PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Lynden Christian Lyncs

“The thing we have to remember is that last year’s team by the end of the season was such a well-oiled machine that we got a little spoiled,” Lynden Christian coach Dan Kaemingk said. “We’re at a point now that we have several kids who are learning what they need to be doing and then get up to speed with it.”

Not that Lynden Christian is going to struggle all that much this year. In fact, the Lyncs should be in contention for another playoff run and could be the favorite to emerge as the top 1A school from the Northwest Conference. While the offensive line might be a con-cern — the Lyncs graduated all five starters — their core group of skill players rivals that of most teams in the conference regardless of classification.

Quarterback Daniel Ten Broek returns after throwing for more than 1,000 yards and he’ll have two good running backs in Niels Bris-bane and David Kooiman to hand off to. A solid group of receivers also returns. On defense, Brisbane and Kooiman form the nucleus of a strong unit.

“Our skill players are the spot that we really feel like we have the most experience,” Kaemingk said. “It’s an interesting team in that it’s almost actually the opposite of what we dealt with last year with so many linemen coming back.”

Kaemingk thinks it all adds up to a team that will be drastically different at the end of the season than it is at the beginning.

“I think when we go back at the end of the season and watch that tape from the first game we won’t even recognize ourselves,” Kaemingk said. “I know we’ll be much better by then.”

Three Players to Watch

David Kooiman, Sr., RB/DB

Kooiman shouldered much of the rushing load for the Lyncs last season, topping the 100-yard mark at least six times. He’s a big back who can move a pile and get the tough yards.

Niels Brisbane, Sr., RB/DE

Brisbane was a favorite around the goal line last season, collecting 14 rushing touchdowns to lead the Lyncs in scoring. He was also a terror on the defensive line.

Daniel Ten Broek, Jr., QB/LB

Ten Broek took over at starting quarterback early in the season last year and still passed for more than 1,000 yards. He’ll need to cut down on the interceptions this season, but he’s solid.

Big Game

At Meridian

Friday, Oct. 17, 7 p.m.

Simply put, Lynden Christian is getting tired of losing to Meridian. A win on the road would be that much sweeter and give them a leg up in the Class 1A race.

Three keys

1. Find a way to slow down the game

It’s easier said than done, but the Lyncs were hit hard by graduation along the offensive line and it’s going to take some time to get their new starting unit up to speed.

2. Keep learning

This one goes back to how young the linemen are going to be, but everyone on this team needs to keep learning. Mistakes will hap-pen, but if they happen too often it can derail a season.

3. Continue to improve at QB

Daniel Ten Broek added a different dimension to the Lyncs’ offense when he stepped in as a starter in the third week last season. Lynden Christian has the running back, but with Ten Broek they have a solid throwing arm as well.

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