LYNDEN HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
INFORMATION
December 4th,
2009 Advisor: Mr. Blake Van Dalen
Co-Editors: Ryan Seto and
Lucas Jacob
Lions Seeking First Repeat in
2A History
The Lynden Lions (12-1) return
to the State Championship for the third time in four years this
Saturday to take on the undefeated West Valley Eagles of Spokane at
10:00 a.m. at the Tacoma Dome. Lynden is riding a 12-game win streak
and coming off a huge win against a talented Archbishop Murphy squad
going into the biggest game of the season. West Valley, on the other
hand, has not lost a game all season and they are also coming off a
huge semifinal victory against previously #1 ranked Ellensburg. Both
teams are riding a lot of momentum heading into the State Championship
which should make for an exciting match-up that may go right down to
the wire.
Game Capsule: The game
on Saturday morning could easily be determined by whose defense comes
up big. The Lions have had an excellent defensive performance on the
year recording 5 shutouts on the season as well as holding an
extremely talented and explosive ATM team to 14 points last week in
the semi-final game. West Valley has been very good on defense this
season and has had 8 games in which their defense has held their
opponent to 10 points or less. Also, look for both teams to do big
things on offense as they have some of the best playmakers in the
state who can bust out game-changing plays at any moment. They will
also attempt to empty their playbooks to give their team a chance to
take home the gold ball.
What’s At Stake: For the
Lions, they would be the first team in 2A football history (since the
reclassification in 1997) to repeat as state championships. Also, it
will be this year’s senior class’ 3rd state championship if
they are able to come away with a win, and they will have a lot of
fire trying to go back-to-back. The Lions know what it feels like to
be in the title game and what needs to be done to leave the Tacoma
Dome knowing that they’re the #1 team in the state. For the Eagles,
they are playing for a perfect 14-0 season and a state championship,
which would be there first since moving into the 2A classification.
They have a seasoned team and know what to expect in this once in a
lifetime chance.
What to Expect: This
being the title game, expect a high level of intensity from both
sides. The Lions have been in this position before and know what it
takes to get the job done and will
have to come out with a lot of energy. West Valley will come
out with a lot of fire as well, as this is somewhat of a new
experience for them. They will want to finish off their already
successful season with a bang. West Valley rallies around their
senior play caller Drew Clausen who can make it happen using his feet
or his arm. He thrives off the broken play and should keep Lynden on
their heels. However, anyone
who has witnessed the Lions this year knows they have weapons on
offense, but what some don’t realize are the playmakers they have on
defense. Sr. LB Eric Conner and Jr. LB Roman Reyna are
the anchors to the Lions defense, watch out for them to have a big
game and keep the Eagles contained.
This should be an action packed game where either team has the
chance to win and be crowned the 2A State Champion.
