- Scott Noteboom, 290 – 1991
- T.J. Busch, 260 – 2001
- T.J. Busch, 259 – 2002
- Jacob Hommes, 237 – 2016
- Craig Seutz, 235 – 1980
- Cody Visser, 230 – 2004
- Ben Wall, 212 – 1994
- Leif Erickson, 204 – 1980
- Mylon Smith, 202 – 1987
- Jordan Hastings, 190 – 2009
- Tyson Felix, 185 – 1999
- Lance Ellis, 184 – 1998
- Trent Postma, 182 – 2013
- Luke Christianson, 179 – 2012
- Scott Noteboom, 177 – 1992
Ferndale Top 15 Rushing Attempts in a Season
- Matthias Wilson, 327 – 1997
- Robert Davis, 257 – 2000
- Sean Morrison, 257 – 2003
- Ash Perrin, 245 – 1995
- Riley Locker, 210 – 2010
- John Locker, 206 – 1979
- Matthias Wilson, 204 – 1996
- Robert Davis, 202 – 1999
- John Locker, 201 – 1981
- John Baker, 199 – 2004
- Tom Finkbonner, 189 – 1977
- Austin Honeycutt, 188 – 2015
- Blake Robbins, 186 – 2001
- Marcus Nightingale, 179 – 2014
- Brion Mattson, 178 – 1988
Blaine Top 15 Rushing Attempts in a Season
- Mario Gobbato, 339 – 2012
- Mario Gobbato, 335 – 2011
- Cole Muder, 273 – 2013
- Riley Fritsch, 247 – 2016
- Riley Fritsch, 243 – 2014
- Casey McCabe, 231 – 2008
- Brad Scheib, 230 – 1999
- Miles Wingard, 230 – 1975
- Riley Fritsch, 211 – 2015
- Dave Halldorson, 194 – 1977
- Ben Bohnson, 188 -2007
- Tony Bladies, 183 – 1979
- Caleb Statham, 182 – 2009
- Michael Poitras, 165 – 2004
- Bill Church, 160 – 1978
- Matt Timothy, 160 – 2000
Bellingham Top 15 Rushing Attempts in a Season
- Tanner Aliff, 236 – 2014
- Justin LeMoine, 215 – 1989
- Jeff Smits, 204 – 1987
- Jeremy Rick, 199 – 2008
- Jeremy Rick, 191 – 2007
- Brian Dundas, 166 – 2005
- Tyler Bray, 165 – 2004
- Chance McClellan, 163 – 1994
- Adam Zeiger, 159 – 1996
- Travis Edwards, 146 – 1993
- Connor Wallace, 135 – 2017
- Dom Franklin, 132 – 2010
- Taylor Perry, 131 – 2007
- Connor Wallace, 128 – 2016
- Dean Wickenburg, 124 – 1977
A new feature to the web site!
Hey everyone! Now is YOUR chance to decide who the best high school football players Whatcom County has produced! Just click below to get started, and vote between two random players as many times as you want, and see which players rise to the top of the list! Enjoy!
Top 150 #88 – 1981 Ferndale Golden Eagles
RECORD: 7-2 – COACH: Tom Manke
LEAGUE: 6-2 (2nd Place in the NWL)
CLASSIFICATION: AA – PLAYOFFS: None
Scoring Stats “Per Game”
Points: 21.3 – Allowed: 9.9 – Differential: +11.4
GAME BY GAME:
Week 1: Arlington 20, Ferndale 0
Week 2: Ferndale 22, Stanwood 13
Week 3: Ferndale 26, Sedro Woolley 24
Week 4: Ferndale 14, Mount Vernon 0
Week 5: Ferndale 34, Sehome 6
Week 6: Ferndale 29, West Vancouver 0
Week 7: Ferndale 28, Anacortes 0
Week 8: Ferndale 33, Burlington-Edison 14
Week 9: Bellingham 25, Ferndale 6
Mini-Playoff Game: Arlington 7, Ferndale 0
The 1981 Golden Eagles just couldn’t get past Arlington to get into the state tournament, but it was still a great season for a great team.
Senior quarterback John Swobody completed 30 passes for 406 yards and five touchdowns, while also rushing for two more scores. When he wasn’t dropping back to pass, he was likely handing off to arguably the best running back Whatcom County had to offer in the 1980’s. Senior John Locker had an another amazing season, rushing for 1228 yards (6.1 average) and 11 touchdowns. He also caught a touchdown pass, and was named All-League 1st Team for the third year in a row, and was named the League’s Offensive Player of the Year for the second time in three seasons. He graduated as Whatcom County’s leading career rusher, and it’s hard to believe he wasn’t named All-State. He remained the county’s all-time leading rusher for 10 years, and is currently ranked 8th all-time. Perhaps more impressive is that his 3371 rushing yards were accumulated before offensive linemen were allowed to use their hands, at all. Numbers shy-rocketed after that rule change.
Joining Locker in the backfield was junior Keith Hanson and senior Greg Ebe. Hanson finished with 301 yards (6.4), while Ebe plowed forward for 277 yards (3.9) and six touchdowns. John’s brother Scott Locker also made some big plays in the backfield, using his amazing speed. The junior only carried the ball nine times, but ran for 102 yards (11.3) and scored twice. Junior tight end Greg Finkbonner was the team’s leading receiver with nine catches for 117 yards (13.0) and two scores. He was also a great blocker, and was named All-League 2nd Team. Scott Locker caught eight passes for 97 yards (12.1) and two touchdowns.
The offensive line also got it done for the Golden Eagles, opening a lot of holes for it’s awesome running backs. Senior Tom Hull led the way from his center position, and the 5-foot-9 168-pounder was named All-League 2nd Team. Other standouts included seniors Ken Altona (6-0 180) and Tor Hanson (6-1 190). Both of which were also named All-League 2nd Team. Ferndale ran for over 2000 yards, averaging 5.3 yards per rushing play.
The defense shut out three opponents during the season, and the line was led by Altona, who was named All-League 1st Team. He was joined up front by All-League 2nd Teamer, Keith Hanson. Ebe was a rock in the middle, and he was named All-League 1st Team at linebacker. He also intercepted a pass against Sehome and brought it back 68 yards for a touchdown. John Locker led the secondary, and was named All-League 2nd Team.
Sophomore Jim Wilkerson handled the kicking, booting four extra points. The Golden Eagles opted to go for two points more often than not, and they converted nine times, with John Locker getting five of them. Scott Locker returned the kicks, and had a 56-yard punt return for a touchdown against Burlington-Edison.
Top 150 #89 – 1997 Mount Baker Mountaineers
RECORD: 8-2 – COACH: Ron Lepper
LEAGUE: 7-1 (2nd Place in the NCC)
CLASSIFICATION: 2A – PLAYOFFS: Lost in 1st Round
Scoring Stats “Per Game”
Points: 32.9 – Allowed: 12.0 – Differential: +20.9
GAME BY GAME:
Week 1: Mount Baker 14, Blaine 7
Week 2: Mount Baker 48, Granite Falls 12
Week 3: Mount Baker 28, Lynden Christian 15
Week 4: Mount Baker 64, King’s 3
Week 5: Mount Baker 13, Lakewood 7
Week 6: Mount Baker 34, Chimacum 0
Week 7: Meridian 41, Mount Baker 28
Week 8: Mount Baker 40, Nooksack Valley 0
Week 9: Mount Baker 38, Sultan 7
State Playoffs: 1st Round: Elma 28, Mount Baker 22
The ’97 Mounties accomplished something that hadn’t been done before, and hasn’t happened since… they averaged over 400 yards rushing per game. Let that sink in for a moment. After finishing second in the newly formed North Cascades Conference, they were handed a tough draw, having to face Elma on the road. They lost by six to the eventual state champions.
Although not asked to throw much, senior quarterback Chad Hoidal made the majority of his throws count. He completed 15 passes for 276 yards and six touchdowns, to just one interception. He also ran for a touchdown, and was named All-League Honorable Mention. He had one of the best 1-2 punches in school history behind him to hand off to. Senior Joe Schleimer had the most prolific season a running back has ever had at Mount Baker. He ran for 1880 yards (7.6 average) and 20 touchdowns, while catching five passes for 83 yards (16.6) and three scores. The 6-foot-2 201-pounder played the majority of the season with some sort of injury, and was named All-League 1st Team, as well as All-State 1st Team. In the second quarter of the Granite Falls game, Schleimer went down with an injury, so senior fullback Jacob Prince took over as the featured back. All he did was rush for a then-state-record 422 yards. He was taken out in the 4th quarter, as the backups got some long runs in, as the team totaled 668 yards on the ground…. in just that one game. Prince finished the season with 1151 yards (8.9) and eight touchdowns. He was also named All-League 1st Team. Junior fullback Derek Isenhart chipped in with 377 yards (5.8) and a score.
Senior tight end Erik Knutzen was an extension of the offensive line with his run blocking, but showed his great pass catching skills as well. He was the Mounties’ leading receiver with five receptions for 87 yards (17.4) and two touchdowns. He also ran in a touchdown on an end-around play, and was named All-League 1st Team. Whoever lined up at wide receiver was generally not asked to run pass patterns, but to wipe out the cornerback for the running play that was selected. A trio of seniors rotated in and out, usually bringing in the play selection, and all three, Zach Mallahan, Josh Sivo and Jeremiah Kafhold, each caught a pass.
The offensive line was one of the best in Whatcom County history. It was led the 6-foot-2 265-pound senior left guard, Travis LoGrande. Coach Lepper called him the best high school offensive lineman he’s ever coached, mostly because of how great his feet were. He was named All-League 1st Team, as well as All-State 1st Team. At left tackle was junior, Brandon “The Load” Welters. When senior Luke Kalsbeek went down with an injury in week one, the big 296-pound junior was inserted into the starting lineup. He created huge running lanes, and was named All-League Honorable Mention. At center was the “little guy”, senior, Myron Cronk. At 5-foot-8 and 184 pounds he used his leverage and strength to get under opposing defensive tackles, and was named All-League 2nd Team. Senior Randy Fleming was a huge presence (6’4″ 230) at right guard. He finished his career with a bang, being named All-League 1st Team, and started at four of the five offensive line positions in his three-year varsity career. He was also the long snapper for Baker. At right tackle was senior Brent Moa. The 6-foot-1 244-pounder was another mauling run blocker, and an emotional leader. He was named All-League 2nd Team.
The defensive line was led by senior defensive end, Kris DeKriek. A punishing hitter, DeKriek has a knack for getting to the quarterback. He finished with 71 total tackles, 22 QB hurries, 11 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and he was named All-League 1st team. Fleming was the other defensive end, and he finished with 43 total tackles, nine QB hurries, seven tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, one sack, and was named All-League Honorable Mention. The defensive tackles were Moa and fellow senior, Josh Erholm, and they were both named All-League 2nd Team. Moa tallied 70 total tackles, three tackles for loss, three sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one interception. Erholm had 48 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, six QB hurries, three sacks and two forced fumbles.
Knutzen led the linebacking corps, and was named All-League 1st Team. He finished with 110 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, three passes broken up, three forced fumbles, two sacks, one fumble recovery and one interception. Next to him was Isenhart, who was named All-League 2nd Team. He totaled 64 total tackles, four tackles for loss, two passes broken up, one sack, one interception and one forced fumble. The outside linebacker spots were manned by seniors Nathan Brouwer and Chad Rathjen, both of which were named All-League Honorable Mention. Brouwer had 60 total tackles, five tackles for loss, three QB hurries, three fumble recoveries and one interception. Rathjen finished with 42 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, five QB hurries, two passes broken up and one fumble recovery.
Prince and Mallahan were on an island at cornerback, and they held their own. Prince was named All-League 1st Team, finishing with 20 tackles, five passes broken up, one sack, one tackle for loss and one interception. Mallahan was an All-League 2nd Teamer with 23 tackles, 12 passes broken up, and two interceptions. Sophomore Wes Carson took over mid-season at free safety, and was eventually named All-League Honorable Mention. He totaled 39 tackles, two interceptions, one pass broken up, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
The placekicking was problematic before settling on sophomore, Travis Galbraith. He connected on 13 extra points. Prince averaged 30.4 yards per punt. Sivo and Prince also provided some major fireworks returning kickoffs, both averaging over 30 yards per return. Mallahan averaged 12.7 yards per punt return, including a touchdown against King’s.
Top 150 #90 – 1975 Bellingham Red Raiders
RECORD: 7-2 – COACH: Vel West
LEAGUE: 5-2 (2nd Place in the NWL)
CLASSIFICATION: AAA – PLAYOFFS: None
Scoring Stats “Per Game”
Points: 19.4 – Allowed: 7.3 – Differential: +12.1
GAME BY GAME:
Week 1: Bellingham 15, Cascade (Everett) 14
Week 2: Bellingham 28, Vancouver College 0
Week 3: Oak Harbor 6, Bellingham 0
Week 4: Bellingham 21, Anacortes 7
Week 5: Bellingham 20, Mount Vernon 6
Week 6: Bellingham 14, Ferndale 6
Week 7: Bellingham 38, Sedro Woolley 6
Week 8: Burlington-Edison 21, Bellingham 0
Week 9: Bellingham 19, Sehome 0
The 1975 Red Raiders were all about running the ball down your throat. On average they ran the ball 41 times a game, and passed it three times a game. The opposition knew what was going to happen, they just didn’t know who it was going to happen with!
Junior quarterback Chris Galley led the charge for Bellingham, and he completed 10 passes for 146 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for 114 yards and two touchdowns, and was named All-League 2nd Team. He also had a pair of senior running backs that were each named All-League 2nd Team. Larry Ripley had an awesome year, rushing for 791 yards (7.8 average) and 12 touchdowns. His 7.8 yards per carry was the school’s single season record that stood for 39 years until quarterback Kalien Hayes broke it in 2014. He also ran for 240 yards in a game against Sehome, the most ever by a Red Raider against their crosstown rival. Bill Slesk was also amazing, rushing for 460 yards (6.2) and three scores. Bellingham also received hard running from junior Jon Pearson (257 yards) and senior Brett Emmons (100 yards).
Senior tight end Kent Barber was the main threat in the passing game. He caught three passes for 74 yards (24.7) and a touchdown. He was named All-League 1st Team. Slesk, along with juniors Terry Todd and Tim O’Connell, each caught a pair of passes.
The offensive line was senior driven, and they opened up some major holes for the run-oriented Red Raiders. Seniors, Mel Chapman, Chris Yonlick and Pete Hay were all named All-League 2nd Team. Bellingham ran for nearly 2000 yards, averaging 5.4 yards per carry, and scored 24 rushing touchdowns.
The defense was led by the All-League 1st Team, and League Defensive Player of the Year, Rick Faupel. Although undersized, the 5-foot-10 165-pound senior used amazing skill and quickness from his defensive tackle spot to dominate the rest of the league. Other standouts on defense included Emmons, Galley, Chapman, Ripley and Slesk. They were also joined by seniors Wade Smith, Bob Thompson and junior Carr Lanham.
Junior Jon Christie was a great kicker, connecting on 17 extra points while being named All-League 2nd Team. Slesk returned a kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown against Burlington-Edison.
Top 150 #91 – 1996 Lynden Christian Lyncs
RECORD: 10-2 – COACH: Dan Kaemingk
LEAGUE: 5-1 (2nd Place in the WCL)
CLASSIFICATION: A – PLAYOFFS: State Quarterfinalist
Scoring Stats “Per Game”
Points: 25.4 – Allowed: 12.0 – Differential: +13.4
GAME BY GAME:
Week 1: Lynden Christian 14, Sultan 7
Week 2: Lynden Christian 44, Granite Falls 0
Week 3: Lynden Christian 20, Mount Baker 7
Week 4: Lynden Christian 42, Friday Harbor 21
Week 5: Meridian 23, Lynden Christian 8
Week 6: Lynden Christian 22, King’s 21
Week 7: Lynden Christian 35, Nooksack Valley 3
Week 8: Lynden Christian 42, Blaine 28
Week 9: Lynden Christian 14, Concrete 6
State Play-in Game: Lynden Christian 21, Orting 0
State Playoffs: 1st Round: Lynden Christian 43, Forks 0
State Quarterfinals: Toledo 28, Lynden Christian 0
The 1996 Lyncs were back on track after missing the state playoffs the previous two seasons. It was traditional LC football, a big line, pound the ball, throw when needed and a swarming defense.
Junior Greg Dykstra took over at quarterback, after being the league’s leading receiver the year before. A true dual threat, he completed 71 passes for 1062 yards and 10 touchdowns, while rushing for 695 yards and eight touchdowns. He was also named All-League 2nd Team. Joining Dykstra in the backfield was one of the toughest running backs of the era. Senior Josh Elgersma ran for 873 yards (4.7 average) and 10 touchdowns, and caught 11 passes for 153 (13.9) and a score. He was also named All-League 2nd Team. Junior Joey Mellema added 474 yards on the ground (4.7) and six touchdowns, while senior Jason Engels rushed for 255 yards (5.7) and two TD’s.
Junior tight end Josh Parsons was on the receiving end of numerous Dykstra passes. He was the team’s leading receiver with 23 catches for 405 yards (17.6) and four touchdowns, and he was named All-League 2nd Team. Junior wide receiver Rob Dykstra had great hands, and size (6’4″ 195), and caught 19 passes for 293 yards (15.4) and three scores. Seniors Darin Postma and Dan Boon each caught a touchdown pass as well.
Like I stated earlier, the offensive line was big. Not only that, but they were very good! It started with 6-foot-1 250-pound senior, Dan Lenssen. He was a big, strong mauler that cleared many lanes for the backs, and was named All-League 1st Team. He was joined by super-sophomore, Nick Scholten. He had all the tools, size (6’5″ 300), agility, strength, and he purely dominated. He was also named All-League 1st Team. Senior Joel Hoksbergen was also a great lineman, and was named All-League 2nd Team. The Lyncs totaled 2400 yards on the ground and ran for 27 touchdowns.
The “Big-Three” that dominated on the offensive line were huge threat on the defensive line as well. Scholten was named All-League 1st Team, Hoksbergen was All-League 2nd Team and Lenssen was All-League Honorable Mention. Senior Ben Corning was also named All-League Honorable Mention. Parsons manned the middle, and was named All-League 2nd Team at linebacker. Senior Jake Nelson made great plays stuffing the run, as well as getting to the quarterback from his outside linebacker spot, and was named All-League 1st Team. Postma also had a knack for making big plays, and was an All-League Honorable Mention pick at linebacker. Greg Dykstra led the secondary, being named All-League 1st Team, with Elgersma and Mellema each an All-League Honorable Mention pick.
Elgersma handled the kicking, and nailed 22 extra points. Parsons used his line-drive punts towards the sidelines to his advantage, and was named All-League Honorable Mention. Mellema and Elgersma returned kickoffs, while Greg Dykstra handled the punt returns, bringing one back to the house against Forks in the playoffs.
Top 150 #92 – 2001 Meridian Trojans
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.