Lynden Lions: 2019 Washington high school 2A football preview

By WILL HOLLAND Here's an inside look at the 2A Lynden Lions. Links: Lynden team page | 2019 schedule 2018 IN REVIEW 12-1 in 2A Northwest Conference Sky (first

By WILL HOLLAND

Here's an inside look at the 2A Lynden Lions.

Links: Lynden team page | 2019 schedule

2018 IN REVIEW

12-1 in 2A Northwest Conference Sky (first place); lost to Hockinson in 2A state championship.

COACHING RESUME

Blake VanDalen, third season

17-7 record

RETURNING STARTERS

Offense - 2. Defense - 3.

TOP OFFENSIVE PLAYERS

RB Steven DiLorenzo, 5-7, 160, sr.

QB/TE Brock Heppner, 6-1, 195, sr.

K Marko Samoukovic, 6-0, 175, Sr.

OL Harley Vandenberg, 6-4, 240, sr.

TOP DEFENSIVE PLAYERS

DL Brock Heppner, 6-1, 195, sr.

LB Bodie Human, 5-7, 170, sr.

DL Ian Jacob, 6-3, 190, jr.

DL Marty Karb, 6-0, 200, sr.

THREE TO SEE

Brock Heppner, quarterback/tight end

Part of successful quarterback tandem last year with James Marsh

Bodie Human, linebacker

2018 all-state performer has small frame, but hits like a freight train

Marko Samoukovic, placekicker

Strong-legged kicker is automatic from any distance. Could be best in 2A.

OUTLOOK

Riding last year's huge senior class, the Lions advanced to their fifth Class 2A championship game since 2011.

Even though the Lions return just five starters combined this fall, let's not kid ourselves -- it is Lynden. They have athletes everywhere.

Heppner is one of the best multi-faceted athletes in the classification, but should become the primary quarterback this season. On defense, Heppner and Human should form quite a linebacker tandem.

“People don’t sleep on Lynden,” VanDalen said.

2019 SCHEDULE

Sept 6: Mount Baker 7 p.m.

Sept. 13: at Ferndale 7 p.m.

Sept. 20: Steilacoom 7 p.m.

Sept. 27: at Archbishop Murphy 7 p.m.

Oct. 4: Lakewood, 7 p.m.

Oct. 11: at Burlington-Edison, 7 p.m.

Oct. 18: Sedro-Woolley, 7 p.m.

Oct. 25: Blaine, 7 p.m.