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closeBellingham’s trip to the state playoffs last season might have started with some controversy, but after winning its opening round game against Mark Morris the Red Raiders certainly proved they belonged as one of the top teams in the state.
Bellingham’s mission this season will be building on that success. It’s a task the Red Raiders feel they will be up to.
“Any time you take over a program the goal is always to get better,” Bellingham coach Doug Trainor said. “That’s always been my goal. Last year was a great stepping stone for this season. Our expectation now is to do well in the playoffs, not just get to the playoffs.”
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Sept. 5, Ferndale (at Civic Stadium), 7 p.m.
Sept. 12, Mount Baker (at Civic Stadium)*, 7 p.m.
Sept. 19, at Lynden*, 7 p.m.
Sept. 25, Burlington-Edison (at Civic Stadium)*, 7 p.m.
Oct. 3, at Mount Vernon, 7 p.m.
Oct. 11, Anacortes (at Civic Stadium)*, 7 p.m.
Oct. 17, Sehome (at Civic Stadium)*, 7 p.m.
Oct. 24, at Squalicum (at Civic Stadium)*, 7 p.m.
Oct. 30, at Blaine*, 7 p.m.
*NWC 2A game
Whether a football culture can be changed in three seasons is hard to say, but Trainor certainly has the Red Raiders headed in the right direction. Bellingham has many of the pieces in place to make another push toward the postseason.
Much like last season, the Red Raiders’ offense will likely start with Jeremy Rick. He’s switching to quarterback this year as part of Bellingham’s move to a run-heavy shotgun look, but Rick remains one of the most gifted runners in the Northwest Conference. Joining him in the backfield will be the speedy Mike Gonzalez and the bruising Reid Chivers. The trio’s versatility will challenge even the best defenses in the league.
Though Trainor is confident this group has enough talent to be one of the better teams in the NWC, he also knows a lot of subtle and not so subtle changes have been made this offseason and it might take some time for the Red Raiders to reach their potential.
Three Players to Watch
Jeremy Rick, Sr., QB/DB
Rick should be the focus of Bellingham’s offensive attack this year after turning in a remarkable season in 2007. As a first team all-conference running back he ran for nearly 1,200 yards.
Max Nelson, Sr., TE/DE
Nelson didn’t put up spectacular numbers last season, but he was consistent. He grabbed 16 passes for 176 yards and two touch-downs. He brings size and skill to the position.
Walter Hathaway, Jr., DL/OL
Hathaway could be a special player for Bellingham. He’s a good athlete with good size and loads of potential. He was a stopper on the defensive line last season.
Big Game
At Lynden High School
Friday, Sept. 19, 7 p.m.
Bellingham nearly pulled off an upset over Lynden last season by controlling the ball. No doubt neither team has forgotten about that game.
Three Keys to Success
1. Keep running the ball
Bellingham was at its best last season when it was running the ball effectively, and that usually meant it was in Jeremy Rick’s hands. The Red Raiders are switching things up a little bit this season and putting Rick at quarterback in a run-first shotgun look to get him the ball as often as possible. He could have a huge season.
2. Develop a complimentary passing game
The Red Raiders know they will be able to run the ball, but rare is the team that can have great success with a one-dimensional of-fense. Bellingham has to find a way to complete a few passes a game in key situations so its opponents aren’t playing run all of the time. The Red Raiders think Rick looked good enough at quarterback to make it happen.
3. Take the next step
When Bellingham reached the state tournament last season it marked a change in attitude and expectations for the Red Raiders. This season Bellingham wants to build on that success and not only get back, but also make a deep run. Reaching state two years in a row would put them in the top tier of teams in the NWC, a place they want to be.
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