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!
I miss you boys! What an exciting season it was!