RECORD: 7-3 – COACH: Bob Ames
LEAGUE: 6-2 (3rd Place in the NCC)
CLASSIFICATION: 2A – PLAYOFFS: Lost in 1st Round
Scoring Stats “Per Game”
Points: 41.5 – Allowed: 14.9 – Differential: +26.6
GAME BY GAME:
Week 1: Meridian 52, Sultan 6
Week 2: Meridian 66, South Whidbey 6
Week 3: Meridian 34, Blaine 0
Week 4: Meridian 62, Granite Falls 0
Week 5: Meridian 42, Tacoma Baptist 24
Week 6: Nooksack Valley 24, Meridian 23
Week 7: Meridian 67, Lakewood 13
Week 8: Meridian 28, Mount Baker 0
Week 9: Lynden Christian 27, Meridian 20
State Playoffs: 1st Round: Elma 49, Meridian 21
The 2001 Trojans were coming off of two straight appearances in the state championship game, one of which they won. Although many of the great players had graduated from those teams, a few remained, and some new great players were born.
One of those great players was senior quarterback, Mark Simmons. He had a huge season, completing 122 passes for 1651 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also ran for 324 yards (6.8 average) and seven touchdowns on his way to being named All-League 1st Team. He also handed off to one of the best running backs in school history. Junior Jesse Alderson enjoyed a breakout season, rushing for 1294 yards (9.1) and 20 touchdowns. He was named All-League 1st Team, the League’s Offensive Player of the Year and was also selected All-State 1st Team. Fellow junior Colin Morris joined him in the backfield, and was also split out wide many times. He ran for 403 yards (7.0) and four touchdowns. He also caught 20 passes for 177 yards (8.9) and two touchdowns, and was named All-League 2nd Team as a wide receiver. Sophomores Cody Bowden and Brady Emmons also contributed with 168 yards and 118 yards, respectively.
Senior Sean McKinnon was a big play threat at wide receiver, and he caught 20 passes for 346 yards (17.3) and a team-high seven touchdowns. Opposite of McKinnon was senior receiver, Jon Murray. He caught a team-high 31 passes for 346 yards (11.2) and one touchdown, and was named All-League 1st Team. Junior tight end Willie Wantz (6’4″) was a big target, and he made big plays. He caught 30 passes for 508 yards (16.9) and five touchdowns on his way to being named All-League 1st Team. Senior Michael Barrett also caught a pair of touchdown passes.
The offensive line was led by one of the best lineman in school history. Senior Mike Allinson fought injuries off his entire career, but still was able to dominate. After being named All-State as a junior, he was named All-League 1st Team for the second year in a row. He was joined by seniors Zac Nightingale and Pete Noel. Nightingale was an All-League 1st Team pick, and Noel was selected on the All-League 2nd Team. The Trojans averaged an amazing 7.4 yards per rushing play, and scored 37 rushing touchdowns.
Allinson led the charge on defense, and was named All-League 1st Team, and All-State 2nd Team from his defensive line position. Joining him upfront were Noel and Bowden, both of which were named All-League 2nd Team. Nightingale and Emmons locked down the linebacker positions, and were each named All-League 2nd Team. Murray led the secondary, and was named All-League 2nd Team, while McKinnon led the team with four interceptions.
Barrett handled the kicking, and connected on 37 extra points. Alderson had one of the best seasons in Whatcom County history as a kick returner. He returned 11 kickoffs for 388 yards (35.3) and two touchdowns, while he returned 10 punts for 209 yards (20.9) and three touchdowns.