Inspired Meridian too much for Nooksack Valley
The Meridian football team played for redemption.
After losing by 21 points at Mount Baker a week earlier, the Trojans were hungry for a win. After their 42–6 handling of Nooksack Valley, Meridian players allowed themselves some satisfaction.
“We knew we needed to come out strong after the game last week,” senior quarterback Marcus McGuinn said. “We couldn’t just roll over.”
Meridian (5-4, 4-2 NWC 1A) came out punching, scoring three touchdowns in the first quarter, while holding the Pioneers scoreless.
Nooksack Valley (0-9, 0-6) struggled to get any offense going early, struggling to get first downs during their first few drives.
But the Pioneers came out aggressive in the second quarter, refusing to go quietly. Sophomore quarterback Casey Bauman gave Nooksack’s sideline a reason to cheer, throwing an 85-yard bomb to junior wide receiver Michael O’Bryan.
Nooksack Valley attempted a two-point conversion but was stuffed by a ferocious Meridian defense. Then Pioneers head coach Robb Myhre got tricky, gambling on an onside kick.
Nooksack managed to recover the ball deep inside Meridian territory, and it seemed the momentum was swinging toward Nooksack Valley.
But it was not to be. Meridian’s defense forced a four-and-out, and on the ensuing drive, the Trojans marched down the field and scored off a McGuinn pass to junior Andrew Logan to end the half.
Deflated, Nooksack Valley never managed to get back into the game, going scoreless in the second half.
Meridian’s defense was impressive, aggressive and resilient throughout the night. Nearly every time the Pioneers began to gain momentum, the Trojans came up with a big defensive play to stop the drive.
Key in this was the pass rush — Meridian’s defense came away with seven sacks.
“We had a good pass rush,” Trojan head coach Bob Ames said. “And we watched a lot of film to prepare.”
That preparation paid off on the offensive end too. McGuinn had a stellar evening with four touchdowns and 288 yards through the air and another TD and 106 yards with his legs.
“He (McGuinn) had a great night tonight,” Ames said. “It’s nice to watch him step up.”
Meridian next plays on Friday, Nov. 6, at Cedar Park Christian in the Class 1A Northwest District playoffs, while, Nooksack Valley plays on the same date at South Whidbey in a crossover game.
Nooksack Valley | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | — | 6 |
Meridian | 21 | 7 | 14 | 0 | — | 42 |
First quarter
MER — Marcus McGuinn 55-yard run (Alan Eyoub kick)
MER — Marcus McGuinn throws 35 yards to Daniel Young (Alan Eyoub kick)
MER – Tony Schliemer 5-yard run (Alan Eyoub kick)
Second quarter
NOOK — Casey Bauman throws 85 yards to Michael O’Bryan (2-pt try no good)
MER — Marcus McGuinn throws 4 yards to Andrew Logan (Alan Eyoub kick)
Third quarter
MER — Marcus McGuinn throws 13 yards to Nikolas Dritsas (Alan Eyoub kick)
MER — Marcus McGuinn throws 55 yards to Nikolas Dritsas (Alan Eyoub kick)
Nook | Mer | |
First downs | 8 | 22 |
Rushing Att-yards | 9-1 | 33-247 |
Comp-Att-Int | 10-27-0 | 15-23-1 |
Passing yards | 209 | 288 |
Penalties-yards | 4-20 | 5-55 |
Fumbles-lost | 0-0 | 1-0 |
Individual leaders
RUSHING — Nooksack: Casey Bauman 6-0, Tre Silva 1- (-5), Joe McNeely 2-6. Meridian: Marcus McGuinn 9-106, Nikolas Dritsas 11-61, Tony Schliemer 7-41, Alan Eyoub 1-6, Dakota Jones 3-10, Bryce VandenHaak 1-6, Dawson Logan 1-17.
PASSING — Nooksack: Casey Bauman 7-19-0-136, Joe McNeely 3-8-73. Meridian: Marcus McGuinn 15-23-1-288.
RECEIVING — Nooksack: Michael Jackson 4-23, Michael O’Bryan 4-123, Tre Silva 1-3, Austin O’Bryan 1-60. Meridian: Daniel Young 6-97, Nikolas Dritsas 6-141, Andrew Logan 1-20, Dawson Phillips 1-15, TJ Dykstra 1-15.
This story was originally published October 30, 2015 at 11:16 PM with the headline "Inspired Meridian too much for Nooksack Valley."