RECORD: 8-3  –  COACH: Bob Ames

 LEAGUE: 5-1 (1st Place in the 1A NWC)

 CLASSIFICATION: 1A – PLAYOFFS: Lost in 1st Round

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 38.9 – Allowed: 14.6 – Differential: +24.3

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Meridian 19, Mount Baker 6

Week 2: Sequim 29, Meridian 22

Week 3: Meridian 50, Friday Harbor 27

Week 4: Meridian 52, Lynden Christian 6

Week 5: Nooksack Valley 31, Meridian 21

Week 6: Meridian 42, Friday Harbor 7

Week 7: Meridian 47, Lynden Christian 0

Week 8: Meridian 47, Nooksack Valley 13

Week 9: Meridian 47, Coupeville 0

Week 10: Meridian 42, Charles Wright 27

State Playoffs: 1st Round: Toledo 24, Meridian 21

The Trojans had a great run in 2011, but hit a rough spot in the state playoffs. There were a lot of new starters, that had to replace some all-time greats in school history. But, they showed that they could play with anyone.

Junior Max McGuinn took over as the quarterback in 2011, and he looked good back there. He completed 128 passes for 1901 yards and 16 touchdowns. He proved to be a dual threat as well, rushing for 250 yards and nine scores, on his way to being named All-League 1st Team. Senior John Murphy had a huge year at running back. Even if Coach Ames said, “He’s little… We’ve got to put rocks in his pocket so he doesn’t blow away.” He also saw what made Murphy special by saying, “But he’s quick and he changes direction good.” Coach was was sure right about that! Murphy was named All-League 1st Team, and was the League’s Most Valuable Player. He was also selected on the All-State 2nd Team. He finished with 1503 yards on the ground (7.7) and 19 touchdowns, while catching 15 passes for 204 yards (13.6) and two more scores. Junior Castro, a junior, supplied support in the backfield, rushing for 210 yards (4.8) and three touchdowns.

As usual the Trojans spread the wealth in the passing game. Senior Casey Smith had a team-high 33 catches for 500 yards (15.2) and two touchdowns on his way to being named All-League 1st Team. 6-foot-8 senior Chase Heslep hauled in 30 passes for 483 yards (16.1) and seven touchdowns. The third receiver was athletic junior Relijah McMillen. He finished with 17 receptions for 309 yards (18.2) and a pair of scores. Meridian also had a reliable receiver in their big, senior tight end, Denver VanderYacht. He caught 12 passes for 148 yards (12.3) and was a dominant run blocker.

The offensive line had great players up and down the line. It began with massive (300-plus pounder) senior, Ivan Yelfimov. His mauling run blocking ability, and quick feet allowed him to be named All-League 1st Team for the second year in a row. He was joined by fellow All-League 1st Teamers in senior Brett Gunderson and up and coming sophomore, Spencer Blackburn. The Meridian line paved the way for a 6.3 yards per rush, and 36 touchdowns on the ground.

The defense was led by VanderYacht, who was named All-League 1st team at linebacker for the second season in a row. Blackburn was a force on the defensive line. he even scored two defensive touchdowns in a three-game span. Murphy was solid at linebacker, while Smith and Zack Gray dominated the secondary. Smith led the team with five interceptions, returning them for an amazing 153 yards and one touchdown. Each of these players were All-League 1st Team selections.

Junior Casey Bromet handled the kicking duties, booting 15 extra points, while Heslep was the punter, with a 28.0 average. Castro did something on special teams, a record that might never be broken. He returned two kickoffs for a touchdown in the same game!

RECORD: 9-3  –  COACH: Bob Ames

 LEAGUE: 7-1 (1st Place in the WCL)

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

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 28.6 – Allowed: 12.1 – Differential: +16.5

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Mount Baker 28, Meridian 21

Week 2: Meridian 13, Bellingham 7

Week 3: Meridian 35, Lynden Christian 12

Week 4: Meridian 42, Blaine 20

Week 5: Meridian 35, Nooksack Valley 6

Week 6: Meridian 21, Mount Baker 0

Week 7: Colville 35, Meridian 7

Week 8: Meridian 27, Lynden Christian 3

Week 9: Meridian 42, Blaine 0

Week 10: Meridian 38, Nooksack Valley 7

State Play-in Game: Meridian 42, King’s 0

State Playoffs: 1st Round: Montesano 27, Meridian 20

The Trojans entered 2004 riding high. They had just went undefeated in the season prior, winning their second state championship in school history. They were also returning All-State quarterback, Jordan Slesk. But, they also had to completely rebuild their offensive line, as well as replace key players on the defense.

Slesk was named All-State 1st Team for the second season in a row, only the second quarterback in Whatcom County history to accomplish that feat (Sean Linville was the first). He completed 170 passes for 2348 yards and 27 touchdowns to just nine interceptions. He also ran for 284 yards and four touchdowns. Slesk also remains the Trojan record holder in career completions (470), yards (6876) and touchdowns (84), and that is quite an accomplishment with all of the talent that has lined up behind center dressed in black.

Junior Tyler Culp emerged as the top running back, getting the bulk of the carries. He ran for 884 yards (5.5 average) and nine touchdowns, while catching 15 passes for 119 yards (7.9) and a touchdown. Senior Brad Wiegand chipped in with 186 yards (5.2) and a score.

Slesk had a wealth of receivers to throw to in 2004. Senior tight end Mac Van Diest was a huge mismatch problem for opposing defenses. He caught 42 passes for 549 yards (13.1) and 12 touchdowns. He was named All-League 1st Team, and was appropriately named All-State 1st Team. Senior Matt Karuza had a huge, breakout season for Meridian. He caught a team-high 52 passes for 682 yards (13.1) and four touchdowns. He was also named All-League 1st Team, and was an All-State 2nd Team pick. Senior Matt Hagen was named All-League 2nd Team, with 35 catches for 559 yards (16.0) and four touchdowns, while junior Josh Keough was the big-play threat with 26 receptions for 558 yards (21.5) and six touchdowns.

As mentioned earlier, the offensive line was completely rebuilt, and they did they rebuilding around a great pair of seniors. Bryan Cronk was the rock of the o-line, and was named All-League 1st Team. John Guthridge was another that had a great season, and was named All-League 2nd Team.

The defense… well, it was your standard Meridian defense, it was awesome, tossing three shutouts. Van Diest led the charge, and was named All-League 1st Team on the line. He was joined up front by Cronk, who was named All-League 2nd Team, as well as an up and coming sophomore, Chris Appel, who was also an All-League 2nd Team selection. Culp was the main man in the middle, and was an All-League 1st Team selection at linebacker. He was joined by Guthridge who got the nod as an All-League 2nd Teamer. The defensive backfield was loaded. Slesk and Karuza were each named All-League 1st Team, and Hagen was an All-League 2nd Team pick.

Karuza did it all in the kicking game, being named All-League 1st team at both kicker and punter. He booted 36 extra points and one field goal, and he also averaged 36.4 yards per punt. Culp returned the kickoffs and Hagen was the punt returner.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

RECORD: 7-5  –  COACH: Bob Ames

 LEAGUE: 4-2 (2nd Place in the 1A NWC)

 CLASSIFICATION: 1A – PLAYOFFS: Lost in 1st Round

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 32.3 – Allowed: 22.5 – Differential: +9.8

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Burlington-Edison 42, Meridian 28

Week 2: Lakewood 27, Meridian 12

Week 3: Meridian 2, Tri Cities Prep 0 (Forfeit win)

Week 4: Meridian 41, Sehome 36

Week 5: Meridian 32, Friday Harbor 0

Week 6: Meridian 60, Nooksack Valley 28

Week 7: Blaine 24, Meridian 21

Week 8: Meridian 45, Lynden Christian 14

Week 9: Mount Baker 24, Meridian 17

State Plain-in Game: Meridian 49, Charles Wright 0

State 1st Round Game: Cashmere 41, Meridian 22

The 2013 season for the Trojans was an interesting one. It boasted what could have been the best tandem of a lineman and skill player on the same team, an early season forfeit win, crushing league losses and a typical state tournament appearance.

First year varsity quarterback, junior Tanner Tutterow put up some good numbers, completing 124 passes for 1639 yards and 11 touchdowns, while running for two more scores. He was joined in the backfield by one of the most electric players in school history. Senior Letrez Jones had a monster year, shattering numerous Trojan records. He carried the ball 199 times for 1960 yards (9.8 average) and 30 touchdowns. He was a threat to score every time he touched the ball, and he also caught 24 passes for 369 yards and five touchdowns. He was named All-League 1st Team as well as All-State 2nd Team. Senior Bryce Garcia also had a nice season, rushing for 675 yards (6.3) and six scores.

Senior wide receiver Sam Chambers led the team in receiving with 35 catches for 611 yards (17.5) and three touchdowns, and was named All-League 1st Team. On the other side, senior receiver Jacob Plagerman caught 33 passes for 398 yards (12.1) and three scores.

The offensive line was anchored by one of the best lineman in Whatcom County history, senior Spencer Blackburn. Although he was 6-foot-4 and weighed 265 pounds, he could run like he was a 6-0 185-pounder, which is coincidentally what the roster sheet listed him at. Kidding aside, Blackburn was a beast, and the four-year starter was named All-League 1st Team for the third year in a row. He was also named All-State 1st team. He was joined up front by fellow seniors Tucker Garcia, Jacob Dennis and Kaleb Heezen, and junior Blake Carson. The Trojans ran for over 3000 yards, averaging over seven yards per carry, and had 39 rushing touchdowns.

Blackburn led the defensive front, and was named All-League 1st team for the third year in a row, and was also named All-State 1st Team. Tucker Garcia and Carson joined Blackburn up front, and were each named All-League 1st Team. Heezen was an extremely hard hitter and was named All-League 1st Team from his linebacker position. Jones was a dynamic player in the secondary and was named All-League 1st Team and All-State 2nd Team, while Plagerman led the team with three interceptions.

Senior Yoel Ortiz kicked 20 extra points and sophomore Alan Eyoub booted 11 of them. Junior Cody Bachman shared the punting duties with Jones, together averaging almost 31 yards per punt. Jones returned kickoffs while Chambers was the punt returner.

RECORD: 7-4  –  COACH: Bob Ames

 LEAGUE: 6-2 (T-1st Place in the WCL)

 CLASSIFICATION: 2A – PLAYOFFS: Lost Play-in Game

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 27.6 – Allowed: 16.9 – Differential: +10.7

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Meridian 28, Mount Baker 20

Week 2: Bellingham 26, Meridian 20

Week 3: Lynden Christian 21, Meridian 7

Week 4: Meridian 19, Blaine 8

Week 5: Meridian 38, Nooksack Valley 0

Week 6: Mount Baker 28, Meridian 19

Week 7: Meridian 33, Colville 28

Week 8: Meridian 42, Lynden Christian 14

Week 9: Meridian 36, Blaine 7

Week 10: Meridian 41, Nooksack Valley 6

State Play-in Game: King’s 28, Meridian 21

2005 was the last season the Trojans played in the 2A ranks, and they still tied for the league title. It was a typical Meridian team with master play-calling on offense, getting the ball to it’s best players and a swarming defense.

Junior quarterback Tyler Slesk had a very “Slesk-like” season under center completing 183-of-318 passes for 2653 yards and 30 touchdowns, and he was named All-League 1st Team. Senior running back Tyler Culp was the team’s workhorse, carrying the call 155 times for 819 yards (5.3 average) and six touchdowns. He was also named All-League 1st Team.

Senior wide receiver Josh Keough put up one of the best seasons in Whatcom County history catching 67 passes for 1148 yards (17.1) and 12 touchdowns. He was nearly unstoppable, and was named All-League 1st Team, Whatcom County League Offensive Player of the Year and All-State 1st Team. Sophomore Sean Hurlbut caught 27 passes for 272 yards (10.1) and three scores while junior Bryan Black showed his amazing athleticism with 23 catches for 541 yards (23.5) and eight touchdowns in only five games. Hurlbut was named All-League 2nd Team. As usual, the Trojans spread the wealth in the passing game. Senior T.J. Norris caught 20 passes, and senior Taylor Garcia hauled in 19.

Senior linemen Eric Hoyt and Bryant Michaelson led the push at the line of scrimmage, and each were rewarded by being named All-League 2nd Team. Meridian averaged 4.1 yards per carry and scored 12 rushing touchdowns.

Juniors Chris Appel and Cody Reinke led the defensive unit up front, Appel was named All-League 1st Team, and Reinke was All-League 2nd Team. Culp named All-League 1st Team for the second straight year at linebacker and junior Luke Scott intercepted a pass and brought it back 39 yards for a score against Nooksack Valley and was named All-League 2nd Team at linebacker. Keough’s talents didn’t only happen on the offensive side of the ball, he intercepted six passes (three in the opening game against Mount Baker) and was named All-League 1st Team at defensive back. Fellow senior Jesse Trefethen had four picks, returned one for a touchdown and was an All-League 2nd Team choice in the secondary.

Sophomore Andrei Lintz handled the kicking duties, hitting 15 extra points. He also averaged 34.2 yards per punt, and was named All-League 1st Team punter. Culp and Hurlbut returned kickoffs while Keough handled the punt returns.