LYNDEN HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS INFORMATION DEPT.

September 19th, 2008             Advisor: Mr. Blake Van Dalen

Co-Editors:   Adam Lewis and Ryan Seto

Lions Weather Storm

  Lynden Lions 32 (1-1) (1-0)                       Squalicum Storm 6 (1-1) (1-1)

 The Bellingham Herald may think twice next year before labeling the Lynden-Squalicum match-up as the game of the week.  The last two years the Herald has done this, and each time the Lions have blown out the Storm in a highly anticipated contest.  Last Saturday night under the lights at Civic Stadium the Lions handed the Storm a 32-6 defeat.  The Storm failed to pick up a first down in the first half, helping the Lions roll to a big halftime lead they would never relinquish.

 Game Recap: The first play of Saturday’s night contest indicated that the Lions may be in a world of hurt.  Trying to the set tone early, Jr. (QB) Jordan Hastings lofted a nicely thrown ball deep down the field to an open Jr. (WR/DB) Blair Bomber.  Unfortunately, the Squalicum defensive back read the deep pass very well and made an exceptional read to grab the interception.  However, that was really the only play of the night where it seemed Squalicum had any momentum.  This is due to the fact that the Storm could not pick up a first down in the entire first half.  Play after play they stubbornly tried to force their power running down the Lion’s throat, yet they come up empty handed as Lynden’s defensive line held strong.

 Carried by the defense, the Lion’s running attack was able to strike in the first half as they built a 20-0 halftime lead. They scored three times on different rushes by Sr. (RB/DE) David Gaylord, Jr. (LB/RB) Brett Bajema, and Hastings right before the half.  Squalicum finally went to the air in the third quarter, and were able to cut Lynden’s lead to 20-6 before Lynden pulled away with another Hastings run.

 Statistically, the Lions were highlighted with some solid performances offensively and defensively in their 32-6 victory.  David Gaylord displayed why he is being looked at Division 1 schools as he racked up 106 total yards of offense and a touchdown.  Also, having a solid game offensively was Bomber, who caught the ball four time for forty five yards and had an unbelievable punt return for a touchdown that was called back for clipping.  Defensively, Sr. (LB/OL) Taylor Creighton led the team in tackles and Sr. (DT) Aaron Mattox impressed the crowd by manhandling the Storm offensive line on the way to holding them to 88 yards rushing on 41 attempts.