PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Lynden Lions

“Hopefully our defense will keep us in some games,” Lynden coach Curt Kramme said. “We do have four or five starters back on that side of the ball, and our four linebackers could be the best group that we have had in quite a while.”

Without too much hyperbole, it might not be a stretch to think Lyn-den could have one of the best line-backing corps in Class 2A. Anchored by three-year starter Taylor Creigh-ton and standout outside linebacker/defensive end David Gaylord, the Lions bring speed strength, and experience to the position.

Throw in a secondary led by Blair Bomber and a line built for speed, and it’s no wonder the Lions are excited. Offensively the Lions return just three starters, but Lynden will be fine on that side of the ball. Jordan Hastings steps in at quarterback and looked good in the spring. He’ll be handing the ball off to Gaylord and Brett Bajema and throwing to an inexperienced, but potentially tal-ented bunch. The offensive line will be young, but Gunner Groothuis is a returning all-conference player.

“There are probably 10 or 15 schools in the state right now that can honestly say they have a chance to win a state title,” Kramme said. “And we feel like we are one of those teams. That’s a good place to be. It speaks to how hard these guys have worked.”

Three players to watch

David Gaylord, Sr., RB/DE

Gaylord will be one of the most highly recruited players in the Northwest Conference this season. He’s already attracting attention from big schools, and at 6-foot-4, 230 pounds, he could turn even more heads by season end.

Gunnar Groothuis, Sr., OL/DL

Groothuis had an excellent season last year and was the only junior named all-conference offensive lineman on either the first of second team. He’s has good size and handles run and pass blocking equally well.

Bomber is the top returning re-ceiver on a team that likes to throw and someone who has a knack for making plays in big games. He’s also a relentless player on special teams.

Big Game

Vs. Burlington Edison

Thursday, Oct. 30, 7 p.m.

The Lions lost just two games to Class 2A opponents last season and one of those was to Burlington-Edison in overtime. This one closes the regular season.

Lynden Three keys

1. Win games with defense

Everybody has a pretty good idea what to expect from Lynden’s high-powered offense year-in and year-out, but the strength of this season’s Lions team will likely be its defense. They are loaded at the linebacker position and very good in the secon-dary. This is a group that should finish with a few shutouts.

2. Find a change-of-pace running back

The Lions know that David Gay-lord is going to be their bruising running back, what will be interest-ing to see is who fills in as the speed back when Gaylord’s not in. Right now Lynden’s looking at Brett Ba-jema, and he should prove very capable. Over the years it’s become an important role for keeping de-fenses off-balance.

3. Work through the growing pains

With junior Jordan Hastings play-ing quarterback this season for the first time at the varsity level there is sure to be a learning curve. The Lions will have to carry on as best they can while that happens. Lynden is excited about Hastings’ potential after a great junior varsity season and spring practices. He should do just fine.

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