Four turnovers too much for Lynden to overcome in 2A NWC loss to Sedro

The Lynden High School football team’s defense, which has been strong so far this season, faltered Friday, allowing 322 yards of total offense, as the third-ranked Lions lost a tough 2A Northwest Conference game 34-20 to Sedro-Woolley Friday.

After falling behind early 14-3, touchdowns from senior Cory Warner on the ground and junior Carson Bode through the air from quarterback Brock Heppner brought the Lions (2-2, 1-1 2A NWC) within four points at the half.

A long drive in the third quarter, featuring four straight connections from Heppner to Warner for 59 yards, got the Lions in field goal range, and pulled them within one, 21-20, but that’s as close as Lynden would get.

Sedro-Woolley responded with two quick touchdowns in the fourth quarter. The second was set up by an interception on the first play of a drive on the Lynden 17.

“Every time we had something go against us, we fought back. They just made more plays,” Lynden coach Blake Van Dalen said. “When you play a good team, one turnover might cost you the game, and we had four. We’ve got to protect the ball.”

Star of the game

Sedro-Woolley’s rushing game proved to be a two-headed monster for the Lynden defense. The Cubs frequently ran two-back sets, making it tough to tell who the ball was going to.

Seniors Bryson Bartlett and Davis Mihelich combined for 162 yards on the ground and 76 yards receiving. They also each had a touchdown on the ground and through the air.

Unsung hero

Despite the rushing onslaught, Cubs quarterback Carter Trammell threw for three touchdowns, quietly going 14 for 18 for 136 yards.

Turning point

With 4:48 left in the final quarter and the Lions in the red zone, Mihelich intercepted a Heppner pass and returned it 40 yards to midfield. The score held from that point on.

This story was originally published September 22, 2017 at 11:07 PM with the headline "Four turnovers too much for Lynden to overcome in 2A NWC loss to Sedro."