LYNDEN HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS INFORMATION

November 14th, 2008              Advisor: Mr. Blake Van Dalen

Editor: Adam Lewis

Statistician: Ryan Seto

 Lions and Borderites to Do Battle in Quarterfinals

The Lynden Lions (9-2 Overall) (7-1 NWC) will make the short trip to Bellingham and the friendly confines of Civic Stadium tonight at 7:00 p.m. to take on the Blaine Borderites (7-4 Overall).  Lynden and Blaine will play for the second time this season as the Borderites will try to pull off one of the bigger upsets in their school’s history.  Blaine has improved since their 25-3 loss early in the year, however Lynden is easily playing their best football of the season.  After forcing six turnovers against a talented Interlake offense last week, Blaine will need to maintain a new level of offensive consistency to hang with the Lions.

Game Capsule: The Lynden versus Blaine match-up has higher stakes than ever before as the Borderites have advanced to the 2A State Quarterfinals for the first time in years.  The Borderites pounded Mark Morris last weekend in Longview, and they are led by a duo of talented seniors.  Senior QB Daniel Gorze leads the fourth ranked Blaine passing attack with 1,135 passing yards and 12 touchdowns on the season.  Blaine’s greatest weapon, however, is 5 ft. 8 inch Sr. RB Casey McCabe.  McCabe has proven to be a consistent threat on his way to rushing for 1,198 yards and 12 touchdowns.

While Blaine’s playmakers are proven to be consistent, the explosive nature of the Lion spread offense has helped catapult its members to the top of Northwest Conference leader boards.  Jr. (WR/DB) Blair Bomber is difficult to contain, and his 17 touchdowns and 793 yards receiving have been the surprise of the Northwest Conference.  In addition, he is averaging over 7 yards a carry and has returned 2 punts for touchdowns.  Junior gun-slinger Jordan Hastings also has had a breakout season in 2008.  His 1,743 passing yards and 19 touchdowns rank him 2^nd in the league.

What’s At Stake: I must admit, this portion of the game preview has grown a bit repetitive over the past 3 weeks.  For Lynden and Blaine, it is win or go home.  Each team will be fueled with adrenaline to play their biggest game of the year. 

What to Expect: While a multitude of experts have weighed in on how tonight’s game will play out, nothing concrete will be decided until kick-off.  Blaine and Lynden both have balanced offenses that mix the run and pass well.  However, the Lions feature a smothering defense that has allowed less than 7 points a staggering 7 times this season.  Sr. Linebacker and all-time leading tackler Taylor Creighton has imposed his will on the league’s best linebackers throughout the year.  Blaine’s offense may have trouble staying on the field if they try to run over a “punishing” Lynden defense.