RECORD: 10-3 – COACH: Bob Ames
LEAGUE: 4-2 (T-2nd Place in the WCL)
CLASSIFICATION: A – PLAYOFFS: State Semifinalist
Scoring Stats “Per Game”
Points: 27.6 – Allowed: 10.5 – Differential: +17.1
GAME BY GAME:
Week 1: Meridian 68, Granite Falls 0
Week 2: Meridian 25, King’s 0
Week 3: Blaine 6, Meridian 0
Week 4: Meridian 48, Nooskack Valley 8
Week 5: Lynden Christian 13, Meridian 7
Week 6: Meridian 48, Concrete 16
Week 7: Meridian 15, Mount Baker 0
Week 8: Meridian 29, Lakewood 6
Week 9: Meridian 41, Friday Harbor 8
Mini-Playoff Game: Meridian 23, Lynden Christian 7
State Play-in Game: Meridian 19, Chimacum 0
State Playoffs: 1st Round: Meridian 29, Montesano 20
State Quarterfinals: Meridian 21, Steilacoom 0
State Semifinals: Ridgefield 40, Meridian 9
After two non-league blowout wins, the ’95 Trojans lost two of their first three league games, and the chance to make the state playoffs looked grim. But, they came together as a team, rallied down the stretch and surprised everyone, (except maybe themselves) as they rolled on all the way to the Tacoma Dome before losing to the eventual state champion Spudders from Ridgefield.
Senior Chris Kelly began the season as the starting quarterback, and he completed 34 passes for 493 yards and five touchdowns. But, by mid-season, junior Jeb Kratzig had taken over behind center. He was named All-League Honorable Mention and completed 76 passes for 1287 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also ran for 175 yards and four scores.
Senior running back Gabe Matheson was the Trojan workhorse, rushing for 846 yards (6.7 average) and 14 touchdowns on his way to an All-League 1st Team selection. Junior Travis Patterson nabbed All-League Honorable Mention honors, rushing for 433 yards (5.3) and three touchdowns. Seniors Greg Flockoi and Marshall Watson ran for 331 and 263 yards, respectively.
Seniors Shane Stacy, P.J. Trompeter and Art Downs rounded out the wide receiving corps. Stacy ran nearly perfect routes, and led Meridian with 34 receptions for 483 yards (14.2) and two touchdowns. Trompeter showed off his track speed, catching 20 passes for 412 yards (20.6) and three scores. Downs worked the slot, hauling in 10 passes for 118 yards and two touchdowns. Stacy was named All-League 1st Team, Trompeter was All-League 2nd Team, while Downs was an All-League Honorable Mention selection. Senior Brian Paxton put up huge numbers at tight end, catching 28 passes for 404 yards (14.4) and nine touchdowns. He was named All-League Honorable Mention.
The senior-laden offensive line was led by Michael Ames who stood out from his guard position, and was named both All-League 1st Team and All-State 1st Team. Seniors Kurt Ingram (All-League 1st Team), Josh Robson (All-League 2nd Team) and Ruben Perez (All-League Honorable Mention) all had standout seasons.
The junior trio of Steve Bernardy, Trevor Corzine and Kelly Smith on the defensive line proved to be a nightmare for opposing backfields. Bernardy and Corzine were both All-League 1st Team picks, with Bernardy also being named All-State 2nd Team. Smith was named All-League 2nd Team, and they were joined on the line by Ames who was named All-League Honorable Mention. Paxton led the linbacking corps, and was named All-League 1st Team. Watson was named All-League 2nd Team, while Flockoi and Nate Bouma were each All-League Honorable Mention picks.
Adam Jensen, Trompeter and Matheson teamed to make up the best secondary in the Whatcom County League. Jensen and Trompeter were each named All-League 1st Team, and Matheson was All-League 2nd Team. Stacy was named All-League 1st Team at kicker, booting 19 extra points and a field goal. Junior Ryan Bauthues kicked 13 extra points and a field goal, as well.