Bryce Vandenhaak is having an extraordinary season, and has been able to make a ton of key plays. After catching six passes for 205 yards (34.2 average) and four touchdowns against Lynden Christian on Friday, the Meridian senior now sits at 12 touchdown receptions. That total ties him for 15th in Whatcom County history for touchdown catches in a season. Ferndale legend Rocki Sandusky hauled in 17 touchdown passes in 2005, and that has been the Whatcom County record for 12 years. The Meridian record for touchdown catches in a season is 16, which Andrei Lintz totaled in 2006. Here is the list of players that have caught at least 12 touchdown passes in a season:
The Red Raiders have produced some great pass catchers over the years. Steve Jones was a dynamic receiver, and the first player in Whatcom County history to catch 40 passes in a season. Oliver Dougherty made big play after big play, averaging over 20 yards a catch, and scored 13 touchdowns as a receiver. Mike Elsner was a two-time All-League receiver, and Tyler DeFries was described as “All-World” by the Oak Harbor coach in 1995 when DeFries caught nine passes for 219 yards. Azubo Bearden was an All-State second team performer, and Ty Elmendorf had legit 4.4 speed. Toby Seim could out jump anyone, and J.T. Fitzgerald had an abundance of athletic ability. They have also produced great tight ends like Adam Rothenbuhler, Kevin Engman, Jason Staeber and Craig Palm. But, nobody in the history of the red and white has caught more passes than Brant Bengen. He graduated in 1982 with 79 career receptions. That record has stood for 36 years, and it could be broken tonight. Ethan Fields comes into tonight’s game with 77 career receptions, and he’s been amazing to watch these past three years. Whether he’s split out wide, in the backfield, or in the slot, Fields always makes the play. He’s also one of the hardest hitters on defense, and has scored four defensive touchdowns in his career. Keep you eyes on #22 tonight, what an amazing player!
Congratulations to Blaine senior Julian Gonzalez, for being the Whatcom County Workhorse of the Week! His 41 carries against Lynden is the highest game total for any player this season. It’s been a joy to watch his fearless style of running. Welcome back, Julian!
This is an award I should have started since week one, and since I didn’t, I will show below who would have won the “Whatcom County Workhorse of the Week” the previous five weeks.
