LYNDEN HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS INFORMATION

November 28th, 2008              Advisor: Mr. Blake Van Dalen

Editor: Adam Lewis

Statistician: Ryan Seto

 Lions Trying To Avenge Week 1 Loss

The Lynden Lions (10-2 Overall) face the Archbishop Murphy Wildcats for the second time this year Saturday at 10:00 a.m. in the Tacoma Dome.  The Lions are looking to avenge a 26-15 loss to Archbishop Murphy from early in the season where the Lions played poorly and turned the ball over.  ATM has rarely been challenged the entire year as they head into Saturday’s game with a 12-0 record.  The Wildcats have not lost a game in over 2 years, and the Lions will need to be playing their best to knock off this state powerhouse.

Game Capsule: Saturday’s game will feature two dynamic offenses that feature some of the best playmakers in the state of Washington.  The Lions have big-time players all over the field on offense, and the Wildcats feature a big tight end/linebacker in the form of senior J.J. Quinland.  Lynden Sr. (RB) David Gaylord is coming off 157 yards rushing and a touchdown in terrible weather last Friday night.  In addition, Lions play-caller Jr. (QB) Jordan Hastings is 143 for 253 for 21 TD’s and 1,768 yards on the season.  Look for Hastings to be heading the Lions offense Saturday morning.

What’s At Stake: The winner of Saturday’s game will advance to the state championship a week from Saturday.  Archbishop may have a slight edge in motivation after being unfairly eliminated from the playoffs by the WIAA last year after the death of legendary head coach Terry Ennis.  However, it’s no secret that the Lions will be playing inspired football in an effort to capture one of the bigger wins in the history of their football program.

What to Expect: All signs point to a game that will go right down to the wire.  The Lions and Wildcats each feature explosive offenses that are anchored by impressive defenses.  The Wildcats enjoy an easy conference schedule and may be surprised at Lynden’s high level of play this late in the season.  For the Lions, they will need to lean on the strength of Sr. running back David Gaylord early before opening up the passing game and utilizing talented wide receivers like Jr. (WR) Blair Bomber and Jr. (WR) Ryan Seto.  The Lynden vs. Archbishop Murphy game will be well-worth making the two and a half hour drive to Tacoma.

Notes: All Lions are healthy and poised to take on one of the best teams in the state.  Also, apologies for the relatively short preview this week as the lyndenfootball.com staff had to write and print the newsletter within the confines of shortened periods because of Thanksgiving break.