LYNDEN HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS INFORMATION

November 25, 2009                   Advisor: Mr. Blake Van Dalen

Co-Editors: Ryan Seto and Lucas Jacob

Lions Hoping To Avenge Week 1 Loss

 The Lynden Lions (11-1) will face the Archbishop Murphy Wildcats (11-1) for the second time this year on Saturday at the Tacoma Dome.  The Lions are looking to avenge a 34-20 loss to the Wildcats, which occurred in week 1 at Qwest Field, and featured a fired up ATM squad and a lot of costly mistakes by the Lions. The Wildcats have continued their success losing only to 3A Eastside Catholic. They are also coming off a huge win against a great W.F. West team.  The Lions will have to play at their best if they want to knock off this state powerhouse, and make it to a second consecutive State Championship game.

 Game Capsule:  Saturday’s game will feature two of the most dynamic 2A offensive teams in the state.  The Wildcats feature a powerful running game anchored by Sr. Alex Martinez who ran all over the Lions when they first met.  The Lions, on the other hand, have a solid passing game lead by Sr. QB Jordan Hastings who is 123 for 237 with 2,159 yards and 19 TDs on the season. Hastings and his talented receiving core will be looking to break open in the T-Dome after not getting able to do much passing in last weeks terrible weather conditions. 

 What’s At Stake: There should be no lack of energy or motivation for either team as revenge and a chance at a state championship is on the line.  The winner of Saturday’s game will advance to the state championship game a week from Saturday. For Archbishop Murphy it’s been awhile since they have made it to the championship game. They will want to try and avenge last year’s semifinal loss against the Lions and get a chance at raising the gold ball. Lynden will also do all they can to avenge their first loss of the season and get to that championship game.

 What to Expect:  The Lions vs. the Wildcats has the making of a game that will likely go right down to the wire.  Both teams feature explosive offenses with solid defenses.  For the Lions, they will need to balance their solid run game with their big hitting pass game. Lynden will hope this balanced game, and their current high level of play, will catch the Wildcats off guard. However, Archbishop Murphy will know to be ready for anything the Lions throw at them as the memory of the first play of last year’s semifinal loss is still fresh in their memory.  The vigor should be high in this semifinal match-up, making for a battle well worth the two and a half hour drive to Tacoma.