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closeMeridian coach Bob Ames likes to point out that any success the Trojans have found on the football field over the years is usually the product of smoke and mirrors.
But every year it seems that somehow a team dubbed too small to compete finds another way to sneak its way to nine or 10 wins and a spot in the playoffs.
The Trojans, it seems, are magicians of the highest order, on par with the greats like Harry Houdini and David Blaine. Once again, at least according to Ames, Meridian will have to pull a rabbit out its hat if it’s going to win this season.
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Sept. 5, Squalicum, 7 p.m.
Sept. 13, Friday Harbor, 2 p.m.
Sept. 19, at Orting, 7 p.m.
Sept. 26, at Lynden Christian, 7 p.m.
Oct. 4, Freeman, Ore. (at Ellensburg), 1 p.m.
Oct. 10, at Nooksack Valley, 7 p.m.
Oct. 17, Lynden Christian*, 7 p.m.
Oct. 25, at Friday Harbor*, noon
Oct. 30, Nooksack Valley*, 7 p.m.
*Northwest District 1A game
“We’re everybody’s prom date,” Ames said. “We’re the team people want for their homecoming game. Every team has their problems, but we’ve got ours in spades.”
While Ames can rarely be taken seriously when talking about his team’s prospects for the season, the Trojans did lose a lot to gradua-tion. Gone to play at the college level are standouts Andrei Lintz and Sean Hurlbut.
Also gone are a host of seniors and much of Merid-ian’s size on the lines.
“We have eight seniors, five juniors, and the rest are sophomores and freshmen,” Ames said. “But our sophomores are a hard-working bunch.”
Still, it seems that no matter how much Meridian loses, the Trojans rarely find themselves in a rebuilding phase and this year will be no exception. Starting quarterback Max Crook returns and taking over as the primary running back is Bodean Norris.
Both proved capable last season and could be poised for breakout seasons. Ryder Chance returns at wide receiver and should provide good leadership as he enters his fourth year in the program.
“We’ll see how we do,” Ames said.
Big Game
At Lynden Christian
Friday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m.
This game is sandwiched between a couple of long road trips for the Trojans and Lynden Christian is always a tough place to play.
Three Players to Watch
Max Crook, Sr., QB
Crook waited his time to become a starter and didn’t disappoint last season. He finished with nearly 1,300 yards and 14 touchdowns. Like any quarterback he could probably cut down on the interceptions, but he’s in a passing system.
Bodean Norris, Jr., RB/LB
Norris didn’t get a lot of work last season playing behind Sean Hurlbut, but he showed plenty of potential when he got the ball, aver-aging nearly six yards per carry. Another thing, three of his eight catches last year went for touchdowns.
Ryder Chance, Sr., WR/K
It really only seems like Chance has been kicking at Meridian forever. Chance converted 36 extra points last season and also showed some skill as a receiver. He’s a good athlete who always finds ways to contribute.
Three Keys
1. Replace Sean Hurlbut’s production
It might take five people, but Meridian needs to find a way to replace the 30 touchdowns Hurlbut scored last season. They don’t have to duplicate it exactly, but might need to come close.
2. Find another big defensive presence
The Trojans had the luxury of a having an NCAA Division I player on their defense last season in Andrei Lintz. Somebody else will have step and make the big plays now.
3. Stick to the system
Meridian always seems to find a way to win and to have that kind of success a good system has to be in place. The Trojans will have to stick to their plan.
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