RECORD: 8-2  –  COACH: Ron Lepper

 LEAGUE: 7-1 (2nd Place in the NCC)

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

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 32.9 – Allowed: 12.0 – Differential: +20.9

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Mount Baker 14, Blaine 7

Week 2: Mount Baker 48, Granite Falls 12

Week 3: Mount Baker 28, Lynden Christian 15

Week 4: Mount Baker 64, King’s 3

Week 5: Mount Baker 13, Lakewood 7

Week 6: Mount Baker 34, Chimacum 0

Week 7: Meridian 41, Mount Baker 28

Week 8: Mount Baker 40, Nooksack Valley 0

Week 9: Mount Baker 38, Sultan 7

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

RECORD: 7-2  –  COACH: Stu Gorski

 LEAGUE: 7-2 (2nd Place in the WCL)

 CLASSIFICATION: A – PLAYOFFS: None

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 22.8 – Allowed: 9.7 – Differential: +13.1

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Mount Baker 47, Lynden 0

Week 2: Mount Baker 17, Nooksack Valley 0

Week 3: Mount Baker 14, Blaine 0

Week 4: Mount Baker 15, Lynden Christian 13

Week 5: Meridian 13, Mount Baker 0

Week 6: Mount Baker 38, Lynden 21

Week 7: Mount Baker 47, Nooksack Valley 0

Week 8: Blaine 34, Mount Baker 14

Week 9: Mount Baker 13, Lynden Christian 6

The Mountaineers had a few things going for them in 1983. They had a great pair of running backs. They had an outstanding defense. And, they only had to play Meridian once. However, it still wasn’t enough to get into the playoffs.

The offense was led by junior quarterback, Tim Knebel. It was his first year as the starting quarterback, and he had a great one. He completed 53 passes for 569 yards and nine touchdowns. He also ran for 173 yards, three touchdowns, and was named All-League 2nd Team. He had a pair of halfbacks that put up almost identical numbers. Junior Leroy Harkness ran the ball for 699 yards (5.9 average) and four touchdowns. Senior Brett Engholm rushed for 695 yards (5.7) and six touchdowns. Both players were named All-League 2nd Team. Helping them gain big yards was senior fullback, Stacy Zudell. A converted offensive lineman, the 5-foot-9 215-pounder could really clear a path. He also ran for four touchdowns.

Putting the ball in the air seemed to be no problem for the Mounties, as they had a great pair of tall targets to toss to. Senior Eric Jacoby was the main one, catching 25 passes for 361 yards (14.4) and six touchdowns, and he was named All-League 1st Team. Senior Jeff Zollner complimented Jacoby well, hauling in 16 passes for 204 yards (12.8) and three scores. Engholm also caught 10 passes out of the backfield.

The offensive line was a good one. They plowed the way for almost 2000 yards rushing, in an era where offensive linemen were not allowed to use their hands in any way. It also started with junior center, Duane Zender. The 190-pounder was an All-League 1st Team pick. As was senior guard Doug Teshera (6-4 195) and senior tackle Mark Silves (also 6-4 195). Baker also got great play up front by the 225-pound senior tackle, Kim Villani, who was named All-League 2nd Team.

The defense shut out four opponents in nine games, and really made life difficult for the opposing offense. Jacoby spearheaded the attack from his defensive end position, and actually brought back two interceptions for touchdowns in the opening game against Lynden, and he was named All-League 1st Team. Senior Shannon Franks (5-11 185) manned the middle, and was named All-League 1st Team at linebacker. Silves and Zudell used their big bodies to create havoc in the interior line, and were each named All-League 2nd Team, while Knebel led the secondary and was also a pick for the All-League 2nd Team.

Mount Baker looked to freshman Warner Webb to handle the kicking duties, and he made 11 extra points. Knebel also made an extra point, and kicked a field goal.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

RECORD: 9-3  –  COACH: Ron Lepper

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

 CLASSIFICATION: 1A – PLAYOFFS: State Quarterfinalist

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 31.7 – Allowed: 16.4 – Differential: +15.3

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Sedro Woolley 35, Mount Baker 7

Week 2: Mount Baker 54, Oroville 6

Week 3: Mount Baker 42, Cascade (Leavenworth) 6

Week 4: Mount Baker 24, Nooksack Valley 14

Week 5: Mount Baker 33, Meridian 25

Week 6: Mount Baker 31, Lynden Christian 20

Week 7: Mount Baker 21, Nooksack Valley 11

Week 8: Meridian 10, Mount Baker 9

Week 9: Mount Baker 20, Lynden Christian 0

State Play-in Game: Mount Baker 70, Cedar Park Christian 13

State 1st Round Game: Mount Baker 41, Montesano 28

State Quarterfinals: Eatonville 29, Mount Baker 28

The 2014 Mountaineers were coming off of their first state championship game in school history, but still had a lot of talent returning.

Junior Mason Bass took over at quarterback following the opening game loss to the eventual 2A state-champions. He completed 27 passes for 473 yards, 10 touchdowns and just four interceptions. He was joined in the backfield by the League’s Most Valuable Player, senior, Liam Short. The bruising fullback carried the ball 217 times for 1530 yards (7.1 average) and 17 touchdowns, and he was an All-League 1st Team selection. Super sophomore Jed Schleimer continued the trend of Schleimer running backs (Joe, Jim and Jake). He ran for a sophomore team record 830 yards (7.1) and nine touchdowns. He also caught seven passes for 61 yards (8.7) and two scores. Senior wingback Zach Yurchuk added 512 yards and six touchdowns.

Senior wide receiver Ruvim Tikhonov was a big-play threat for the Mountaineers, catching a team-high 11 passes for 236 yards (21.5) and four touchdowns. 6-foot-5 senior tight end Carson Schmidt also had his share of big plays, basically every time he touched the ball! All four of his receptions went for a touchdown, and they totaled 95 yards. Senior Johnny Mata also caught six passes for 75 yards (12.5) and a score.

Juniors Chad Cohn and Paul Lebedev were the mainstays on the offensive line, each of them being named All-League 1st Team, Cohn for the second year in a row. Lebedev was also named All-State 2nd Team. The line also got consistent play from junior J.T. Keeney who made the ultimate sacrifice, switching from running back to guard. Baker totaled 3374 yards on the ground, and 40 touchdowns.

The defensive line started with Lebedev. From his defensive end spot he sacked the quarterback five times, and was named All-League 1st Team for the second year in a row. Junior linebacker Kolton Zender was all over the field from his middle linebacker spot, and was named All-League 1st Team. The secondary was led by Tikhonov and Mata who each made numerous plays while the ball was in the air. Tikhonov was named All-League 1st Team.

Senior Zane Smith proved to be a very valuable weapon for Mount Baker, kicking 44 extra points and five field goals. His 52-yard field goal against Oroville is the longest in Whatcom County history! Tikhonov and Yurchuk handled the kick returns, and Short scooped up an onside kick and returned it 56 yards for a touchdown against Nooksack Valley.

RECORD: 9-3  –  COACH: Ron Lepper

 LEAGUE: 6-2 (3rd Place in the NCC)

 CLASSIFICATION: 2A – PLAYOFFS: Lost in the Quarterfinals

Scoring Stats “Per Game”

Points: 30.8 – Allowed: 15.5 – Differential: +15.3

GAME BY GAME:

Week 1: Mount Baker 26, Eatonville 23

Week 2: Mount Baker 29, Blaine 20

Week 3: Mount Baker 71, Sultan 6

Week 4: Mount Baker 23, Nooksack Valley 13

Week 5: Meridian 21, Mount Baker 7

Week 6: Mount Baker 43, Granite Falls 12

Week 7: Lynden Christian 21, Mount Baker 18

Week 8: Mount Baker 42, South Whidbey 6

Week 9: Mount Baker 29, Lakewood 13

State Play-in Game: Mount Baker 21, Port Townsend 8

1st Round Playoff Game: Mount Baker 32, Washougal 8

State Quarterfinal Game: Orting 35, Mount Baker 28

The 1999 Mountaineers had one of the best graduating classes in school history. Even though they lost two league games, one of them being a two-touchdown loss to Meridian which beat every other team by at least five touchdowns, they had a strong playoff run.

Even though Baker had a strong senior class, they were led into battle by junior quarterback, Brent Cowden. The first-year starter completed 59 passes for 1077 yards, 16 touchdowns and only five interceptions. He also ran for two touchdowns and was named All-League Honorable Mention. Cowden enjoyed handing off to many different backs, but senior Jim Schleimer received the bulk of the carries. 226 of them, to be exact, gaining 1576 yards (7.0 average) and 23 touchdowns. Although he had a tremendous year, he feel just short of being named All-State, as he was the previous season. He was again named All-League 1st Team, and finished his amazing career as the school’s all-time leading rusher. He would hold that record for 12 years, until Levi Wigg broke it. Schleimer still holds the school record for most career carries (499), career rushing touchdowns (53) and career points scored (344). Joining Schleimer in the backfield was senior Wes Carson, who ran for 799 yards (5.3) and four touchdowns, and he was an All-League 2nd Team pick.

When moving the ball through the air, the Mountie passing attack looked for 5-foot-11 216-pound senior, Travis Galbraith. His athleticism allowed him to switch from guard to tight end, and he proved to be a valuable one, catching 22 passes for 403 yards (18.3) and eight touchdowns. He was also named All-League 1st Team at tight end, a position that would land Baker the All-League 1st Team selection in five of the previous six years. Junior wide receiver Joe Mattingley was a huge big-play threat, catching 12 passes for 393 yards (32.8) and six touchdowns, and he was named All-League Honorable Mention . His 189-yard receiving performance in the quarterfinals still stands as the schools single-game record. Although senior Mike Brennan only caught a pair of passes, his blocking helped him get recognized, and he was named All-League Honorable Mention at tight end. Sure-handed juniors Brian Smith and Stanley Macdonald each caught seven passes.

The offensive line was loaded with seniors from tackle to tackle. Known throughout the team as “Ike”, “Psycho”, “Krazy”, “K-Dog” and “Barney”, all five would be named as League All-Stars. Isaac Parham was as strong as they came at the high school level, at 6-foot-1 and 217 pounds the eventual state-champion wrestler plowed over the competition, and was named All-League 1st Team as well as All-State 1st Team. Jesse Morris was a tremendously athletic lineman, and was named All-League Honorable Mention. Center Kyle Lukes was another star-wrestler, and two-year starter on the line, and was named All-League 1st Team. Right guard Klinton Moa was undersized, but had unbelievable tenacity, and was named All-League 2nd Team. Byron Anderson, at 6-0 257, has superb strength at his right tackle position, and was named All-League Honorable Mention. They led the way for over 3000 yards rushing and 35 touchdowns on the ground.

The defense was led by Galbraith, who was named the League’s Defensive Player of the Year. From his defensive end spot he collected 71 tackles, 22 quarterbacks harassed, 16 tackles for loss, nine sacks, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. On the opposite side, Parham totaled 68 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 10 quarterbacks harassed, six sacks, six fumble recoveries and three forced fumbles. He was also named All-League 1st Team at defensive end. Rounding out the defensive line was Moa, and he had 83 tackles, five tackles for loss, four sacks, one fumble recovery, one forced fumble and was an All-League 2nd Team selection.

The linebackers were led by Schleimer and Morris, who were each named All-League 1st Team. Schleimer finished with 75 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, five passes broken up and three fumble recoveries, and Morris ended the season with a team-high 92 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles and two sacks. Carson, along with fellow senior Caleb Hansen, were each named All-League Honorable Mention at linebacker. Carson was huge with 14 tackles for loss, while Hansen was in on 80 tackles and nine tackles for loss.

Mattingley led the secondary with six interceptions and eight passes broken up, and he was named All-League 1st Team. Cowden intercepted a pair of passes, and sophomore Justin Brown broke up seven passes, forced two fumbles and he was named All-League Honorable Mention.

Junior Zach Marr handled the kicking duties, with 15 extra points, while the Baker backs combined for 18 two-point conversions. Morris averaged 32.7 yards per punt. Mattingley returned 12 kickoffs for 271 yards (22.6) while junior Dan Varner returned 19 punts for 164 yards (8.6).