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closeFERNDALE AT BELLINGHAM
Time: 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5
Site: Civic Stadium
Golden Eagles update: It’s been quite some time since the defending Northwest Conference champions have lost a conference game and Ferndale doesn’t want to start now. The Golden Eagles are loaded, returning nine starters on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, and quarterback Casey Locker is entering his third year as a starting quarterback. That doesn’t mean the Golden Eagles aren’t without some question marks, though. Beyond Orin Paul there is some inexperience at linebacker, and Ferndale isn’t quite as big along the lines as they have been in the past. Coaches around the conference have also had another year to analyze some the tweaks coach Jamie Plenkovich has made to that Wing-T offense and come up with counter measures. Of course, the Golden Eagles are so talented it might not matter.
Red Raiders update: Bellingham wants to make a statement at the start of the season and there’s no better way to send a few ripples around the conference and the state than to knock off Ferndale. Sure it’s a non-classification game, but when it’s the Golden Eagles on the other side of the field it always has a little more meaning. The Red Raiders made a few changes this offseason, the biggest of which was moving last season’s top running back Jeremy Rick to quarterback. He’s been nursing a leg injury and just how much he plays in the opener will be hard to say, but when he’s healthy he’s one of the most electrifying runners in the conference. By all accounts Rick is also developing as a passer, something Bellingham will need from time to time to be successful.
Players to watch: Casey Locker, Ferndale, Sr., Quarterback; Jeremy Rick, Bellingham, Sr. Quarterback
Key to the game: Both of these offenses have the potential to score in bunches; limiting the big plays will be a key for the winner.
SQUALICUM AT MERIDIAN
Time: 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5
Site: Meridian High School
Storm update: Squalicum wants to be a more balanced team on offense this season, and for the run-happy Storm that means passing the ball more often. That has to be good news to quarterback Zach Victor, who spent much of last year pivoting to hand-off rather than dropping back to pass. He’ll have a good group to throw to led by Paul Smith and converted running back Brandon Sanford. Even with a good group of receivers coming back, fans of the Storm’s ground game shouldn’t worry. Squalicum still has a stout offensive line and has plans to grind things out on the ground if need be.
Trojans update: The old cliché about the team that never needs to rebuild but simply reloads always seems to ring true for Meridian. The Trojans lost a bundle of talented players from last season’s group that reached the Class 1A state quarterfinals, but shouldn’t be counted out. Quarterback Max Crook returns after successfully running the Trojans high-powered offense to the tune of 1,296 passing yards and 14 touchdowns. He’ll be handing off primarily to BoDean Norris, a hard-working back with good burst. Norris has a chance to have a big season.
Player to watch: BoDean Norris, Meridian, Jr., Running back
Key to the game: This one could be a high-scoring affair, the secondary’s of both team will be tested.
NOOKSACK VALLEY AT MOUNT BAKER
Time: 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5
Site: Mount Baker High School
Pioneers update: Pioneers coach Robb Myhre said during the preseason that this will be running back Nick deGrasse’s season to shine and there’s no better time than the first game. The junior is a very good athlete, and Nooksack Valley’s new-look shotgun offense could be just the thing needed to showcase his skills. He’ll have an experienced offensive line in front of him to open up the holes, and two quarterbacks in Wade Rediger and Tyler Perry, that the Pioneers have confidence in. Nooksack Valley is ready to put its 2-8 season behind them.
Mountaineers update: Mount Baker started last season with two straight losses and dropped four of its first five games. That can’t happen again and the Mountaineers think they have the right mix of players to make sure it doesn’t. The Mountaineers have a nice mix of running backs returning, including Chad Cain and David Kashubin. Gage Robinson, who played tight end last season, is also sliding into the backfield. He’s a bruiser in the same mold as Pete Galbraith and will be the power back Mount Baker needs. How they make it all work from a new shotgun look remains to be seen.
Player to watch: Gage Robinson, Mount Baker, Jr., Running back
Key to the game: Both teams are trying out some new things on offense so the team that makes the fewest mistakes will have the upper hand.
LYNDEN AT ARCHBISHOP MURPHY
Time: 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5
Site: Archbishop Murphy High School, Everett
Lions update: The Lions certainly didn’t schedule a cupcake for their season opener; in fact this could be the best high school game in the state on the first weekend. Lynden is coming off a season in which they reached the Class 2A state semifinals, but lost much of its offensive line, quarterback and leading receivers. The good news is that the defense should be more than capable of picking up any of the slack. If new quarterback Jordan Hastings can manage the game and limit his mistakes, the Lions will be in good shape.
Wildcats update: Archbishop Murphy had to deal with more than its fair share of drama and heartbreak last year and there’s no doubt the Wildcats have been looking forward to the start of the season for a long time. First legendary coach Terry Ennis passed away, and then a clerical error ended the Wildcats’ perfect season just as the state playoffs were set to begin. That said, ATM should be considered a state title contender this season. New coach Dave Ward, himself a veteran high school coach, will have them ready.
Player to watch: Jordan Hastings, Lynden, Jr., Quarterback
Key to the game: Lynden will need to establish its passing game. If that’s going well so is everything else.
SANDS (B.C.) AT BLAINE
Time: 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5
Site: Blaine High School
Scorpions update: The Scorpions, out of Delta, B.C., play at the AAA varsity level of the British Columbia High School Football Association. They struggled last season, going 0-7 during their regular season, but look to have some pretty decent size. Blaine coach Jay Dodd expects Sands to run the ball and show multiple looks on defense. That will be a test for Blaine. But to give you an idea of the level of competition in the B.C. league, last season New Westminster lost to Nooksack Valley 19-16, but went on to finish 5-1 in the division.
Borderites update: The Borderites are coming off a great season, but have some holes to fill. The offensive line is inexperienced and this game will be an important one for them to get comfortable with each other working as a unit. Blaine brings a balanced attack, but this could be a contest that the running backs shine in. Casey McCabe and Caleb Stathem are due for big games.
Player to watch: Casey McCabe, Blaine Sr., Running back
Key to the game: The biggest hurdle for Blaine could be getting over the first game jitters.
LYNDEN CHRISTIAN AT SEHOME
Time: 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6
Site: Civic Stadium
Lyncs update: Lynden Christian was hit hard by graduation along its offensive line this season, but looks strong at the skill positions. Senior running back Niels Brisbane will be a focus of the offense, at least early on. He and quarterback Daniel Ten Broek will have to carry the Lyncs in the first few games while the team weathers a few suspensions. Brisbane had a nose for the end zone last year, scoring 14 rushing touchdowns. He’s also a do-everything player on defense that will line-up on the defensive line, at linebacker or anywhere else Lynden Christian might need him. Ten Broek is a capable passer with a good arm.
Mariners update: Sehome has been able to hang with most of the teams in the conference over the past few seasons when it comes to scoring points, but its defense has been a weakness. The Mariners are hoping that changes this season. Sehome returns enough players on the defensive side of the ball that inexperience shouldn’t be a problem, now they have to get everybody on the same page. This first game will be a good test to see how far the Mariners have come.
Player to watch: Niels Brisbane, Lynden Christian, Sr., Running back
Key to the game: The Lyncs have an inexperienced offensive line, while Sehome brings back a veteran group. The winner of this game will control the offensive line.
LUMMI AT HIGHLAND CHRISTIAN
Time: 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5
Site: Highland Christian School, Arlington
Blackhawks update: Lummi’s high-powered offense took the Blackhawks back to the Class 1B state playoffs last season, but the team fell short of its title hopes when it was knocked out in the quarterfinals. Lummi brings back much of that team and should once again be considered a state title contender. Quarterback Dustin Tom will once again lead the team, and he’ll be surrounded by some outstanding players. The first game is a long road trip and should be a good test.
Knights update: Highland Christian reached the postseason last year, but fell to Lake Quinault in the qualifying round 38-34. That close score should tell you what kind of a team the Knights are. Lake Quinault played Lummi tough both times they met last season, and Highland Christian will be looking for a quality win to start the season against one of the favorites.
Player to watch: Dustin Tom, Lummi, Sr. Quarterback
Key to the game: Lummi needs to score early. That will quiet the Knights’ crowd and end any thoughts of an upset.
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