling run blocker, and an emotional leader. He was named All-League 2nd Team.
Kris DeKriek
The defensive line was led by senior defensive end, Kris DeKriek. A punishing hitter, DeKriek has a knack for getting to the quarterback. He finished with 71 total tackles, 22 QB hurries, 11 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and he was named All-League 1st team. Fleming was the other defensive end, and he finished with 43 total tackles, nine QB hurries, seven tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, one sack, and was named All-League Honorable Mention. The defensive tackles were Moa and fellow senior, Josh Erholm, and they were both named All-League 2nd Team. Moa tallied 70 total tackles, three tackles for loss, three sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one interception. Erholm had 48 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, six QB hurries, three sacks and two forced fumbles.
Derek Isenhart
Knutzen led the linebacking corps, and was named All-League 1st Team. He finished with 110 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, three passes broken up, three forced fumbles, two sacks, one fumble recovery and one interception. Next to him was Isenhart, who was named All-League 2nd Team. He totaled 64 total tackles, four tackles for loss, two passes broken up, one sack, one interception and one forced fumble. The outside linebacker spots were manned by seniors Nathan Brouwer and Chad Rathjen, both of which were named All-League Honorable Mention. Brouwer had 60 total tackles, five tackles for loss, three QB hurries, three fumble recoveries and one interception. Rathjen finished with 42 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, five QB hurries, two passes broken up and one fumble recovery.
Zach Mallahan
Prince and Mallahan were on an island at cornerback, and they held their own. Prince was named All-League 1st Team, finishing with 20 tackles, five passes broken up, one sack, one tackle for loss and one interception. Mallahan was an All-League 2nd Teamer with 23 tackles, 12 passes broken up, and two interceptions. Sophomore Wes Carson took over mid-season at free safety, and was eventually named All-League Honorable Mention. He totaled 39 tackles, two interceptions, one pass broken up, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
Josh Sivo
The placekicking was problematic before settling on sophomore, Travis Galbraith. He connected on 13 extra points. Prince averaged 30.4 yards per punt. Sivo and Prince also provided some major fireworks returning kickoffs, both averaging over 30 yards per return. Mallahan averaged 12.7 yards per punt return, including a touchdown against King’s.
The 1975 Red Raiders were all about running the ball down your throat. On average they ran the ball 41 times a game, and passed it three times a game. The opposition knew what was going to happen, they just didn’t know who it was going to happen with!
Chris Galley
Junior quarterback Chris Galley led the charge for Bellingham, and he completed 10 passes for 146 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for 114 yards and two touchdowns, and was named All-League 2nd Team. He also had a pair of senior running backs that were each named All-League 2nd Team. Larry Ripley had an awesome year, rushing for 791 yards (7.8 average) and 12 touchdowns. His 7.8 yards per carry was the school’s single season record that stood for 39 years until quarterback Kalien Hayes broke it in 2014. He also ran for 240 yards in a game against Sehome, the most ever by a Red Raider against their crosstown rival. Bill Slesk was also amazing, rushing for 460 yards (6.2) and three scores. Bellingham also received hard running from junior Jon Pearson (257 yards) and senior Brett Emmons (100 yards).
Larry Ripley
Senior tight end Kent Barber was the main threat in the passing game. He caught three passes for 74 yards (24.7) and a touchdown. He was named All-League 1st Team. Slesk, along with juniors Terry Todd and Tim O’Connell, each caught a pair of passes.
Kent Barber
The offensive line was senior driven, and they opened up some major holes for the run-oriented Red Raiders. Seniors, Mel Chapman, Chris Yonlick and Pete Hay were all named All-League 2nd Team. Bellingham ran for nearly 2000 yards, averaging 5.4 yards per carry, and scored 24 rushing touchdowns.
Rick Faupel
The defense was led by the All-League 1st Team, and League Defensive Player of the Year, Rick Faupel. Although undersized, the 5-foot-10 165-pound senior used amazing skill and quickness from his defensive tackle spot to dominate the rest of the league. Other standouts on defense included Emmons, Galley, Chapman, Ripley and Slesk. They were also joined by seniors Wade Smith, Bob Thompson and junior Carr Lanham.
Brett Emmons
Junior Jon Christie was a great kicker, connecting on 17 extra points while being named All-League 2nd Team. Slesk returned a kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown against Burlington-Edison.
State Playoffs: 1st Round: Lynden Christian 43, Forks 0
State Quarterfinals: Toledo 28, Lynden Christian 0
The 1996 Lyncs were back on track after missing the state playoffs the previous two seasons. It was traditional LC football, a big line, pound the ball, throw when needed and a swarming defense.
Greg Dykstra
Junior Greg Dykstra took over at quarterback, after being the league’s leading receiver the year before. A true dual threat, he completed 71 passes for 1062 yards and 10 touchdowns, while rushing for 695 yards and eight touchdowns. He was also named All-League 2nd Team. Joining Dykstra in the backfield was one of the toughest running backs of the era. Senior Josh Elgersma ran for 873 yards (4.7 average) and 10 touchdowns, and caught 11 passes for 153 (13.9) and a score. He was also named All-League 2nd Team. Junior Joey Mellema added 474 yards on the ground (4.7) and six touchdowns, while senior Jason Engels rushed for 255 yards (5.7) and two TD’s.
Josh Elgersma
Junior tight end Josh Parsons was on the receiving end of numerous Dykstra passes. He was the team’s leading receiver with 23 catches for 405 yards (17.6) and four touchdowns, and he was named All-League 2nd Team. Junior wide receiver Rob Dykstra had great hands, and size (6’4″ 195), and caught 19 passes for 293 yards (15.4) and three scores. Seniors Darin Postma and Dan Boon each caught a touchdown pass as well.
Josh Parsons
Like I stated earlier, the offensive line was big. Not only that, but they were very good! It started with 6-foot-1 250-pound senior, Dan Lenssen. He was a big, strong mauler that cleared many lanes for the backs, and was named All-League 1st Team. He was joined by super-sophomore, Nick Scholten. He had all the tools, size (6’5″ 300), agility, strength, and he purely dominated. He was also named All-League 1st Team. Senior Joel Hoksbergen was also a great lineman, and was named All-League 2nd Team. The Lyncs totaled 2400 yards on the ground and ran for 27 touchdowns.
Coach Randy Parsons and Nick Scholten
The “Big-Three” that dominated on the offensive line were huge threat on the defensive line as well. Scholten was named All-League 1st Team, Hoksbergen was All-League 2nd Team and Lenssen was All-League Honorable Mention. Senior Ben Corning was also named All-League Honorable Mention. Parsons manned the middle, and was named All-League 2nd Team at linebacker. Senior Jake Nelson made great plays stuffing the run, as well as getting to the quarterback from his outside linebacker spot, and was named All-League 1st Team. Postma also had a knack for making big plays, and was an All-League Honorable Mention pick at linebacker. Greg Dykstra led the secondary, being named All-League 1st Team, with Elgersma and Mellema each an All-League Honorable Mention pick.
Darin Postma
Elgersma handled the kicking, and nailed 22 extra points. Parsons used his line-drive punts towards the sidelines to his advantage, and was named All-League Honorable Mention. Mellema and Elgersma returned kickoffs, while Greg Dykstra handled the punt returns, bringing one back to the house against Forks in the playoffs.
Relive the greatest teams, players, coaches and moments.
