RECORD: 7-3 – COACH: Vic Randall
LEAGUE: 6-2 (2nd Place in the NWL)
CLASSIFICATION: AA – PLAYOFFS: Lost in 1st Round
Scoring Stats “Per Game”
Points: 16.6 – Allowed: 8.5 – Differential: +8.1
GAME BY GAME:
Week 1: Ferndale 2, Burlington-Edison 0
Week 2: Sedro Woolley 35, Ferndale 27
Week 3: Mount Vernon 2, Ferndale 0
Week 4: Ferndale 14, Sehome 0
Week 5: Ferndale 22, Stanwood 7
Week 6: Ferndale 28, Arlington 14
Week 7: Ferndale 29, West Vancouver 0
Week 8: Ferndale 29, Anacortes 14
Week 9: Ferndale 9, Bellingham 6
State Playoffs: 1st Round: Shorewood 7, Ferndale 6
In Vic Randall’s second season as head coach of the Golden Eagles, he turned the program around from a three-win season to a seven-win season. A tough out in the first round of the state playoffs was disappointing, but Ferndale still had a lot to be proud of in 1983.
Sophomore Doug Pederson ousted junior Trevor Monette to be the starting quarterback, and had a relatively strong season. He completed 31 passes for 300 yards and a pair of touchdowns. The future looked bright for the athletic Pederson.
Junior Duff McBride led the Golden Eagles in rushing with 609 yards, and fellow junior Jim Baker had almost identical numbers, rushing for 593 yards (4.4 average) and five touchdowns. Senior Evan Svedin was a big-play threat out of the backfield, rushing for 378 yards (5.9) and a team-high six touchdowns. Svedin also led the team in receiving with 11 catches and 118 yards. Senior Jim Wilkerson hauled in five passes for 68 yards and a score.
Senior Roger Wilkinson was the leader of the offensive line, and he was named All-League 1st Team. Junior Jeff Slaughter was named All-League 2nd Team. The worked with seniors Eric Graves and Eric Hulsman, and junior Mark Westhoff, as together they helped clear the way for the crafty Wing-T offense.
Wilkinson was named All-League 1st Team as a defensive lineman as well, standing out for the second season in a row. Svedin was also named All-League 1st Team as a defensive end. Junior defensive end Mike Haynie also stood out. McBride led the secondary from his safety position, and was named All-League 1st Team. Sophomore Don Finkbonner scored a 30-yard touchdown on a fumble return against Arlington, and he was named All-League 2nd Team. The defense was terrific, shutting out three opponents.
Wilkerson was named All-League 1st Team as a kicker, as he nailed five extra points and three field goals.