Lions Poised For Deep Playoff Run 

By: Adam Lewis

The Lynden Lions have escaped the gauntlet of their football schedule with a record of (2-2 Overall) (2-1 NWC.)  They have fallen to two of the top teams in the state while taking care of business in the 2A portion of the Northwest Conference.  The final five games of their regular season schedule will be against teams they will be favored by most media outlets to beat.  If the Lions are able to avoid an upset at the hands of Blaine, Sehome, Anacortes, or Mt. Baker, they will go into their October 30th match-up with Burlington Edison playing for the number one seed in the postseason.

After beginning the season with 3 out of 4 games on the road, the Lions finish the year by playing 3 out of their last 5 at the friendly confines of Rollie DeKoster Field.  This includes the October 30th showdown with Burlington Edison that could determine their playoff fate.  The intense Burlington vs. Lynden rivalry will only be amplified if each team is playing for a spot in the postseason.  You may remember that Burlington defeated the Lions in overtime last season 28-21 on a Kolby Arendse to Jake Anderson touchdown strike that gave Burlington a lead they would not relinquish.  The rematch this year is touted to be just as tightly contested.

Season Notes: Jr. Quarterback Jordan Hastings has started his Lynden career well as he has completed 39 of 80 passes for 473 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions.  His passing yards have not been as high as recent Lion quarterbacks through the first four games due to his threat as an explosive runner.  While Sr. (RB/DE) David Gaylord has provided the power running game, Hastings has enjoyed tons of running room on his way to 210 yards rushing and 3 touchdowns.

Sr. Linebacker Taylor Creighton has terrorized opposing backfields through the first four games of the season.  Creighton has already compiled a staggering 53 tackles, (assists included) 1 sack, and 2 tackles for losses.  This is Creighton's third year starting at linebacker for the Lions, as he was a vital part of the 2006 title run and 2007 third place finish in state.  He appears to be making his biggest impact in his final season dawning the green and gold uniform as he searches for an elusive second state championship.