NWC Early Team Previews: 2A – Lynden Lions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the summer approaches, I wanted to take a deep dive into the NWC and take a look into each team and see how they could compete this upcoming year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lynden Lions - 13-0 (7-0)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lions are back to back 2A state champions on the football field. Their talent doesn't seem to run out even when they lose big time players to graduation. The biggest hole the Lions will need to fill will be RB. [player_tooltip player_id='584013' first='Lane' last='Heeringa'] was a leader on both sides of the field. Offensively, he was the main option on this Lions team that mostly ran the ball. Heeringa had 171 carries for about 900 yards and 17 touchdowns on the season and defensively he was the leader at the linebacker position, leading the Lions with over 100 tackles on the season, 5.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions, along with a lot more. WR/DB Isaiah Stanley is graduating after contributing 50 catches for 662 yards and 3 touchdowns. Chris Elenbaas racked up over 90 tackles on the defensive back as a linebacker, so the Lions will have to replace him as well. Jesus Ortiz (6'1" 275lbs) will need a replacement on both sides of the lines but, he's not the only lineman the Lions will be missing. [player_tooltip player_id='421832' first='Dane' last='Gatterman'] (6'2" 285lbs), Luke Winterberg (6'2" 230lbs), and Josiah Vanderhaak (6'4" 265lbs) will all also need to be replaced.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the bright side, the Lions return many playmakers for the team. '25 QB [player_tooltip player_id='945865' first='Brant' last='Heppner'] split starting time last season but is expected to have full reigns when the season begins, he completed 58/89 passes for 968 yards and 10 passing touchdowns. What makes him dangerous is his use of his legs as well, he compiled 367 yards on the ground and 10 more rushing touchdowns as his 6'6" frame is hard to stop in goal line situations. 2025 TE/OLB [player_tooltip player_id='945877' first='Isaiah' last='Oudman'] will be back and is one of my top picks for players who are going to have huge, breakout seasons. Oudman will make noise on both sides of the ball next season. Play-makers Cooper Moore (2024) and Brady Elsner (2024) will also be back to help Heppner on the offense side and to hold down the secondary on defense. The Lions will once again be a top team in the entire 2A class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Games to keep an eye on: September 8th vs WF West, October 6th @ Archbishop Murphy, October 27th vs Anacortes</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->