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Lions Comeback Falls Short
Lynden 30 (10-3)
Prosser 47 (13-0)
The
Lynden Lions (10-3) failed to make a triumphant return to the 2a
state finals for the second straight year after suffering a 17 point
defeat at the hands of the Prosser Mustangs (13-0). Prosser held
the lead the entire game, but the Lions were able to make things
interesting in the final period by mounting a thrilling comeback to
pull within three points. However, Lynden’s hopes of a state titled
were buried as Prosser conducted a long scoring drive highlighted by
multiple third down conversions. Some Prosser and Lynden players
had big days on both sides of the ball making this state semifinal
game one of the most exciting in recent memory. Lynden will look to
again reload next year as this exciting season has finally come to a
close.
GameRecap:
The start to Friday’s game
against the Mustangs was not how head coach Curt Kramme or fans who
made the two and a half hour trip South had envisioned it as the
high powered Prosser offense quickly jumped out to a 19-7 lead in
the first quarter. Mustang quarterback Jordan Durbin
converted a third and long into a 34 yard touchdown run on the first
drive while their next two possessions were highlighted by a 59 yard
touchdown pass to junior wide receiver Kirby Moore and an
impressive 14 yard touchdown run by Drake Washington. The
Lions continued to trail in the first half as they went into the
locker room down 25 to 14.
Late in the third quarter something within the complex Lynden spread
offense must have clicked. Down 33 to 14 late in the third quarter,
hopes of a Lion state championship were growing increasingly bleak
as Prosser had added a touchdown and two point conversion early in
the second half. That is when Sr. (WR/DB) Adam Delange
hauled in a spectacular 16 yard touchdown reception over Prosser’s
Cody Bruns. The Lions went for 2 and got it on a 3 yard pass
from Sr. (QB/DB) Tate Dallas to Sr. (WR/DB) Ryan Gaylord
that we have gotten so accustomed to seeing over the course of
this season. The Lions then scored their next possession on a 1
yard run by Jr. (RB/DE) David Gaylord and again converted on
the two point conversion to cut the lead to three and energize a
rowdy Lion’s student section. Prosser was able to thrash the hopes
of a Lynden comeback as they orchestrated a time consuming 13-play,
86-yard drive to give the Mustangs a 10 point lead and essentially
seal a victory.
While the Lion’s players fought valiantly through four quarters a
couple players were able to put up some big numbers in their final
game of the season. Tate Dallas did not have his best day
throwing the football as he was picked off by a talented Prosser
defense three times. However, he did amass 115 yards rushing and
two passing touchdowns while leading a Lion’s comeback. Dallas
had a huge year while leading the Northwest Conference in nearly
every passing statistic after coming off a season ending injury last
season. Junior workhorse David Gaylord again had a big day
as he racked up two rushing scores inside the Mustang red zone.
Lynden’s high powered offense was consistently led by the likes of
Sr. (WR/DB) Brady Bomber and Sr. (WR/DB) Ryan Gaylord
who each had multiple catches against one of the best secondaries in
the state.
Season Wrap-Up
The lyndenfootball.com
staff would like to send out a thank you to the devoted readers of
our webpage and newsletter. It was a great deal of fun covering a
Lions team that far exceeded many expectations. We will back next
season to bring you the best coverage of Lynden football in Whatcom
County.
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