Here’s video of the last minute or so of Bellingham’s Reid Chivers winning the Class 2A 189 pound state title at Mat Classic XXI on Saturday, Feb. 21 at the Tacoma Dome. The championship was the third for Chivers. Be sure to check out Chivers’ back flip at the end of the match.

JOE SUNNEN

Blaine’s Jeremy Holdaas won his Class 2A state semifinal match on Saturday, Feb. 21 at the Tacoma Dome to set up a showdown with teammate Darrell Price in the title match. Here’s video from Holdaas’ match in the semifinals.

JOE SUNNEN

Squalicum’s Levi Johnson won a close match in the Class 2A state semifinals on Saturday, Feb. 21 to advance to the finals of the 152 pound class at Mat Classic XXI. Here’s video from the match.

JOE SUNNEN

Sehome’s Justin Santos put together a nice string of point in the third round to pull away and win his semifinal match at Mat Classic XXI on Saturday, Feb. 21 at the Tacoma Dome. Santos will be competing in the 145 pound championship. Here’s some video from the match.

JOE SUNNEN

Here’s video of Ferndale’s Kyler Crow vs. White River’s Chase Meyers in the opening round of Mat Classic XXI at the Tacoma Dome on Friday, Feb. 20. Crow won the match 6-5 and also won his quarterfinals match.

With the first round of Mat Classic XXI over at the Tacoma Dome on Friday, Feb. 20, here is a list of the wrestlers from Whatcom County who are still alive in the championship bracket. For the 21 local wrestlers who didn’t win in the opening round, the best they can now hope for is a third place finish. The next round starts at 4 p.m. with the quarterfinals of the championship bracket and the first round of the consolation.

Local wrestlers advancing to the state quarterfinals:

Class 3A
125: Dylan Krenz, Ferndale
152: Connor Brame, Ferndale
160: Ryan Nelson, Ferndale
215: Kyler Crow, Ferndale

Class 2A
103: Ren Bishop, Squalicum
103: Nolan Takemura, Bellingham
119: Jacob Humphrey, Blaine
119: Garrett Montanez, Nooksack Valley
125: Tony Jordan, Blaine
130: D.J. Duncan, Blaine
135: Camden Nix, Blaine
140: Tyson Foster, Blaine
140: Bryce Postlewait, Mount Baker
145: Justin Santos, Sehome
152: Levi Johnson, Squalicum
160: Alex Pennington, Blaine
171: Tim Barron, Squalicum
189: Reid Chivers, Bellingham
189: Niels Brisbane, Lynden
215: Darrell Price, Blaine
215: Jeremy Holdaas, Blaine
285: Donovan Gratton, Lynden

Class 1A
160: Nick Torres, Nooksack Valley

Girls
103: Jade Mustappa, Ferndale
112: Roxanne Rosas, Mount Baker
135: Mari Mata, Mount Baker
160: Katie Weide, Mount Baker
285: Chloe Grafwallner, Mount Baker

JOE SUNNEN

Here’s video of Blaine’s Alex Pennington vs. Burlington-Edison’s Corey Kleppe at the Class 2A Region One wrestling tournament at Blaine on Saturday, Feb. 14. Pennington won the match 4-3.

JOE SUNNEN

NWC Boys’ Power Poll

Rk. Team Last
1. SQUALICUM (1)
Storm have four players averaging at least 10 points a game
2. MOUNT VERNON (2)
With Ferndale still on the schedule anything can happen
3. FERNDALE (3)
The Golden Eagles’ last four games are tough
4. BURLINGTON-EDISON (4)
Evan Coulter might be best player in the NWC
6. BELLINGHAM (6)
Red Raiders in position to make run at state tournament
5. MERIDIAN (5)
Schweigert, Sebens and Hayes are a top-flight trio
8. LYNDEN (8)
Lynden needs to get hot at district tourney to have a chance
10. SEHOME (10)
The Mariners live and die from the 3-point arc
9. NOOKSACK VALLEY (9)
Don’t sleep on this team in the postseason
7. ANACORTES (7)
Slipping Seahawks need to get back to winning
12. BLAINE (12)
Bakogeorge is becoming a top scoring threat
11. MOUNT BAKER (11)
Mountaineers could move up in standings before season ends
13. LYNDEN CHRISTIAN (13)
Lyncs will enter postseason looking for an upset
14. SEDRO-WOOLLEY (14)
Cubs are still searching for that first NWC win

JOE SUNNEN

NWC Girls’ Power Polls

Rk. Team Last week
1. LYNDEN CHRISTIAN (1)
Leads the conference and is on a 12-game win streak
2. MOUNT VERNON (2)
Squeaked by Squalicum to stay near top of standings
3. LYNDEN (3)
Has held last four opponents to an average of 35 points
4. FERNDALE (9)
Upended B-E to tie Squalicum for third
5. SQUALICUM (4)
Lost to Bulldogs by one point to snap four-game win streak
6. BURLINGTON-EDISON (5)
Suffered fourth NWC loss in a stumble at Ferndale
7. NOOKSACK VALLEY (7)
Fell to Ferndale but still above .500
8. BELLINGHAM (6)
Lost another tough conference matchup
9. ANACORTES (8)
Bounced back from Bellingham loss with win
10. SEHOME (11)
Fell to Lynden and Squalicum in last two contests
11. BLAINE (10)
Lost pair of games to top two NWC teams
12. SEDRO-WOOLLEY (12)
Scored just 28 points in loss to Anacortes
13. MOUNT BAKER (14)
Mountaineers broke into NWC win column
14. MERIDIAN (13)
Still searching for first NWC win

Somer Breeze

Here’s a few minutes of Bellingham’s Reid Chivers’ match against Lynden’s Niels Brisbane in the 189-pound championship of the Class 2A Sub-Regional on Saturday, Feb. 7 at Squalicum High School. Chivers won the match 9-2. Both wrestlers are highly ranked in the state.

JOE SUNNEN

Here’s a takedown by Blaine’s Jacob Humphrey in the 119 pound title match at the Class 2A Sub-Regional at Squalicum High School on Saturday, Feb. 7. Humphrey defeated Bellingham’s Garrett Montanez 13-3.

JOE SUNNEN

Northwest Conference Boys’ Basketball Power Poll

Rk. Team Last
1. SQUALICUM (1)
Showdown with Mount Vernon is looming
2. MOUNT VERNON (2)
Bulldogs dropped just two games last month
3. FERNDALE (4)
The Golden Eagles will be challenged over next few weeks
4. BURLINGTON-EDISON (5)
Tigers got a boost from last-second win over Lynden
5. MERIDIAN (3)
Trojans will be battle-tested by postseason
6. BELLINGHAM (7)
Bellingham has a chance to finish very strong
7. ANACORTES (6)
Anacortes seems to be slipping a little
8. LYNDEN (8)
Once Lions start winning close ones they’ll be tough
9. NOOKSACK VALLEY (9)
Overtime win over Mount Baker could be a springboard
10. SEHOME (11)
The Mariners got a nice win over Anacortes
11. MOUNT BAKER (12)
Mountaineers are looking to snap losing skid
12. BLAINE (10)
Blaine could pull an upset or two
13. LYNDEN CHRISTIAN (14)
The Lyncs’ win over Sedro-Woolley came at a good time
14. SEDRO-WOOLLEY (13)
After one win in January maybe this month will be better

JOE SUNNEN

Northwest Conference Girls’ Basketball Power Poll

Rk. Team Last week
1. LYNDEN CHRISTIAN (1)
Atop the conference with 10-game win streak
2. MOUNT VERNON (2)
Remains on the heels of the Lyncs
3. LYNDEN (3)
In a battle with Lyncs and Bulldogs for NWC title
5. SQUALICUM (4)
Moved above Burlington-Edison in standings
4. BURLINGTON-EDISON (5)
Stumbled a third time in NWC in loss to Lynden
6. BELLINGHAM (6)
Caught a break in tough schedule with win at Blaine
7. NOOKSACK VALLEY (7)
Suffered back-to-back losses to top NWC teams
8. ANACORTES (8)
Won two straight after losing five in a row
9. FERNDALE (9)
Upset by Anacortes in OT to slip in ranking
10. BLAINE (10)
Borderites face tough week after three-game skid
11. SEHOME (11)
Third-quarter lull costly in a matchup with Squalicum
12. SEDRO-WOOLLEY (14)
Suffered seventh-straight conference loss
13. MERIDIAN (13)
Trojans dropped their ninth NWC contest
14. MOUNT BAKER (12)
The slide continues for the Mountaineers

SOMER BREEZE

I’m just learning how to do this video thing, but here’s the final 17 seconds from the Lynden vs. Burlington-Edison boys’ basketball game on Tuesday, Feb. 3.

The Tigers ended up winning 60-58 on a lay-up and free throw by Tonio Bales with just over seven seconds to play. The Lions then raced down the court for a final shot that bounced off the rim.

Joe Sunnen

Washington Boys Basketball Prep Poll
For Wednesday, Jan. 14
SEATTLE (AP) — How a state panel of sports writers rates Washington high school basketball teams in the weekly Associated Press poll of 2009, by WIAA divisions, with won-lost record and total points (first-place votes in parentheses):

CLASS 4A
School Record Points
1. Garfield (8) 7-1 89
2. Federal Way (1) 10-1 73
3. Kentwood 7-3 59
4. Decatur 9-1 54
5. Puyallup 9-1 53
6. Eisenhower 12-0 48
7. Gonzaga Prep 10-1 47
8. Kentridge 8-4 21
9. Foss 8-2 20
10. Central Kitsap 8-1 19
Others receiving votes: Kelso 5. Auburn 4. Bellarmine Prep 3.

CLASS 3A
School Record Points
1. Franklin (5) 9-0 86
2. Rainier Beach (4) 6-0 85
3. Bellevue 10-1 72
4. Shadle Park 7-1 59
5. Renton 7-1 52
6. Columbia River 7-2 38
7. Clover Park 9-0 36
8. Enumclaw 10-1 29
9. Mt. Rainier 7-1 15
10. West Valley (Yakima) 9-2 13
Others receiving votes: Foster 5. Seattle Prep 2. North Kitsap 1. Lakes 1. Meadowdale 1.

CLASS 2A
School Record Points
1. Squalicum (7) 7-1 89
2. Mark Morris (1) 6-2 79
3. River Ridge 7-3 55
4. West Valley (Spokane) (1) 5-2 54
5. Burlington-Edison 6-2 48
6. North Mason 9-1 41
7. Centralia 6-1 40
8. Wapato 6-1 30
9. Hoquiam 6-2 13
9. Toppenish 6-2 13
Others receiving votes: Pullman 11. Othello 7. Quincy 6. Eatonville 5. South Whidbey 3. Washington 2. Archbishop Murphy 2. Tumwater 1.

CLASS 1A
School Record Points
1. Vashon Island (7) 10-1 87
2. Port Townsend (1) 11-0 72
3. Brewster (1) 8-2 67
4. Winlock 7-1 64
5. Freeman 11-1 44
6. Cascade Christian 8-2 41
7. Cashmere 8-1 34
8. King’s 6-3 31
9. Chelan 9-2 15
10. Highland 8-3 10
Others receiving votes: Kalama 6. Castle Rock 5. Mabton 5. Meridian 5. Connell 4. Bellevue Christian 3. Okanogan 1. Onalaska 1.

CLASS 2B
School Record Points
1. Northwest Christian (Colbert) (4) 11-0 49
2. White Swan (1) 11-0 43
3. Riverside Christian 7-2 35
T4. Bear Creek School 11-0 29
T4. Garfield-Palouse 9-1 29
6. Mossyrock 4-2 19
7. Selkirk 9-1 14
8. Liberty Christian 6-2 13
9. Life Christian Academy 7-2 10
10. Seattle Lutheran 9-3 8
Others receiving votes: Chief Leschi 7. Naselle 5. Oroville 5. Quilcene 3. Colfax 2. Dayton 1. St. George 1. Toutle Lake 1. Asotin 1.

CLASS 1B
School Record Points
1. Cusick (2) 9-2 36
2. Almira Coulee-Hartline 8-3 23
3. Wellpinit (2) 7-1 20
4. Moses Lake Christian Academy 3-2 18
5. Bickleton 4-2 17
Others receiving votes: Lummi 12. Curlew 7. St. John-Endicott 7. Tulalip Heritage 7. Tri-Cities Prep 7. Sunnyside Christian 6.

With conference basketball set to start late next week here are some storylines and questions to follow.

WHICH ARE THE BEST BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ TEAMS HEADING INTO CONFERENCE PLAY?

For the boys’ pick it seems pretty easy to go with Squalicum. The Storm is off to a great start and has the added advantage of having played one of the best teams in the nation in Mater Dei High School at a tournament in California. So far Squalicum has lived up to the early season expectations.

The choice for the best girls’ team isn’t quite as easy. Burlington-Edison is undefeated and probably leads the list, but Lynden, Lynden Christian, and Nooksack Valley are also right there and should be considered.

Based on Lynden Christian’s win over Bellermine Prep on Friday, Jan. 2, the Lyncs are the pick. The team once again has a great one-two punch in Kenzie De Boer and Kayleigh Ryan and has more height than most teams in the NWC.

WHAT HAVE BEEN THE BIGGEST SURPRISES OF THE NON-CONFERENCE SCHEDULE?

The surprise teams so far, at least in boys’ play, have to be Mount Baker and Nooksack Valley.

Travis Doser has been a force for the Mountaineers in helping them to three straight wins, while Nooksack Valley has been playing like a veteran squad despite returning just one starter from last season. Kudos to both coaching staffs.

In girls’ play the biggest surprise of the early season has probably been Squalicum. The Storm started the season by winning five of their first six games. If it can stay focused Squalicum should be right in the hunt for a postseason berth.

HOW DID THE POOR WEATHER AFFECT THE NWC TEAMS?

There are a couple of schools of thought on this one, but for the most part it seems like many of the coaches and players were disappointed to be held out of the gym for so long. A few schools were only able to hold four or five organized practices over the last three weeks and that lost time can be hard to make up.

There’s no substitute for practice, and getting into a routine and becoming confident in a system are important for success. It could mean there will be some sloppy basketball played at the start of conference play, but the good news is that teams should be playing their best by the time the postseason rolls around.

SHOULD THE WINTER SPORTS SEASON BEGIN ONLY AFTER THE FALL SPORTS SEASON HAS ENDED?

This question is one that athletic directors around the state always wrestle with, but the idea is worth entertaining particularly in a multi-classification conference like the NWC.

This season wrestling, swimming and boys’ and girls’ basketball practice all started on Nov. 17, yet because of the fall sports schedule most schools didn’t field a full team until sometime after Thanksgiving. In the case of the Lynden boys’ basketball team it wasn’t until Dec. 8th that most of the team had arrived.

Maybe it’s time to cut the non-conference schedule a little shorter or push the start of the conference schedule back until the second or third week of January to give every school a more even start to the season.

Another idea might be finding a way to give the student-athletes a few days off between sports. It would give them a chance to heal some wounds, get some rest, focus again on school work, and allow for time to reflect before moving on to what’s next.

WHAT ARE THE MUST-SEE GAMES FOR THE WEEK OF JAN. 5-11?

In boys’ basketball, Nooksack Valley at Squalicum on Jan. 13 at Squalicum could be an interesting game. The Pioneers’ defense will be challenged by the Storm, while Squalicum might be surprised if they don’t come to play.

The girls’ basketball game of the week should be Burlington-Edison at Lynden Christian on Jan. 9. The Lyncs have a string of tough games so really you could take your pick between Lynden at Lynden Christian on Jan. 6, Nooksack Valley at Lynden Christian on Jan. 7, or the game with the Tigers.

JOE SUNNEN

Players from Whatcom County named to the All-State football first-team in their classification. The complete list is below

Class 3A
Casey Locker, Sr., Ferndale, quarterback
Jordan Finkbonner, Sr., Ferndale, defensive line
Class 2A
Ryan Seto, Jr., Lynden, tight end
David Gaylord, Sr., Lynden, defensive line
Taylor Creighton, Sr., Lynden, linebacker
Class 1A
Ryder Chance, Sr., Meridian, wide receiver
Mitchell Tripp, So., Meridian, tight end
Jon Charroin, Jr., Nooksack Valley, defensive line
Class 1B
Dustin Tom, Sr., Lummi, quarterback
Gale Jefferson, Sr., Lummi, wide receiver
Tony Washington, Sr., Lummi, defensive line

The Associated Press All-State football teams as selected by sports writers from around the state

Washington state Player of the Year (all classes): Jake Heaps, jr., Skyline

Class 4A
Player of the Year: Jake Heaps, jr., Skyline.
First team
Offense
Quarterback: Jake Heaps, jr., Skyline; Running backs: Howard McDonald, sr., Central Kitsap; Patrick Ottorbech, sr., Bothell; Grant Gellatly, sr., Issaquah; Wide receivers: Gino Simone, sr., Skyline; Aaron Roberts, sr., Ferris; Kasen Williams, so., Skyline; Offensive line: Christian Rennie, sr., Issaquah; Rob Tramonte, sr., Skyline; Hunter Blackmore, sr., Kentwood; Steve Brazel, sr., Olympia; Mike Marboe, jr., Wenatchee; All-purpose: Tyler VanSligtenhorst, sr., Rogers; Kicker: Jay Ubben, sr., Gig Harbor.

Defense
Defensive line: Travis Long, sr., Gonzaga Prep; Deandre Coleman, sr., Garfield; Chris Mastin, sr., Lewis and Clark; Geoff Meinken, sr., Lynnwood; Linebackers: Jeff Gouveia, sr., Auburn; Anthony DeMatteo, jr., Skyline; Taylor Powell, sr., Southridge; Richie Meier, Central Kitsap; Defensive backs: Desmond Trufant, sr., Wilson; Kurt Stottlemyer, sr., Bothell; Carlo Lavoie, sr., Auburn; Kramer Skidmore, sr., Olympia.

Honorable Mention
Wide receivers: Ashton Clark, sr., Heritage; Colton Tupen, sr., Lake Stevens; Clayton Homme, sr., Southridge; Offensive line: Brent Anderson, jr., Southridge; Brian Kuznek, sr., South Kitsap; Anthony Luna, Gonzaga Prep; Defensive line: Elliott Bosch, sr., Ferris; Austin Graves, jr., Southridge; Dakota Tripp, sr., Kennewick; Ashton Miller, sr., Evergreen; Cody Alfonso, sr., Olympia; Linebackers: Seth Kline, jr., Eisenhower; Andru Pulu, sr., Federal Way; Andre Barrington, sr., Federal Way; Andrew Lankow, sr., Olympia; Defensive backs: Chris Young, jr., Auburn; Dylan Lindberg, jr., Arlington; All-purpose: Jamison Rowe, sr., Richland; Kicker: Anthony Arena, sr., Inglemoor.

Class 3A
Player of the Year: Peter Nguyen, sr., Bellevue.
First team
Offense
Quarterback: Casey Locker, sr., Ferndale; Running backs: Tre Watson, sr., Kennedy; Peter Nguyen, sr., Bellevue; Nick Bellomy, sr., East Valley-Spokane; Wide receivers: Jamaal Kearse, jr., Lakes; Mitch Saylor, jr., Union; Colten Williams, jr., Mt. Spokane; Offensive line: Michael Nelson, sr., Mount Si; Grant Enger, sr., O’Dea; Ryan Craig, sr., Hanford; Sione Potoa’e, jr., Lakes; Grant Cisneros, sr., Sumner; All-purpose: Edd Brown, sr., Yelm.

Defense
Defensive line: Jordan Finkbonner, sr., Ferndale; Tuiasosopo Niusulu, jr., Lakes; Darius Waters, jr., Lakes; ‘Alo’ofa Ta’a, sr., Rainier Beach; Linebackers: Taylor Nelson, jr., Union; Kody Winsor, sr., Hanford; Kellen Matsuno, sr., Eastside Catholic; Calder Russell, sr., North Thurston; Defensive backs: Ronnie Hamlin, sr., Timberline; Jamal Atofau, sr., Bellevue; Nolan Washington, sr., Kennedy; Riley Wall, sr., Timberline; Punter: Trey Wheeler, so., Liberty.

Honorable Mention
Quarterback: Travis Chalk, sr., Hanford; Running backs: T.J. Lee, sr., West Seattle; Larry Dixon, Olympic; Wide receivers: Spencer Hannah, sr. Ferndale; Josh Taylor, sr., Timberline; Offensive line: Nate Guthrie, sr., East Valley-Spokane; Defensive line: John Froland, jr., Glacier Peak; Linebackers: Orin Paul, sr., Ferndale. Defensive back: Kyle Wagar, sr., Hanford; Joseph Ingman, sr., Captial; Casey Locker, sr., Ferndale; Punter: Riley Baker, jr., North Thurston.

Class 2A
Player of the Year: Kirby Moore, sr., Prosser.
First team
Offense
Quarterback: Jordan Dubrin, sr., Prosser; Running backs: Cody Weber, sr., Pullman; Cody Peterson, jr. Black Hills; Wide receivers: Kirby Moore, sr., Prosser; Dylan Amell, sr., Interlake; Tight end: Ryan Seto, jr., Lynden; Offensive line: Nate Meeske, jr., Prosser; Bradley Schultz, sr., Centralia; Zach Barr, sr. Chehalis; Glade Hall, sr., Archbishop Murphy; Scott Zediker, sr., Prosser; Kicker: Andrew Furney, jr., Burlington-Edison.

Defense
Defensive line: Jakob Scott, sr., Othello; David Gaylord, sr., Lynden; John Asplund, sr., Bellingham; Ethan Bersing, sr., Selah; Linebackers: Taylor Creighton, sr., Lynden; Jake Steelhammer, jr., Chehalis; Jared Byers, sr., Pullman; C.J. Milburn, sr., Archbishop Murphy; Defensive backs: J.D. Melton, sr., Archbishop Murphy; Tyler Porter, sr., Selah; Kirby Moore, sr., Prosser; Devon Lind, jr., Othello; Punter: Cameron Homan, sr., Eatonville.

Honorable Mention
Running backs: Jeremy Rick, sr., Bellingham; Andre Moore, Klahowya; Wide receivers: Blair Bomber, jr., Lynden; Tight end: Daniel DeVries, sr., Tumwater; Offensive line: Ben Westrum, jr., Black Hills; Blaze Affholter, jr., Ellensburg; Thomas Gallagher, Sequim; Wade Meyer, jr., Pullman; Defensive line: JJ Quinlan, sr., Archbishop Murphy; Thomas Gallagher, Sequim; Wade Meyer, jr., Pullman; Bruce Hansen, Centralia; Scott Zediker, sr., Prosser; Linebackers: Joe Cameron, sr., Tumwater; Miles Gardner, sr., Othello; Cody Weber, sr., Pullman; Sheldon Lommers, sr., Selah; Defensive backs: Anthony Flores, sr., Prosser; Ethan Sterkel, jr., Ellensburg; Blair Bomber, jr., Lynden.

Class 1A
Player of the Year: Derek Todd, sr., Cashmere.
First Team
Offense
Quarterback: Derek Todd, sr., Cashmere; Running backs: Jon Betz, sr., Cascade-Leavenworth; Derrick Talley, sr., Chelan; Wide receivers: Blair Collins, sr., Royal; Ryder Chance, sr., Meridian; Tight end: Mitchell Tripp, so., Meridian; Offensive line: Ira Alefteras, sr., Montesano; Tanner Freeman, sr., Royal; Neil Fuhrmann, sr., Cascade Christian; Taylor Colton, sr., Cascade Christian; Rafael Guzman, sr., Zillah.; Kicker: Jose Rodriguez, sr., Zillah.

Defense
Defensive line: Jace Christensen, sr., Royal; Andrew Gubsch, sr., Cashmere; Alex McNealley, sr., Montesano; Jon Charroin, jr., Nooksack Valley; Linebackers: Angel Ledezma, sr., Royal; Josh Mason, sr., Cashmere; Nolan Sheehan, jr., Naches; Paul Lutgen, jr., King’s; Defensive backs: Blair Collins, sr., Royal; Ethan Flory, sr., Naches; Austin Mulcahey, sr., Cascade Christian; Mychal Lopez, sr., Granger; Punter: Scott Podruzney, sr., Highland.

Honorable Mention
Quarterback: Connor Paysse, sr., Royal; Running back: Tanner Laib, Freeman; Wide receiver: Ethan Flory, sr., Naches; Offensive line: Matt Paul, sr., Granger; Defensive line: Kane Koerner, jr., Zillah; Neil Fuhrmann, sr., Cascade Christian; Linebackers: John Brus, sr., Cascade Christian; Andy Dirickson, sr., Vashon; Rafael Guzman, sr., Zillah; Dan White, sr., Orting; Defensive back: Eric Perez, sr., Highland.

Class 2B
Player of the Year: Creighton Alford, sr., Asotin
First team
Offense

Quarterback: Creighton Alford, sr., Asotin; Running backs: Jered Rodgers, sr., Adna; Bryce Hayunga, sr., DeSales; Eric Nanez, sr., White Swan; Wide receiver: Cole Caldwell, sr., Asotin; Jake DeGooyer, sr., La Salle; Offensive line: Damon Garnas, jr., Napavine; Mike Shirley, sr., Naselle; Ike Bonny, La Salle; Ryan Conrad, jr., Colfax; Court Knoblauch, Life Christian; Kicker: Ian Hayes, sr., La Salle

Defense
Defensive line: Damon Garnas, jr., Napavine; Zane Christenson, sr., Napavine; Nick Poplin, sr., North Beach; Skylar Nelson, sr., White Swan; Linebackers: Josh Kelly, sr., Napavine; Jake Gerow, sr., Willapa Valley; Joe Cammack, sr., Colfax; Defensive backs: Dan Brusic, La Salle; Jeremy Harper, sr., Mossyrock; Matt Friese, so., Willapa Valley; Cesar Hernandez, sr., White Swan; Punter: Kyle Grosshans, jr., Adna.

Honorable mention
Running back: Josh Johnson, sr., Liberty Bell; Wide receiver: Anthony Tatum, jr., Adna; Aldrin Dimilanta, sr., White Swan; Offensive line: Jesse Beck, sr., Republic; Sam Mellor, jr. Colfax; Tony Monetta, sr., Liberty Bell; Russell Jones, sr., Kittitas; Linebacker: Tommy St. George, sr., La Salle; Defensive back: Cole Caldwell, sr., Asotin; Cameron Rickett, sr., Liberty Bell.

Class 1B
Player of the Year: Garrett Blauert, jr., LaCrosse-Washtucna-Kahlotus
First team
Offense
Quarterback: Dustin Tom, sr., Lummi; Running backs: Garrett Blauert, jr., LWK; Taylor Gregg, sr., Touchet; Jake Webster, sr., Easton-Thorp; Wide receivers: Gale Jefferson, sr., Lummi; Andrew LeBrun, sr., Tri-Cities Prep; Tight end: Nathan Marsh, so., Wishkah Valley.
Defense

Defensive line: Reid Ashley, jr., Almira/Coulee-Hartline; Harry Peterson, sr., Lake Quinault; Tony Washington, sr., Lummi; Linebackers: Matt Hendershott, sr., Cusick; Nick Marsh, sr., Wishkah Valley; Taylor Gregg, sr., Touchet; Defensive back: Garrett Blauert, jr., LWK; Spencer Shanholtzer, jr., Cusick; Johnny Boggs, sr., Wishkah Valley.

Honorable mention
Quarterback: Will Hoppes, jr., Tri-Cities Prep; Running back: Dustin Villegas, sr., Cusick; Linebacker: Dustin Villegas, sr., Cusick; Will Hoppes, jr., Tri-Cities Prep; Defensive back: Gale Jefferson, sr., Lummi; Troy Redmann, so., Tri-Cities Prep.

Here’s a fun story by the Washington Post to tide you over as we head into basketball season full swing. Our high school girls’ basketball preview comes out on Saturday and our boys’ basketball preview is set for Sunday.

Enjoy.

THE WASHINGTON POST
Think some wacky stuff happens at your school? Probably. But here are some 2008 high school sports oddities from across the country.
And hey, kids: There are several idiotic, hurtful and even criminal incidents documented here. Seeing them in print should serve as a deterrent, not a suggestion.

Here we go:

Pasco, Wash.: The Pasco High girls basketball team’s leading scorer tore knee ligaments jumping up and down celebrating her winning shot in the district playoffs.

Southport, N.C.: A judge ruled that the parents of a teen-ager who married her 40-year-old high school track coach could not sue the school district. The coach resigned from South Brunswick High in June 2007, on the same day he married the 16-year-old.

Dearborn, Mich.: A Fordson High wrestling coach was dismissed after 35 years amid allegations that his former assistant tried to convert Muslim students to Christianity.

Canton, Ga.: The stadium announcer for Sequoyah High football came under fire for comments he made during a game, including, “You can boo all you want, but you’re still losing 49-0.”

Katy, Texas: Seven Morton Ranch High varsity cheerleaders grabbed junior varsity cheerleaders from their homes, blindfolded them, bound their hands and threw them in a swimming pool. The school suspended cheerleading for the school year.

Nacogdoches, Texas: For a pep rally skit, Nacogdoches High cheerleaders dressed as cheerleaders from a rival squad. The “rival” cheerleaders were forced to kneel and be executed by Nacogdoches cheerleaders wielding toy guns. The principal called the performance a “simple, innocent satire.”

Plainwell, Mich.: A Plainwell High football coach was dismissed after allegations that he allowed hazing during a freshman football practice. The letter issued to parents about the incident said that “at issue was the term ‘skullhumping’ whereby a tackler adds a ‘pelvic thrust’ at the end of a tackle.”

Lewisberry, Pa.: Upon reporting to school for preseason conditioning, a Red Land High football coach and players discovered a deer carcass propped up and chained to a turnstile. The deer was wearing a white muscle shirt, shorts and a graduation cap atop its headless body and had a football stuffed between its legs.

St. Mary’s, Kan.: A female high school basketball referee who showed up to work a boys game at St. Mary’s Academy was told by a school official that he could not allow a woman to be put in a position of authority over boys. The other official assigned to work the game, a man, walked off the court with his partner as a sign of solidarity.

Bethel, Vt.: Whitcomb High boys basketball players told their coach by phone on a Saturday that they did not want to play in their first-round playoff game Monday. “We just decided enough was enough,” one player said. Sixteenth-seeded Whitcomb (3-16) was set to face top-seeded Proctor (18-0), a team that had beaten Whitcomb 87-22 earlier in the season.

Charlotte, N.C.: A couple rented out their $2.8 million home to buy a $737,000 home in another district three miles away so their son could start at quarterback for South Mecklenburg High.

Groveland, Fla.: A melee broke out after a fuse blew and a football game between South Lake and Nature Coast was plunged into darkness. Five players and a coach were suspended for their roles in the on-field brawl. According to a report filed about the incident, “for a few seconds after the blackout there was no activity on the field. We could then hear players beginning to hit each other.”

Novato, Calif.: Because of repeated incidents of inappropriate fan behavior by parents, San Marin High officials drew up code-of-conduct contracts for athletes’ parents.

Springboro, Ohio: Private donors funded a Springboro High boys basketball locker room that includes custom-made royal blue and white carpet with the school logo, wooden lockers with lockable personal drawers, a 10-foot TV, a Wii video game system and a hardwood entryway that when completed will be a replica of the floor the team plays on.

Provo, Utah: A newspaper photographer whose leg was pierced by a javelin that came through the other side photographed his injury before being taken to the hospital. “If I didn’t, it would probably be my editor’s first question when I got back,” he said.

Rialto, Calif.: Poisonous, powerful stinging South American fire ants set up moundlike colonies on the Rialto High football and baseball fields, preventing the school’s athletic teams from using them.

Ann Arbor, Mich.: Thirteen Huron High boys lacrosse players, including a creative suitor, were suspended for writing “Will You Go to The Prom With Me? Yes or No?” on their backsides and then mooning a female classmate at a game. The girl accepted the invitation by patting the lower back of the boy with “Yes” on his butt.

Flower Mound, Texas: Two students who dressed in gorilla and banana costumes and sprinted down the field at a homecoming football game spent 16 hours in jail for trespassing. “We were in there with people on drug charges,” the gorilla said. “When they asked what we did, they said: ‘Seriously?’ “

Oklahoma City: On the night that Bishop McGuinness debuted its newly renovated gym, a $4 million project, one of the home players shattered a backboard on a dunk attempt.

Cartersville, Ga.: Stephens County High was fined $1,000 and its baseball program was placed on “severe warning status” after the team’s catcher dropped to his knees, ducked and did not attempt to catch a pitch that struck the home plate umpire in the face mask.

Pewaukee, Wis.: Several New Berlin Eisenhower High junior varsity football players were under investigation for urinating beside the field during halftime of a game at Pewaukee High. “I don’t think it was a matter of intentional exposure,” a school official said. “I think it was a matter of intentional relief.”

For those who couldn’t attend the Class 2A state football championship game between Lynden and Prosser on Saturday, Dec. 6 at the Tacoma Dome here’s a link to some of the video highlights that Doug Pacey from the Tacoma News Tribune took.

Find highlights here

Lynden junior Blair Bomber described the Lions thrilling 35-34 double overtime win as “unbelievable” and I have to agree. It was hands down one of the best high school games I have ever seen, especially when you consider the tradition behind both of those programs. I couldn’t think of a better way to finish up what has been a very memorable season. Congratulations to both teams.

JOE SUNNEN

Lynden finally found the end zone in the third quarter to pull within 14-6 of Prosser in the Class 2A state championship game. Ryan Seto hauled in a 12-yard touchdown catch on a slant route with less than seven minutes to play in the quarter to put Lynden on the scoreboard. The extra point attempt went wide right, however.

After spotting Prosser 14 points in the first quarter, Lynden started to chip away at the Mustangs’ defense in the second quarter. The Lions moved the ball inside Prosser’s 25-yard line twice during the quarter, but couldn’t find a way to score.

Lynden’s first attempt inside the 25-yard line ended on an incompletion on fourth-and-6 from the 20-yard line. The second ended on an interception on first-and-10 from the 24-yard line with 35 seconds to play.

Lynden’s defense seemed to handle Prosser’s offense a little better in the second quarter. The Lions held the Mustangs on fourth-and-goal from the 6-yard line and also forced Prosser to punt. Lynden’s offense also found some rhythm running the ball with Jordan Hastings and David Gaylord, and throwing the ball over the middle.

JOE SUNNEN

Lynden couldn’t find an answer for Prosser’s Kirby Moore in the first quarter and trails the Mustangs 14-0 heading into the second quarter of the Class 2A state football title game.

The senior wide receiver helped set up Prosser’s first touchdown with a 16-yard catch on third down and long, taking the Mustangs down to the 1-yard line. Moore scored the game’s second touchdown on a 51-yard catch and run with 4 minutes, 15 to play in the quarter.

Lynden’s special teams did make a big play, with Blair Bomber returning a kickoff 81 yards to set up Lynden on Prosser’s 14-yard line. But the Lions couldn’t get any points out of it, getting stopped on fourth-and-3 inside the Mustangs’ 5-yard line.

JOE SUNNEN