LYNDEN HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS INFORMATION DEPT.

September 12th, 2008         Advisor: Mr. Blake Van Dalen

Co-Editors:   Adam Lewis and Ryan Seto

Lions Trying to Bounce Back Against Big Storm Squad

 The Lions will look to avoid going 0-2 for the first time since the 2003 season this Saturday night at Civic Stadium against the Squalicum Storm (1-0 Overall.)  The Storm are coming off an impressive 42-19 win last Friday night against Meridian in which they produced over 400 yards on the ground.  The Lions, on the other hand, faced a tougher opponent as they fell 26-15 against an extremely talented Archbishop Murphy Wildcats team.  Playing on the road for the second consecutive week, look for the Lions to step up and play much better this week both offensively and on special teams.

 Game Capsule: The Lions vs. Storm match-up has been pegged by the Bellingham Herald and most of the Northwest Conference as the game of the week for the second consecutive year.  Last season, the Lions turned that prediction upside down as they walked away from Civic Stadium with a 50-13 victory.  Saturday’s contest should be more tightly contested as Squalicum feature’s the conference’s top running game.

 What’s At Stake: In this classic clash of run vs. pass the Lions and Storm are each trying to avoid a loss in the first game of Northwest Conference play.  The Lynden program is unaccustomed to starting the season 0-2, and if they fall behind in the standings early it will be difficult to make up ground with Burlington-Edison and Ferndale still on the schedule.  Squalicum, in comparison, has beat Lynden only once in their short history, and a win for them would result in a huge boost both mentally and in the standings.

 What to Expect: The Lions offense shouldn’t take until the second half to get in rhythm like last week.  With another week of practice for their young offensive line to get acclimated to the running and passing game, enjoy watching Jr. (QB) Jordan Hastings and Sr. (RB/DE) David Gaylord rack up the yards.  Defensively, the Lions quick defensive line should counter a veteran Storm offensive line that averages over 250 pounds.  Last year, the Lions were able to get consistent pressure on Squalicum’s quarterback and running game, and each team will be intensely studying film to either prevent or repeat that from happening again.

 Notes: Sr. (OL/DL) Gunnar Groothuis has been diagnosed with a torn meniscus and will miss at least the next couple of weeks.  In Squalicum’s sole 28-38 victory in the series during the1999 campaign, former quarterback Ty Taubenheim threw for 514 yards in the losing effort.  His legendary passing performance set a state record for all classifications.  Sr. (LB/OL) Taylor Creighton feels good about the Lion’s chances going into Saturday’s game as well. “We are taking a team approach to stop their run game.  Getting eleven guys to the ball should help us take down their big backs.”