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closeA season ago Ferndale was facing the uncertainty of starting several young players without much varsity experience. There was even some talk that another Northwest Conference crown could be in doubt.
What a difference a year makes.
The Golden Eagles return nine starters on both sides of the ball from a team that went undefeated in conference play before eventu-ally losing to Franklin Pierce in the Class 3A state quarterfinals.
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Sept. 5, at Bellingham (at Civic Stadium), 7 p.m.
Sept. 12, Shorecrest, 7 p.m.
Sept. 19, at Blaine, 7 p.m.
Sept. 26, Lynden, 7 p.m.
Oct. 3, Squalicum, 7 p.m.
Oct. 10, at Everett, 7 p.m.
Oct. 17, at Sedro-Woolley*, 7 p.m.
Oct. 24, Stanwood, 7 p.m.
Oct. 30, Mount Vernon*, 7 p.m.
*NWC 3A game
Included in the mix of returners is conference most valuable player and three-year starter Casey Locker at quarterback and a back-field of Jordan Crim, Spencer Hannah and Max Hannah. Ferndale has the look of a team that once again will be a favorite in the NWC.
“We’re not looking down the road,” Ferndale coach Jamie Plenkovich said. “Our first game is our first challenge of the year and that’s all we’re focused on. When you start looking too far down the road you’re going to be disappointed.”
While peeking ahead can burn even the best teams, it’s hard to imagine Ferndale getting tripped up by a conference team this season. If the offense is struggling, the defense might be able to win games by itself. Arguably the best secondary in the conference returns, and senior Orin Paul anchors the linebackers.
“It’s certainly different than last year,” Plenkovich said. “Last year we were so young and had so few people returning that we were taking babysteps in the first few weeks of practice. Certainly with this group we can go a little faster.”
And maybe go all the way to another state championship.
Three Players to Watch
Casey Locker, Sr., QB/DB
Locker was named the Northwest Conference’s Most Valuable Player last season after rushing and throwing for more than 2,000 yards. He’s was also an all-NWC first-team pick on defense.
Max Hannah, Sr., DB/WR
Hannah emerged as a shifty option in Ferndale’s backfield last season, collecting 564 yards and five touchdowns. He’s also a danger-ous receiver with very good speed and hands.
Jordan Crim, Sr., RB/DB
When Crim had the ball he usually made the most of it, averaging eight yards per carry as something of a change-of-pace back for Ferndale. He brings good pop on defense as well.
Big Game
Vs. Mount Vernon
Thursday, Oct. 30 7 p.m.
It took overtime for the Golden Eagles to get past Mount Vernon last year. This game will have important postseason implications.
Three Keys
1. Don’t believe the hype
Once again Ferndale is going to be touted as not only one of the best teams in the Northwest Conference, but also one of the best 3A teams in the state. The accolades are well deserved, but the Golden Eagles might be best served to let it go in one ear and out the other.
2. Stay healthy
By now this has become a familiar key for Ferndale, but it’s always worth repeating. The Golden Eagles have enough returning talent to have a very memorable season, but even the deepest high school teams can’t afford to lose a standout player for an extended period of time.
3. Focus on defense
So much is written and said about Ferndale’s offense that sometimes the defense can get forgotten. The Golden Eagles feel winning starts on the defensive side of the ball, and with arguably the best secondary in the conference returning and a strong group of line-backers, they have a great base to work from.
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