RECORD: 7-2 – COACH: Vel West
LEAGUE: 6-2 (4th Place in the NWL)
CLASSIFICATION: AA – PLAYOFFS: None
Scoring Stats “Per Game”
Points: 18.8 – Allowed: 10.2 – Differential: +8.6
GAME BY GAME:
Week 1: Bellingham 24, Liberty 20
Week 2: Bellingham 13, Mount Vernon 7
Week 3: Bellingham 9, Sehome 8
Week 4: Ferndale 16, Bellingham 15
Week 5: Bellingham 20, Lake Stevens 6
Week 6: Bellingham 31, Anacortes 6
Week 7: Burlington-Edison 20, Bellingham 10
Week 8: Bellingham 33, Monroe 10
Week 9: Bellingham 13, Stanwood 0
The 1978 Red Raiders were a win away from the playoffs, and lost a close 16-15 game at Ferndale. These Bellinghamsters were part of all the great teams that the red and white had in the late 70’s.
What could be a Whatcom County record, five different Red Raiders threw a touchdown pass in the 1978 season. Senior Don Fenton and junior Ted Genger each threw two TD’s, while Kris Runestrand, Matt Atkins and Greg Brand each threw one. Fenton completed 26 passes for 455 yards, while Runestrand completed 13 passes for 165 yards.
Junior Joe Rushin led Bellingham with 463 yards rushing (5.0 average) and five touchdowns. Fenton was an All-League 2nd Team selection at running back, and he ran for 449 yards (4.7) and seven touchdown. Senior Leonard Lawrence ran for 137 yards (5.3) and two touchdowns.
Tight end Chris Bergner had a great season, both receiving and running the ball. The 6-foot-5 210-pound senior caught 25 passes for 384 yards (15.4) and one touchdown. He also ran for 247 yards (5.4) and two touchdowns and was named All-League 1st Team. Junior Greg Brand caught 13 passes for 210 yards (16.2), while Lawrence caught seven passes for 85 yards (12.1) and a score. Fenton scored two touchdowns receiving, to go along with his seven on the ground, and two as a passer.
Junior Marty West (6-0 195) led the offensive line, and was named All-League 2nd Team. The offense scored 24 touchdowns and ran for 1420 yards.
The coaches son, West, also led the defensive attack, and was named All-League 2nd Team from his defensive line position. Sophomore Greg Gudbranson led the secondary, and was named All-League 2nd Team.
Junior Bill Benson nailed 11 extra points and hit on two field goals.