Category Archives: Top 150 Teams

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #112 – 1989 Nooksack Valley Pioneers

11 Comments

RECORD: 7-4  –  COACH: Mark Venn

 LEAGUE: 6-3 (2nd Place in the WCL)
 CLASSIFICATION: A – PLAYOFFS: Lost in the 1st Round
Scoring Stats “Per Game”
Points: 26.4 – Allowed: 12.5 – Differential: +13.9

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Nooksack Valley 21, Lynden 0

Week 2: Nooksack Valley 14, Blaine 0

Week 3: Nooksack Valley 49, Meridian 21

Week 4: Lynden Christian 28, Nooksack Valley 26

Week 5: Nooksack Valley 42, Mount Baker 14

Week 6: Nooksack Valley 34, Lynden 8

Week 7: Nooksack Valley 33, Blaine 3

Week 8: Meridian 24, Nooksack Valley 21

Week 9: Lynden Christian 7, Nooksack Valley 2

State Play-in Game: Nooksack Valley 33, Granite Falls 13

State Playoffs: 1st Round: Charles Wright 19, Nooksack Valley 15

The seniors from the 1989 Pioneer football team had been through enough. Many of them were forced to play as freshman, and it wasn’t pretty. The 1986 team averaged less than one yard per play, and failed to score an offensive touchdown all season. Three years later, these guys were ready to right the wrong.

Brandon Newell
Brandon Newell

One of those seniors was quarterback Brandon Newell. He completed 65 passes for 1053 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also ran for 134 yards, four touchdowns and he was named All-League 2nd Team. Newell was joined in the backfield by a talented trio. Dave Longoria became the second sophomore in Whatcom County history to surpass 1000 yards rushing (John Locker was the first). He ran for 1004 yards (5.9 average) and 16 touchdowns. Senior Dale Johnson totaled 729 yards on the ground (5.4) and three touchdowns. Speedy sophomore Troy Slayton added 371 yards rushing (5.8) and five touchdowns, while being a huge factor in the passing game, catching 10 passes for 231 yards (23.1) and five more scores.

Dave Longoria
Dave Longoria

Nooksack Valley was a big, strong team in 1989, and rarely did it split anyone out into a wide receiver spot. But, why would you when you have possibly the best tight end tandem in school history with senior Mark Coppinger and junior Tom Ackerman. Coppinger caught 14 passes for 237 yards (16.9) and three touchdowns, and was named All-League 2nd Team. Ackerman hauled in a team-high 24 passes for 319 yards (13.3) and one touchdown, and he was an All-League 1st Team selection.

Tom Ackerman
Tom Ackerman

To along with strong blocking of Coppinger and Ackerman, the offensive line boasted a pair of big, strong kids that could hold their own against anyone. Senior Scott Myhre was an All-League 1st Team pick, and fellow senior Rodney Hayes (6-4 205) was an All-League 2nd Team pick. They were joined on the line by senior Landry Lawrence, junior Jeremy Neyens and sophomore Brian Pike.

Defensively, there was little that opposing offenses could do against the pass rush of Hayes. He lived in the backfield, and was named All-League 1st Team. He was joined up front by Myhre, who was an All-League 2nd Team selection. The linebackers were strong with Coppinger and Ackerman. Coppinger was an All-League 2nd Team pick, and Ackerman returned an interception for a 92-yard touchdown against Meridian. Newell was named All-League 1st Team at defensive back, and led the secondary with numerous interceptions. Slayton returned an interception 62 yards for a score against Lynden.

Newell handled the kicking duties and hit on 24 extra points. Slayton was the punter, and Longoria returned a punt 64 yards for a touchdown against eventual league champion Lynden Christian.

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #113 – 1984 Mount Baker Mountaineers

15 Comments

RECORD: 6-4  –  COACH: Stu Gorski

 LEAGUE: 6-3 (2nd Place in the WCL)
 CLASSIFICATION: A – PLAYOFFS: Lost Play-in Game
Scoring Stats “Per Game”
Points: 20.6 – Allowed: 13.6 – Differential: +7.0

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Meridian 12, Mount Baker 2

Week 2: Lynden 40, Mount Baker 8

Week 3: Mount Baker 38, Nooksack Valley 0

Week 4: Mount Baker 32, Blaine 14

Week 5: Mount Baker 47, Lynden Christian 12

Week 6: Meridian 7, Mount Baker 3

Week 7: Mount Baker 27, Lynden 7

Week 8: Mount Baker 20, Nooksack Valley 0

Week 9: Mount Baker 14, Blaine 0

State Play-in Game: Sultan 44, Mount Baker 15

The 1984 Mountaineers enjoyed a good season, finishing second place in the league to Meridian, which went on to play for the state championship.

Tim Knebel
Tim Knebel

Senior quarterback Tim Knebel was in his second year as the starting quarterback. He had a great season, completing 69 passes for 756 yards, 13 touchdowns and he was named All-League 1st Team. Knebel shared the backfield with the “H & H boys”, brothers Leroy, and Rick Harkness. Leroy was a senior and he gained 454 yards (4.6 average) and three touchdowns. Rick, a junior, enjoyed a huge breakout season rushing for 1087 yards (6.6 average) and 12 touchdowns. He also caught 12 passes for 167 yards (13.9), one touchdown, and he was the first player in school history to top 1000 yards rushing in a season. He was also named All-League 1st Team. Junior David Ryan chipped in with 136 yards on the ground (4.9) and a touchdown.

Rick Harkness
Rick Harkness

Rick Harkness wasn’t the only player to have a breakout season. Senior receiver Darin Jacoby broke a ton of school records on his way to being the first Mount Baker player to be named All-State 1st Team since 1948 (Don Steinbrunner, who went on to play for Washington State and the Cleveland Browns). Jacoby hauled in 47 passes for 522 yards (11.1) and 11 touchdowns.

Darin Jacoby
Darin Jacoby

Both offensive tackles had great seasons, and each were named All-League 1st Team. On one side was senior Pat Mezo (6-0 185), and on the other side was the noticeable junior, Jason Jensen (6-7 245). The guards were Darren Koons (6-2 185) and Bill Zender (5-7 150), and the center was a good one in Duane Zender (6-0 185). The Mounties ran for over 2000 yards, averaging 5.2 yards per rush, and scored 17 touchdowns on the ground.

Pat Mezo
Pat Mezo

On defense the big-bodied Jensen was named All-League 1st Team on the line. Mezo played outstandingly at linebacker, being named All-League 1st Team as well as a spot in the All-State game. Rick Harkness was named All-League 1st Team for the second year in a row as a defensive back, and Knebel was an All-League 2nd Team selection in the secondary, and he finished his career with 11 interceptions, which still stands as the school record.

Jason Jensen
Jason Jensen

The kicking was split up between three different players. Knebel kicked four extra points and a field goal. Leroy Harkness had four extra points, while sophomore Warner Webb hit two extra points. Sophomore Jeff Curtis had a great season punting, and was named All-League 2nd Team.

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #114 – 1994 Lynden Lions

10 Comments

RECORD: 8-2  –  COACH: Curt Kramme

 LEAGUE: 7-1 (1st Place in the NWL)
 CLASSIFICATION: AA – PLAYOFFS: Lost in 1st Round
Scoring Stats “Per Game”
Points: 24.8 – Allowed: 14.9 – Differential: +9.9

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Lynden 20, Stanwood 13

Week 2: Mount Vernon 21, Lynden 13

Week 3: Lynden 23, Bellingham 21

Week 4: Lynden 43, Sedro Woolley 0

Week 5: Lynden 31, Bainbridge Island 8

Week 6: Lynden 21, Burlington-Edison 14

Week 7: Lynden 19, Sehome 18

Week 8: Lynden 39, Anacortes 19

Week 9: Lynden 26, Ferndale 15

State Playoffs: 1st Round: Renton 20, Lynden 13

The 1994 Lions were in just their second year of the Northwest League, and they showed the “big boys” that they can play with anyone, becoming the league champion.

Matt Wall
Matt Wall

The Lions had a decision to make at quarterback. Senior Andy Jones had proved to be valuable at the position the previous two years, but the Lions needed Jones’ athleticism at other offensive positions, and that opened the door for junior signal caller, Matt Wall. Wall completed 38 passes for 650 yards and five touchdowns, while rushing for 154 yards and three more scores. When he wasn’t chuckin’ the rock he was handing it to his brother, senior, Ben Wall. Ben carried the ball 212 times for 1414 yards (6.7 average) and 18 touchdowns. He was named All-League 1st Team, as well as All-State 2nd Team and ended his career as the school’s All-Time leading rusher, surpassing the speedy Scott Noteboom. A great deal of Wall’s running lanes were cleared by his senior fullback, Andy Hanson. He finished with 458 yards on the ground (5.7), three touchdowns and was named All-League 2nd Team. Fleet-footed senior Eric In added 195 yards rushing (4.8) and one touchdown.

Ben Wall
Ben Wall

Mostly using a double-tight end look on offense, both ends had great receiving seasons. Senior Rob Van Diest led the team in receiving with 14 catches for 285 yards (20.4), three touchdowns (including an overtime game-winner in week one), and he was named All-League Honorable Mention. Senior Turner Stiers was the other tight end, catching 11 passes for 197 yards (17.9) and one touchdown. Jones was used as both a wingback and a wide receiver, and he hauled in seven passes for 156 yards (22.3).

Chris Polinder
Chris Polinder

The offensive line did very well, and had two promising underclassmen. The first was super sophomore, Chris Polinder. He was the only Lion o-lineman to be named All-League 1st Team, and he was recognized state-wide, being named All-State 2nd Team. Junior Trevor Kleindel used great size (6-0 250) and strength, and he was named All-League 2nd Team. The entire line paved the way for over 2500 yards on the ground to go with 28 touchdowns.

Andy Hanson
Andy Hanson

The defensive line got into the opposing backfield may times, and it was led by three seniors: Jed Hougan, Chuck Millsap and Dante Attolini. Hougan had huge numbers from his defensive end spot, leading the team with 14 QB’s harassed, nine sacks and eight tackles for loss. The other end was Millsap, and he totaled 56.5 tackles, four tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries. Attolini was in the middle of the line, and at 265 pounds was a huge load to block. He ended with 34 tackles and six tackles for a loss. All three players were named All-League 2nd Team.

John Hilt
John Hilt

Senior Ben Hardman was stout at middle linebacker, and was named All-League Honorable Mention. He led the team with 83.5 total tackles. He also had five tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and three pass deflections. Junior outside linebacker John Hilt was all over the field. It was actually hard to put a defensive position on him, but he was named All-League 1st Team at linebacker. He finished with 61 total tackles, seven sacks, five tackles for loss, seven pass deflections, two forced fumbles and an interception.

Rob Van Diest
Rob Van Diest

Lynden’s strength on defense looked to be it’s secondary. Van Diest and Jones were each named All-League 1st Team, with Van Diest also being named All-State 2nd Team. Jones had three interceptions and seven pass deflections while Van Diest finished with five interceptions and 61 total tackles. Ben Wall also had a great year on defense, tying for a team-high five interceptions. He also had 65 total tackles and a sack.

Andy Jones
Andy Jones

Jones handled the kicking duties, punching in 17 extra points and two field goals. Hanson averaged 32.3 yards per punt. Ben Wall returned punts while he, along with Jones and In, returned kickoffs.

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #115 – 1978 Nooksack Valley Pioneers

15 Comments

RECORD: 7-3  –  COACH: Hal Haddock

 LEAGUE: 7-3 (2nd Place in the WCL)
 CLASSIFICATION: A – PLAYOFFS: None
Scoring Stats “Per Game”
Points: 15.2- Allowed: 9.8 – Differential: +5.4

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Blaine 8, Nooksack Valley 6

Week 2: Nooksack Valley 20, Meridian 6

Week 3: Nooksack Valley 20, Lynden 3

Week 4: Nooksack Valley 18, Mount Baker 7

Week 5: Nooksack Valley 26, Lynden Christian 15

Week 6: Blaine 12, Nooksack Valley 6

Week 7: Nooksack Valley 20, Meridian 14

Week 8: Lynden 33, Nooksack Valley 6

Week 9: Nooksack Valley 8, Mount Baker 0

Week 10: Nooksack Valley 22, Lynden Christian 0

The 1978 Pioneers had a lot of talent, but in this season, the Whatcom County League was loaded with great teams and players. The Blaine Borderites would end up winning the state championship, and their starting quarterback, Curt Kramme, told me once that he felt that his team, Lynden, or Nooksack Valley could have won the state championship that season. That’s how good the league was in comparison to the state playoff teams.

Bill Van Diest
Bill Van Diest

Even though the Pioneers ran the ball on 90% of their plays, they did throw a little bit. 6-foot-2 170-pound senior quarterback Todd Norman competed 11 passes for 183 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for two touchdowns. He primarily handed the ball of the his pair of “Bill’s”. Even though his two senior running backs shared the same first name, their last names are ones that any fan of Whatcom County football would recognize immediately.

Bill Handy
Bill Handy

Bill Van Diest was a tough, bruising fullback. The 5-foot-11 185-pounder ran for a team-high 685 yards (5.3 average) and five touchdowns, and he was named All-League 2nd Team. Bill Handy was an amazingly dynamic player. His speed and shiftiness allowed him to gain 668 yards on the ground (5.6), 10 touchdowns, while being the team’s leading receiver with six catches for 121 yards (20.2) and two scores. He was named All-League 1st Team, and was also selected as the WCL Offensive Player of the Year. Junior Jamie Olesen ran for 144 yards, while senior Chuck Gelwicks chipped in with 110 yards on the ground.

Steve Connell
Steve Connell

Senior wide receiver Joe Holtrop was small (5-7 150), but effective. He caught five passes for 126 yards (25.2), and he was an All-League 2nd Team selection. Olesen and sophomore Chuck Handy each caught a pass.

The offensive line was extremely skilled, and made it easier for Nooksack Valley to run the ball 90% of the time. Junior center Rick Bowen (6-3 200) stood out in the middle of the line, and was named All-League 1st Team. Senior Steve Connell was an All-League 2nd Team selection, after being named All-League 1st Team as a junior. The Pioneers ran for 1660 yards and 18 touchdowns.

The defense finished the season strong, with two shutouts in a row, and it was led by Connell up front, and Handy in the backfield. Both players were named All-League 1st Team. Joining Connell on the defensive line was Brad Forbes. Only 5-7 and 150 pounds, the junior used great leverage and was named All-League 2nd Team. Van Diest led the linebacking corps, and was an All-League 2nd Team selection.

Without a reliable kicker, the Pioneers elected to go for two after most touchdowns. Handy, Van Diest and Olesen each had a pair of 2-point conversion, with Holtrop scoring a two-pointer as well. Handy was a scary player to kick the ball to in 1978. In the opening game of the season he retuned a kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown. The following week against Meridian he returned a punt 75 yards for a touchdown. He did it again against the Trojans five weeks later, returning a punt 65 yards for a touchdown.

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #116 – 1976 Meridian Trojans

14 Comments

RECORD: 7-3  –  COACH: Bob Ames

 LEAGUE: 7-3 (2nd Place in the WCL)
 CLASSIFICATION: A – PLAYOFFS: None
Scoring Stats “Per Game”
Points: 19.8 – Allowed: 6.9 – Differential: +12.9

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Meridian 20, Blaine 0

Week 2: Mount Baker 10, Meridian 8

Week 3: Meridian 21, Lynden Christian 0

Week 4: Meridian 33, Nooksack Valley 0

Week 5: Meridian 16, Lynden 7

Week 6: Meridian 35, Blaine 0

Week 7: Meridian 31, Mount Baker 18

Week 8: Meridian 27, Lynden Christian 0

Week 9: Nooksack Valley 12, Meridian 7

Week 10: Lynden 22, Meridian 0

In one of the biggest turnarounds in Whatcom County history, the 1976 Trojans were a year removed from an 0-10 season, to the brink of their first league title.

Kenny Shockey
Kenny Shockey

Junior quarterback Kenny Shockey ran the veer like nobody else. He was named All-League 1st Team, completed 38 passes for 898 yards, 10 touchdowns, and he ran for 271 yards and four scores. The distribution in the backfield was pretty even, when they weren’t handing off to super sophomore, Dudley Nightingale. He finished with 471 yards (5.4 average), four touchdowns and an All-League 1st team selection. Senior Mike Kingma also had a good year on the ground. The former LC quarterback ran for 213 yards and two scores. Senior Jeff Rohwer ran for 206 yards and two touchdowns, while junior Jeff Gorsenger led the team with five rushing touchdowns.

Dudley Nightingale
Dudley Nightingale

The major strength of the team was its offensive line. Senior tight ends Dale Wasel and Jim Unruh were great blockers, and they made amazing plays down the field. Wasel was named All-League 1st Team, catching 13 passes for 316 yards (24.3) and three touchdowns. Unruh hauled in nine passes for 162 yards (18.0) and two scores. The offensive linemen featured seniors Jeff Hemnes and Lyle Jones, each were named on the All-League 1st Team. They were joined by seniors Roe Castaneda and Kris Mackey, and sophomore Kelly Welch.

Roe Castaneda
Roe Castaneda

Defensively, Castaneda was the rock in the middle of the field. The hard hitting, 5-foot-9 210-pound middle linebacker was an All-League 1st Team selection, and he was a “Bob Ames-type” of player. Shockey led the team with five interceptions, while Wasel picked off four passes, returning one for a touchdown.

 

 

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #117 – 1989 Lynden Christian Lyncs

10 Comments

RECORD: 9-2  –  COACH: Gary Van Hulzen

 LEAGUE: 8-1 (1st Place in the WCL)
 CLASSIFICATION: A – PLAYOFFS: State Quarterfinalist
Scoring Stats “Per Game”
Points: 16.4 – Allowed: 9.8 – Differential: +6.6

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Lynden Christian 27, Meridian 6

Week 2: Lynden Christian 20, Lynden 3

Week 3: Lynden Christian 7, Mount Baker 6

Week 4: Lynden Christian 28, Nooksack Valley 26

Week 5: Lynden Christian 25, Blaine 7

Week 6: Meridian 24, Lynden Christian 14

Week 7: Lynden Christian 14, Lynden 0

Week 8: Lynden Christian 28, Mount Baker 8

Week 9: Lynden Christian 7, Nooksack Valley 2

State Playoffs: Round One: Lynden Christian 10, Forks 6

State Quarterfinals: Castle Rock 20, Lynden Christian 0

The 1989 Lyncs ended the decade of the 80’s with a league championship, and with a good-bye to Coach Gary Van Hulzen.

Kevin DeYoung
Kevin DeYoung

Senior Kevin DeYoung wasn’t your ordinary quarterback. He returned kicks, he doubled as the placekicker and he wore #29. But, he was also the League’s Offensive Player of the Year! He completed 96 passes for 1346 yards and 14 touchdowns, while rushing for two more scores. Joining DeYoung in the backfield were a trio of determined runners. Senior Brandon Van Soest was among the league’s leading rushers until his season ended early. He finished with 436 yards (4.2 average) and four touchdowns. Sophomore David Cowan was a pleasant replacement for Van Soest, and he ended the season with a team-high 490 yards on the ground (4.0) and three scores. Senior fullback Jon Van Hulzen ran for 298 yards (3.3) and two scores, caught 18 passes for 209 yards (11.6), and his blocking didn’t go unnoticed, as he was an All-League 2nd Team selection.

David Cowan
David Cowan

Junior wide receiver Jon Vander Griend had a great season for the Lyncs. He hauled in 31 passes for 475 yards (15.3) and nine touchdowns, and he was an All-League 1st Team pick. Senior receiver Trevor Veltkamp contributed with 10 catches for 164 yards (16.4) and a score. Senior tight end Chris Senti was an All-League 1st Team pick with 17 catches for 258 yards (15.2) and two touchdowns.

Jon Vander Griend
Jon Vander Griend

Senior David Rasmussen was the main man on the offensive line, and was named All-League 1st Team. He was joined another great senior, Ryan Likkel, who was named All-League 2nd Team. The Lyncs were about as even as you could get on offense. Rushing for 1376 yards and passing for 1346 yards, and scoring 25 total offensive touchdowns.

Jon Van Hulzen
Jon Van Hulzen

The senior leadership on defense was beyond amazing, with five players being named All-League 1st Team. Allowing under 10 points per game for the entire season (including two state playoff games), Van Hulzen was a beast at middle linebacker. Rasmussen and Senti each got nods from their defensive line positions while DeYoung and Veltkamp held their own in the secondary.

DeYoung kicked 19 extra points and one field goal. He also returned a kickoff 82 yards for a touchdown against Mount Baker.

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #118 – 1990 Lynden Christian Lyncs

10 Comments

RECORD: 8-2  –  COACH: Dan Kaemingk

 LEAGUE: 8-1 (1st Place in the WCL)
 CLASSIFICATION: A – PLAYOFFS: Lost in 1st Round
Scoring Stats “Per Game”
Points: 21.7 – Allowed: 9.4 – Differential: +12.3

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Lynden Christian 19, Meridian 12

Week 2: Lynden 14, Lynden Christian 12

Week 3: Lynden Christian 19, Mount Baker 7

Week 4: Lynden Christian 34, Nooksack Valley 12

Week 5: Lynden Christian 20, Blaine 6

Week 6: Lynden Christian 49, Meridian 14

Week 7: Lynden Christian 10, Lynden 7

Week 8: Lynden Christian 21, Mount Baker 0

Week 9: Lynden Christian 33, Nooksack Valley 15

State Playoffs: Round One: Granite Falls 7, Lynden Christian 0

The 1990 Lyncs entered the new decade on a roll, just coming off a state-playoff season, and with a fresh-faced rookie coach, Dan Kaemingk. LC trudged through the grueling WCL schedule with only one loss (against crosstown rival Lynden), which they avenged five weeks later.

David Cowan
David Cowan

One of Coach Kamenigk’s first decisions was who the starting quarterback was going to be. Senior Dan Teeter was a classic passer, and was a natural choice. But, Kaemingk saw something in a stocky, junior running back named David Cowan that made him think twice. Cowan wound up the ultimate choice, and although he wasn’t your classic drop-back passer, he was a great leader and a terrific runner. He completed 69 passes for 1130 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also ran for 575 yards (4.0 average), five touchdowns, and he was named All-League 2nd Team.

Greg Terpstra
Greg Terpstra

Joining Cowan in the backfield was another dynamic junior, Greg Terpstra. “Terp” proved he could do a lot of different things, which helped him become an All-League 2nd Team selection. He led the team in rushing with 652 yards (6.3) and nine touchdowns. He also caught 13 passes for 179 yards (13.8), and he perfected the halfback-pass, completing all three of his attempts for 53 yards and a score. Junior Kris Bouwan showed the unusual combination of size and speed for a running back (6-2 205), rushing for 172 yards (9.6) and two touchdowns.

Jon Vander Griend
Jon Vander Griend

6-foot-5 senior wide receiver Jon Vander Griend was a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. He caught 31 passes for 597 yards. His 19.3 average yards per catch and 10 receiving touchdowns were both enough to lead the entire county. He was named All-League 1st Team for the second year in a row. He also graduated as the Lynden Christian all-time leading receiver, and still holds the school record with 19 career touchdown receptions. Junior tight end Mark Zylstra also caught 16 passes for 141 yards (8.8) and a touchdown, and he was an All-League 2nd Team selection.

Mark Zylstra
Mark Zylstra

The offensive line was filled with some big, tough country kids like senior guard Eric Libolt and senior tackle Simon Timmermans. Both players were named All-League 1st Team. Senior tackle Dwayne Lenssen also had great size to go along with amazing speed, and he was named All-League 2nd Team. The Lyncs averaged 5.2 yards per carry, and scored 18 touchdowns on the ground.

Simon Timmermans
Simon Timmermans

The defense was led by Lenssen who an All-State 1st Team selection on the defensive line. He was joined up front by Timmermans who was an All-League 2nd Team selection. Senior linebacker Kevin Vander Veen had a great season, and was named All-League 1st Team. Zylstra was an All-League 2nd Team selection at linebacker. Terpstra was one of the best cornerbacks in the league. He picked off five passes for 83 yards, and he was named All-League 1st Team. Cowan intercepted three passes from his strong safety position, and was an All-League 2nd Team pick. Vander Griend picked off five passes from his free safety spot, and was also an All-League 2nd Team selection.

Dwayne Lenssen
Dwayne Lenssen

Cowan was an All-League 1st Team pick as a kicker, as he nailed 19 extra points and one field goal. Zylstra was named All-League 1st team at punter, averaging 34.2 yards per boot. Vander Veen averaged 16.4 yards per kickoff return, and Terpstra totaled 130 yards in punt returns.

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #119 – 1985 Meridian Trojans

12 Comments

RECORD: 6-3  –  COACH: Bob Ames

 LEAGUE: 6-3 (2nd Place in the WCL)
 CLASSIFICATION: A – PLAYOFFS: None
Scoring Stats “Per Game”
Points: 23.2 – Allowed: 10.0 – Differential: +13.2

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Meridian 22, Nooksack Valley 0

Week 2: Meridian 20, Mount Baker 6

Week 3: Meridian 55, Blaine 6

Week 4: Lynden 27, Meridian 14

Week 5: Meridian 31, Lynden Christian 12

Week 6: Meridian 27, Nooksack Valley 12

Week 7: Mount Baker 7, Meridian 0

Week 8: Meridian 28, Blaine 0

Week 9: Lynden 20, Meridian 12

The 1985 Trojans came into the season riding a 19-game winning streak against league opponents, and they extended it to 22 games before losing to Lynden.

Ricky Patrick
Ricky Patrick

Senior quarterback Lance Heslep had been the backup to Shawn Scott the previous two years, and he was ready to take over the team. He completed 61 passes for 1045 yards and eight touchdowns, and he was named All-League 2nd Team. He shared the backfield with standout seniors Ricky Patrick and Greg Lindsay. Patrick maybe have been small (5-7 175), but he ran big, and edged out Mount Baker’s Rick Harkness for the WCL rushing crown. He was named All-League 1st Team and finished with 1179 yards (7.7 average) and 12 touchdowns. Lindsay was a bruiser, and was named All-League 2nd Team, rumbling for 548 yards (6.3) and five touchdowns.

Greg Lindsay
Greg Lindsay

Seniors Shannon Hicks and Desi Luna were a great receiving combo, and Luna was an All-League 2nd Team selection. Hicks caught a team-high 28 passes for 468 yards (16.7) and three touchdowns. Luna was a big-play threat, hauling in 19 passes for 353 yards (18.6) and four scores.

Desi Luna
Desi Luna

Senior Marty Burns led the offensive line from his guard position, and was named All-League 1st Team. Senior Bud Powell also played well up front, and was named All-League 2nd Team. The offensive line did an amazing job, as the Trojans amassed over 3000 yards of total offense.

Marty Burns
Marty Burns

The defense was again the calling card for Meridian, and it had an abundance of talent at each level. Burns wasn’t only named All-League 1st Team at linebacker, but he was also named the League’s Defensive Player of the Year with two interceptions and numerous key stops. Patrick was named All-League 1st Team at defensive line for the second consecutive year, and Luna was an easy All-League 1st Team choice at defensive back, with a team-high four interceptions. Lindsay and junior Aaron Hopp were a tremendous pair of defensive ends for the Trojans, and Hopp was named All-League 2nd Team. Senior Charles Jackson was also named All-League 2nd Team for the second year in a row. Senior Carl Gorsenger also had a great year at linebacker. Heslep intercepted three passes from his spot in the secondary.

Aaron Hopp
Aaron Hopp

Luna handled all of the kicking duties, booting 15 extra points and he averaged 29.2 yards per punt. He also returned kickoffs and punts.

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #120 – 1977 Mount Baker Mountaineers

3 Comments

RECORD: 8-2  –  COACH: Bob Wilkinson

 LEAGUE: 8-2 (2nd Place in the WCL)
 CLASSIFICATION: A – PLAYOFFS: None
Scoring Stats “Per Game”
Points: 22.9 – Allowed: 12.9 – Differential: +10.0

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Lynden 47, Mount Baker 6

Week 2: Mount Baker 35, Lynden Christian 0

Week 3: Mount Baker 9, Meridian 6

Week 4: Mount Baker 28, Nooksack Valley 14

Week 5: Mount Baker 21, Blaine 6

Week 6: Mount Baker 35, Lynden 14

Week 7: Mount Baker 47, Lynden Christian 6

Week 8: Meridian 14, Mount Baker 3

Week 9: Mount Baker 19, Nooksack Valley 6

Week 10: Mount Baker 26, Blaine 16

The 1977 Mountaineers was one of the most senior dominated teams in school history, which was evident the following season when they went 0-10.

Marty Wilburn
Marty Wilburn

Senior quarterback Marty Wilburn was a threat through the air and on the ground. He completed 40 passes for 618 yards and eight touchdowns. He also ran for over 100 yards in three separate games, totaling 597 yards on the ground (5.2 average) and seven touchdowns while gaining All-League 1st Team honors. Sophomore Dan Chapman showed tremendous promise as a backup, completing 8-of-10 passes for 72 yards and three touchdowns.

Clay Brown
Clay Brown

Senior running back Clay Brown had amazing speed, rushing for 874 yards (6.0 average) and nine touchdowns. He would go on to be named All-League 2nd Team. Senior Nooksack Valley transfer Pat Sturgeon also had a great year in the backfield, also being named All-League 2nd Team. He ran for 383 yards (4.4) and three touchdowns, while leading the team with 14 catches.

Chuck Cooper
Chuck Cooper

Senior receiver Chuck Cooper showed amazing athleticism, catching 11 passes for 235 yards (21.4) and three touchdowns, and he would go on to be named All-League 2nd Team. Senior tight end Augie Drafs caught seven passes for 124 yards (17.7) and three touchdowns. Senior Greg Younkin also caught a pair of touchdown passes.

Darryl McNielly
Darryl McNielly

Massive senior Darryl McNielly led the offensive line, and was an easy choice for All-League 1st Team. When I asked Coach Bob Ames who the best players he coached against in his 41 years of coaching, McNielly was one of the first players he mentioned. The offensive line led the way for almost 2000 yards rushing, and 20 touchdowns on the ground.

Joe Mitchell
Joe Mitchell

McNielly led the defense from his linebacker position, and was named All-League 1st Team for the second year in a row. Senior defensive lineman Joe Mitchell had great size (6-1 200) and speed, which allowed him to be an All-League 1st Team selection. Drafs intercepted a pass against Lynden Christian, and brought it back 15 yards for a touchdown, and was named All-League 2nd Team. Senior Steve Strachila teamed with McNielly at linebacker, and was named All-League 2nd Team.

Don Donahue
Don Donahue

Sturgeon was a great kicker, hitting 14 extra points and three field goals. Senior Don Donahue was named the All-League 1st Team punter for the second year in a row. Brown handled the kick returns.

Top 150 Teams

Top 150 #121 – 1982 Meridian Trojans

17 Comments

RECORD: 5-4  –  COACH: Bob Ames

 LEAGUE: 5-4 (3rd Place in the WCL)
 CLASSIFICATION: A – PLAYOFFS: None
Scoring Stats “Per Game”
Points: 23.8 – Allowed: 12.0 – Differential: +11.8

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Meridian 20, Lynden Christian 6

Week 2: Meridian 32, Nooksack Valley 6

Week 3: Mount Baker 13, Meridian 10

Week 4: Meridian 46, Blaine 6

Week 5: Lynden 14, Meridian 0

Week 6: Lynden Christian 21, Meridian 20

Week 7: Meridian 21, Nooksack Valley 6

Week 8: Mount Baker 22, Meridian 12

Week 9: Meridian 53, Blaine 14

Even though the 1982 Trojans didn’t make the playoffs, they began that push that would evolve into next season’s team. They had a great senior class, and they had some very strong underclassmen beginning to make their mark.

Shawn Scott
Shawn Scott

Sophomore Shawn Scott was under center during the season, but wasn’t asked to throw a whole lot. He completed 12 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for 170 yards (5.0 average) and a pair of scores. He had one of the greatest pair of senior running backs that Whatcom County saw in the 1980’s, and he gave them the rock over 120 times each. Brian Martinson led the entire county in rushing, and combined amazing strength and speed. He was named All-League 1st Team and had 956 yards (7.5 average) and 11 touchdowns. He ran for 343 yards against Blaine, and still stands as the school record. Duffy Cox is widely regarded as one of the greatest Trojans of all-time. He was named All-League 2nd Team and ran for 851 yards (6.9) and 12 touchdowns. Junior Kurt Rick added 183 yards (4.7) on the ground.

Brian Martinson
Brian Martinson

Junior tight end Rob Aswegan led Meridian in receiving with nine catches for 243 yards. He joined senior center Brian Ruese, junior guard Travis Welch and senior tackle Don Gorsenger to form an amazing offensive line. All three players were named All-League 1st Team, and it was the third season in a row for Welch. The line paved the way for 2387 yards rushing and 26 rushing touchdowns.

Duffy Cox
Duffy Cox

On defense, Welch became Meridian’s first ever underclassman to be named All-State. He forced every team to run away from his defensive end spot. He would occasionally drop back in coverage, and he intercepted a pass against Mount Baker and brought it back for a touchdown. He was named All-League 1st Team on the defensive line, as was fellow junior Terry Martinson. Brian Martinson was an All-League 2nd Team selection as a nose guard. Cox was named All-League 1st Team at linebacker for the second year in a row, and at 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, he did more that just stand out. Senior Chris Haugen was named All-League 1st Team at defensive back, and led the team with seven interceptions. Rick was an All-League 2nd Teamer, and he intercepted a pass. Scott and Aswegan each intercepted two passes.

Travis Welch
Travis Welch

Brian Martinson was the kicker, and he hit 17 extra points and a field goal. He also returned eight kickoffs for 207 yards (25.9) and one touchdown. Cox also returned a kickoff for a touchdown.