RECORD: 10-2  –  COACH: Dan Kaemingk

 LEAGUE: 5-1 (2nd Place in the WCL)

 CLASSIFICATION: A – PLAYOFFS: State Quarterfinalist

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 25.4 – Allowed: 12.0 – Differential: +13.4

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Lynden Christian 14, Sultan 7

Week 2: Lynden Christian 44, Granite Falls 0

Week 3: Lynden Christian 20, Mount Baker 7

Week 4: Lynden Christian 42, Friday Harbor 21

Week 5: Meridian 23, Lynden Christian 8

Week 6: Lynden Christian 22, King’s 21

Week 7: Lynden Christian 35, Nooksack Valley 3

Week 8: Lynden Christian 42, Blaine 28

Week 9: Lynden Christian 14, Concrete 6

State Play-in Game: Lynden Christian 21, Orting 0

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

RECORD: 7-2  –  COACH: Dan Kaemingk

 LEAGUE: 5-1 (T-1st Place in the WCL)

 CLASSIFICATION: A – PLAYOFFS: None

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 30.0 – Allowed: 9.7 – Differential: +20.3

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Lynden 14, Lynden Christian 6

Week 2: Lynden Christian 34, Nooksack Valley 7

Week 3: Lynden Christian 21, Meridian 8

Week 4: Lynden Christian 41, Mount Baker 7

Week 5: Lynden Christian 42, Aldergrove, BC 0

Week 6: Lynden Christian 27, Blaine 0

Week 7: Lynden 21, Lynden Christian 6

Week 8: Lynden Christian 54, Friday Harbor 15

Week 9: Lynden Christian 39, Nooksack Valley 15

Mini-Playoff Half Game #1: Meridian 14, Lynden Christian 6

Mini-Playoff Half Game #2: Lynden 14, Lynden Christian 0

The 1992 Lyncs had a great offense, perhaps even a better defense, but the Whatcom County League teams were loaded. After an evening of mini-playoff games between all the teams that tied for the league championship, LC was handed the short stick and didn’t advance to the state playoffs.

Junior Grant Terpstra took over the reigns as starting quarterback, and they lefty put up some pretty good numbers. He completed 75 passes for 1224 yards and 14 touchdowns. He was also named All-League 2nd Team. Senior running back Jared Dotinga, who got a lot of playing time in the semi-finals the year before when Greg Terpstra went down, was the main ball carrier. The speedster ran for 905 yards (7.1 average) and eight touchdowns, and he was named All-League 1st Team. Junior fullback Mike Apol was a tough runner, and he gained 250 yards (4.8), six touchdowns, and was an All-League Honorable Mention pick. Senior Sacha Estrada and junior Monte Bode were valuable backups, each rushing for four touchdowns.

LC’s double tight end sets left one wide receiver on the field, and usually that guy was the tall senior, Jason Van Hofwegen. The All-Leauge 2nd Teamer found the end zone frequently, catching 23 passes for 319 yards (13.9) and nine touchdowns. Senior tight end Joel Senti had great speed, and he caught 27 passes for 438 yards (16.2) and four touchdowns. He was named All-League 1st Team. The other tight end was senior, Robb Bouma. He made huge plays, catching 11 passes for 267 yards (24.3) and one touchdown. He was named All-League Honorable Mention. Senior wide receiver Duane Vermeer also had a good year, catching 10 passes for 135 yards (13.5) and two scores.

As was the “norm” in the early 90’s, the Lyncs’ offensive line was loaded. Senior guard Derek DeKoster and junior tackle Brian Matheis were both great, and were each named All-League 2nd Team. Junior center Ryan Brink was named All-League Honorable Mention, as was senior tackle, Jon DeJong. The Lyncs averaged nearly five and a half yards per run, and scored 24 touchdowns on the ground.

The defensive line was very impressive with DeKoster and Matheis. DeKoster was an All-League 1st Team pick, with Matheis garnering 2nd Team honors. The were flanked on the outside by DeJong and Bouma. DeJong was named All-League 2nd Team, and Bouma was an All-League Honorable Mention choice. The inside linebacker spot was filled by an animated tackling machine named Brian Roorda. The senior was an All-League 1st Team pick, and returned an interception 12 yards for a touchdown against Meridian. Senti was an All-League Honorable Mention selection at linebacker. The secondary was led by senior Kyle Brennan, and his team-high three interceptions. Junior Justin Meenderinck was an All-League Honorable Mention at defensive back, and he was a great tackler.

Estrada was the placekicker, hitting on 22 extra points. Bouma averaged 34.2 yards per punt. Dotinga was one of top kick returners in the league, averaging nearly 30 yards per return. Brennan handled the punt returns, and a great year as well, with a 16-yard average.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

RECORD: 7-3  –  COACH: Dan Kaemingk

 LEAGUE: 7-1 (2nd Place in the NCC)

 CLASSIFICATION: 2A – PLAYOFFS: Lost 1st Round Game

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 30.1 – Allowed: 15.0 – Differential: +15.1

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Lynden Christian 28, Blaine 12

Week 2: Lynden Christian 34, Nooksack Valley 0

Week 3: Lynden Christian 53, Granite Falls 7

Week 4: Lynden Christian 47, Sultan 7

Week 5: Lynden Christian 46, Lakewood 14

Week 6: Lynden Christian 46, South Whidbey 14

Week 7: Lynden Christian 21, Mount Baker 18

Week 8: Tahoma 28, Lynden Christian 13

Week 9: Meridian 36, Lynden Christian 7

State Playoffs: 1st Round Game: Orting 14, Lynden Christian 6

The 1999 Lyncs started the season on a seven game winning streak, but ended losing three in a row. First to non-league Tahoma, next to eventual state champion Meridian, and then in the playoffs to Orting, (who eventually lost to Meridian in the semi-finals).

Senior quarterback Mark Postma had a tremendous season. His completion percentage of 63.1% (99-of-157) broke a school record, which still stands today. He also passed for 1337 yards and 18 touchdowns, and he was named All-League 2nd Team. Junior Jeremy Huntley proved to be a valuable backup, completing 12 passes for 171 yards and a touchdown.

Senior running back Matt Rutgers became the third player in school history to rush for over 1000 yards in a season. He finished with 1101 yards (6.7 average) and 12 touchdowns, and was named All-League 2nd Team. Fellow senior Jason Matter ran for 410 yards (6.2) and three scores while junior fullback Mike Ruble added 232 yards (5.2) and a score.

Postma spread the wealth through the air, and he had many deserving candidates to receive his accurate passes. Junior wide receiver Rob Ylinen was one of the most athletic players in the league, and he caught 22 passes for 419 yards (19.1) and seven touchdowns. He was named All-League 1st Team. Senior receiver Kevin Dykman caught a team-high 24 passes for 260 yards (10.8) and two scores, and fellow senior Kent Bratt caught 16 passes for 198 yards (12.4) and a touchdown. Senior tight end Luke Wyatt was on the end of a lot of big-time plays. He was named All-League 2nd Team, and he hauled in 11 passes for 255 yards (23.2) and six touchdowns.

Senior Luke Kaemingk used his size (6-3 235) and amazing skills to lead the offensive line. He was named All-League 1st Team, and was also named All-State 1st Team. Senior David Heutink was also a huge part of the line, and he was named All-League 2nd Team. The Lyncs averaged 5.2 yards per carry, and scored 25 rushing touchdowns.

The LC defense had one shutout, and held two other opponents to just one touchdown each. Kaemingk and Heutink were the mainstays up front, just as they were on the offensive line. Kaemingk was named All-League 1st Team, and Heutink was All-League 2nd Team. Bratt was one of the top defensive backs in the league, and he was named All-League 1st Team.

The Lyncs cycled through kicker after kicker until ultimately settling on sophomore Clint Bosman. Junior Matt Vos hit four extra points, Postma added 14 extra points and Bosman finished with 10 extra points. Speedy senior Jesse Weg returned a punt 65 yards for a touchdown against Granite Falls.

RECORD: 5-4  –  COACH: John Rozeboom

 LEAGUE: 5-4 (3rd Place in the WCL)

 CLASSIFICATION: A – PLAYOFFS: None

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 17.8 – Allowed: 10.4 – Differential: +7.4

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Lynden Christian 35, Nooksack Valley 0

Week 2: Lynden Christian 25, Blaine 6

Week 3: Meridian 18, Lynden Christian 0

Week 4: Mount Baker 15, Lynden Christian 13

Week 5: Lynden Christian 27, Lynden 9

Week 6: Lynden Christian 34, Nooksack Valley 0

Week 7: Lynden Christian 14, Blaine 6

Week 8: Meridian 27, Lynden Christian 6

Week 9: Mount Baker 13, Lynden Christian 6

The 1983 Lyncs started the season with great expectations, but with one big injury, their season didn’t go exactly as planned. They had a strong senior class, and well-balanced offense.

Senior quarterback Jordan Jansen began the season as the starting quarterback. After two games he was 2-0, passing for 354 yards and three touchdowns. He looked every bit like the All-League 1st Team quarterback that he was as a junior. He suffered an unfortunate injury in the third game of the season, and down went the playoff hopes for LC. Junior receiver Kevin Kaemingk (who caught six passes for 77 yards in game two) took over under center, completing 50-of-104 passes for 683 yards and three scores.

Senior running back Tim Vander Veen had an unbelievable season for Lynden Christian. He became the first player in school history to rush for over 1000 yards in a season, with 1097 yards and 13 touchdowns. It would be another 14 years until the Lyncs would have another 1000-yard rusher. He was named All-League 1st Team, and was also named as the League’s Offensive Player of the Year. He also graduated as the school’s all-time leading rusher, until Lance Bosman passed him in 1995.

Senior receiver Tim Zylstra had a tremendous season, catching 33 passes for 506 yards (15.3 average) and two touchdowns. He was named All-League 1st Team and his 33 receptions broke a school record. Fellow seniors Mike Van Weerdhuizen and Bill Dykstra each caught 13 passes. Van Weerdhuizen totaled 293 yards receiving, while Dykstra had 101.

Junior Tim Van Lohuizen anchored the offensive line from his guard position and was named All-League 1st Team. The Lyncs ran for 1375 yards and 17 touchdowns on the season.

On defense, senior Glen Matter’s size (6-3 210) and strength allowed him to wreak havoc on opposing offensive lines. He was named All-League 1st Team. Vander Veen and Van Lohuizen manned the linebacking positions. Vander Veen was named All-League 1st Team, while Van Lohuizen was All-League 2nd Team. Zylstra was the leader of the secondary and was named All-League 1st Team. Tom Bajema returned an interception 50 yards for a touchdown against Lynden.

Jansen started the season as the kicker, connecting on six extra points. Zylstra also hit a pair of PAT’s.