Click on the team to read this year’s preview:

Bellingham Red Raiders – Blaine Borderites – Ferndale Golden Eagles – Lynden Lions – Lynden Christian Lyncs – Meridian Trojans – Mount Baker Mountaineers – Nooksack Valley Pioneers – Sehome Mariners – Squalicum Storm

I have collected the local high school football preview sections from the Bellingham Herald and Lynden Tribune for the past 30 years. This is my favorite time of year, and I always can’t wait to see the new rosters, see the new schedules and see what Coach Ames has to say about his Trojans. I’ve never been able to explain how or why this has become my passion. And, I still find it hard to believe that all of this has gotten as big as it has. Over the past few years I’ve been able to talk football with guys like Matthias Wilson, Mario Gobbato, Pat Locker, Britt Lentz and T.J. Ackerman. I’ve been able to obtain over 1000 game films from numerous coaches and players. I’ve had dinner at Donny Finkbonner’s house, as well as Mark Holleman’s house, and spent a Saturday July morning under the gazebo at Bob Ames’ house for five hours, listening to stories of the past 40 years.

You see, none of this would appeal to the general public, but because of what my passion is, these are heroes of mine. I can’t help but be in awe when I meet these incredible individuals.

High school football is special, it’s unique. There’s nothing really quite like it. It’s the highest level of football that retains its organic surroundings. You get to compete for a league championship, or even a state championship, with kids that you went to Kindergarten with. It’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my life, but also one of the most memorable. If it was easy, more kids would play. It takes a certain kind of discipline, and a coachable kid becomes an employable kid.

Thank you everyone who has followed my page. I’ll be out at a different game every Friday night, so if you see a short guy with thick black-rimmed glasses in a bright green hoodie standing on or near the sidelines, please feel free to say hello. I would love to thank all of you in person. The messages I receive always make my day, and I hope to be doing this for a long time.

-Tyler Anderson