BLAINE — Lynden Christian football advanced to the 1A state quarterfinals after dominating Cascade Christian 40-14 in a state opener Saturday, Nov. 16 at Blaine High School.
The eighth-seeded Lyncs (7-4) will now face No. 1 Royal (10-0) either Friday, Nov. 22 or Saturday, Nov. 23 at a time and location to be determined.
Although the wind was howling and the rain was pouring Saturday, the Lyncs were able to move the ball through the air and on the ground.
“We have heart,” Lynden Christian coach Greg Terpstra said. “These kids embraced the elements and made me go shirtless before the game. They feared nothing because we scheduled so strongly this year.”
Gallery: Lynden Christian football thumps Cascade Christian in state opener
The Lyncs and ninth-seeded Cougars struggled on their opening drives as both teams fumbled near midfield. The Lyncs took over on their side of the field during their second drive. LC running back Hollis Owen marched down the field before wide receiver Boyce Robertson caught a 37-yard pass from Eli Maberry.
Lyncs’ Chris Kooiman finished the drive with a 6-yard touchdown run to make it 7-0. Kooiman finished with 14 carries for 103 yards and two touchdowns. Maberry went 16-for-23 for 216 yards and four touchdowns.
“It’s something we wanted to work on,” Terpstra said. “We did want to pound the rock, but we also wanted to see how we can handle the ball in these elements. I was pleased but there are still things we got to clean up.”
Maberry’s first touchdown pass came in the first minute of the second quarter with a 6-yard TD to Jayden Huleatt. Cascade Christian marched down to Lynden Christian’s 25-yard line, but the Cougars turned the ball over on downs.
Robertson caught his first touchdown reception for 3 yards on 4th and goal with 45 seconds left in the half to make it 21-0. Robertson finished the day with six catches for 153 yards and two touchdowns.
The third quarter started like the first quarter with both teams trading turnovers. The Lyncs recovered a fumble but Maberry’s deep pass was intercepted the next play and returned to midfield.
Later, Kooiman broke through tackles and carried a 40-yard run to the 4-yard line, then scored on the next play.
“Our boys up front wanted it badly,” Terpstra said. “They wanted to pound them and I am glad it is happening here in the playoffs.”
Cascade Christian responded with a 33-yard touchdown catch from Maddox Miller. Lynden Christian’s Trey Bosman picked up a 9-yard touchdown catch and Robertson caught a 39-yard touchdown to finish the Lyncs scoring display.
Nick Zeller-Singh is CDN's sports reporter; reach him at nickzellersingh@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 104.
