Lyncs only remaining undefeated team

The Northwest Conference pecking order will begin sorting itself out in the coming weeks, and already we’ve gained a good idea of who the league’s most talented teams are.

Lynden Christian has shown it might be the team to beat. The Lyncs are undefeated and edged Squalicum in an early season league overtime game, which has to be the game of the year so far.

1. Lynden Christian (previous rank: 4): The Lyncs are the only remaining Northwest Conference team with a perfect record, and with Zach Roetcisoender and six other seniors, LC looks tough.

2. Squalicum (previous rank: 1): The Storm have an abundance of athleticism, but in the race for a league title, Squalicum took an early hit losing to Lynden Christian in OT.

3. Anacortes (previous rank: 3): There is no big name or go-to player on the Seahawks, but they play great defense and are off to a strong start in league play.

4. Lynden (previous rank: 2): The young, talented Lions didn’t look too well during their loss to Anacortes, but expect Lynden to improve as the season moves along.

5. Ferndale (previous rank: 7): The Golden Eagles have five losses, but all but one was to a quality opponent. Ferndale has the talent to hang with anyone in the NWC.

6. Mount Baker (previous rank: 9): With Timothy Soares, Grant Balvanz and TJ Bass and a strong supporting cast, the Mountaineers are a formidable Class 1A team.

7. Nooksack Valley (previous rank: 10): Add the Pioneers into the mix of Northwest Conference small-school talents, and the 1A race should be very intriguing.

8. Sehome (previous rank: 8): If the Mariners’ younger players can get up to speed, Sehome has the chance to make a second-half run at a district berth.

9. Blaine (previous rank: 12): The Borderites won in overtime on the road against Sedro-Woolley but will have a more difficult time next week playing Lynden and Anacortes.

10. Burlington-Edison (previous rank: 6): The Tigers have lost six of their last seven games and face Lynden Christian and Mount Baker next.

11. Sedro-Woolley (previous rank: 11): Cubs just aren’t the same without Jackson Price, but Sedro-Woolley still shouldn’t be taken lightly.

12. Meridian (previous rank: 13): The schedule doesn’t get any easier for the Trojans next week when they host Squalicum and travel to play Lynden Christian.

13. Bellingham (previous rank: 5): The Red Raiders are reeling with injuries to key players such as Kyle Hofstetter and have lost nine straight since starting 3-1.

This story was originally published January 9, 2016 at 6:37 PM with the headline "Lyncs only remaining undefeated team."