QB Hermanutz leads 31 seniors on Lynden roster into Week 4 prep football action
Not long after Kaeden Hermanutz took over at quarterback for Lynden as a junior last season, coach Blake VanDalen made a most welcome discovery.
“Kaeden is extremely coachable, but it also often seemed that what he told me (on the sideline) about what he was seeing in games (even if it wasn’t expected for the game plan) was very accurate,” VanDalen said. “When we watched films, we realized he was right.”
Thus was forged a bond of trust between coach and quarterback. Even better, VanDalen quickly learned that there is no “I” in Kaeden Hermanutz’s game as well as his name.
“Kaeden knows that sometimes he’s got to make the play and sometimes he’s got to let someone else make the play,” VanDalen said.
For example, even though Hermanutz had taken almost all the snaps in Lynden’s first three state playoff wins last season, he realized that the situations against physical Tumwater in the Class 2A title game often called for a power runner at quarterback, such as 215-pound all-around football standout Cade Slayton.
Slayton, in a stunning development right out of a sports novel, scored all three touchdowns — the first of his career — in his last game for Lynden as the Lions claimed the title 21-7.
At 5-foot-10 and 170 pounds, Hermanutz is what his coach has learned to call “a great leader” as well as a scrambler and an accurate passer on both short and long patterns.
Hermanutz may not be much bigger as a senior, but he proved how well he can handle top-notch defenders as he led the Lions to an impressive 24-7 season-opening win. He scored on a 2-yard burst and threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Stanley, both in the second half.
Hermanutz has led Lynden to a 3-0 record heading into the Lions’ home opener against Sedro-Woolley (3-0) on Friday, Sept. 23. He guided the Lions past Chehalis W.F. West 33-7 and over Squalicum 41-13. He has run 32 times for 148 yards and four touchdowns and has completed 18 of 27 passes for 237 yards and two scores with no interceptions.
He quickly acknowledges that he is blessed to have his entire offensive line back, along with most of the backfield and receiving corps as well.
“I don’t think a quarterback could ask for anything more,” Hermanutz said.
Nor could he ask for better one-on-one coaching, he acknowledges. His quarterback coach is Brock Heppner, a 2020 Lynden graduate who was a standout all-around quarterback for the Lions.
“Growing up, Brock was 100% my idol. I went to all his games,” Hermanutz said of Heppner, who passed up a chance to play college football in order to begin his coaching career as soon as possible.
Ironically, Hermanutz also gets to work with 6-foot-6 sophomore quarterback prospect Brant Heppner, Brock’s brother.
“Brant really embraces tips. I would love playing some wide receiver,” Hermanutz said of VanDalen’s plans to alternate the two quarterbacks when the situation is right.
“Playing receiver will help me gain a lot of insight. I’m also happy to be playing defensive back,” Hermanutz said. “As long as I’m on the field, I’m happy.”
He is also a solid pitcher and may take advantage of his option to play college baseball while studying to become an engineer.
Hermanutz was impressive during the regular season last year, completing more than 50 percent of his passes — he averaged only about 13 attempts per game — for more than 900 yards.
Hermanutz made the first two playoff games a showcase as the Lions overwhelmed Fife 34-0 and Prosser 55-20. He completed 9 of 14 passes for 143 yards and no interceptions and ran 10 times for 71 yards against Fife, then went 8-for-11 for 194 yards and rushed 13 times for 84 yards against Prosser.
He shared time with Slayton in Lynden’s storm-plagued 15-10 semifinal win over North Kitsap.
In all, Hermanutz produced 24 touchdowns passing and rushing last season as Lynden finished 12-1, losing only to Class 3A playoff qualifier Ferndale in the second game. He passed for more than 1,250 yards.
VanDalen was impressed with how Hermanutz bounced back from some rough moments in his first game at quarterback last year, a 24-21 win over perennial state title contender Hockinson.
“I had three interceptions against Hockinson,” Hermanutz said. “It was a letdown personally, but Coach VanDalen reminded me I did a lot of good stuff,” he said.
Indeed, he came through with his first varsity touchdown run and pass while alternating with then-senior Max Moore. The talented Moore was injured in the second game, forcing Hermanutz into full-time duty.
Hermanutz can hardly believe his good fortune to have Dane Gatterman, Jesus Ortiz, Kuyper Assink, Bennett Roorda and Josiah VanderHaak — all at least 275 pounds — back on the line, along with top ground gainers Lane Heeringa and Campbell Nolte plus experienced receivers such as Stanley, Trey Smiley, Collin Anker and Kobe Baar.
All told, Hermanutz has grown up with one of Lynden’s most football-centered senior classes. There are 31 seniors on the roster at this 2A team — more seniors than at most 3A and 4A schools.
Week 4 games
Friday, Sept. 23
Burlington-Edison vs. Sehome at Civic Stadium, 7 p.m.
Nooksack Valley vs. Hoquiam at Olympic Stadium, 6 p.m.
Sedro-Woolley at Lynden, 7 p.m.
Squalicum at Archbishop Murphy, 7 p.m.
Cedar Park Christian at Lynden Christian, 7 p.m.
Friday Harbor at Meridian, 7 p.m.
King’s at Blaine, 7 p.m.
Bellingham at South Whidbey, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 24
Lynden Christian at Royal, 2 p.m.
Ferndale vs. Arlington at Blaine High School, 6 p.m.
