LC football finds mid-season momentum | Sports

Head coach Greg Terpstra praised the team’s growth and resilience as they prepare for their next game against undefeated Blaine.

Reflecting on the team’s progress, Coach Terpstra highlighted the youth and hunger of the team.

“We’re a young team finding our way, and we saw a couple of younger guys step up and take the lumps they’ve learned from in the first couple of weeks and become better, tougher athletes,” Terpstra said.

Lynden Christian’s season began with a 28-7 loss to Vancouver College and rebounded in their second game with a 26-15 win over North Kitsap 26-15. They showed signs of improvement both offensively and defensively; however, their momentum was halted by a 36-22 loss to Okanogan in Week 3 before bouncing back with the dominant win over Lakeside.

Terpstra noted that lessons from those losses were crucial to their eventual success in Week 4. 

“As always, if you can run the ball and stop the run, you’re going to be successful, and if you’re getting run on and you aren’t running, you’re not going to be,” he said. 

As the season has progressed, several young players have emerged as crucial contributors for the Lyncs. Terpstra was quick to acknowledge the impact of players like sophomore outside linebacker Kaden Veldman.

“He’s has turned into quite a force,” Terpstra said.

In addition to Veldman, other players who have stepped up include senior Mick Owen, who normally plays as a slot receiver but has filled at running back. HE rushed for 74 yards on 21 attempts against Lakeside. 

“He really got North-South, ran the ball really well, popped it outside when he needed to,” Terpstra said. 

Young contributors like Chris Kooiman, Jacob Penner, Jaxon Huleatt and Trey Blair have also earned praise for their ability to step into roles when called upon.

The offensive line and defensive trenches, often the unsung heroes of a team, were also highlighted by Terpstra. Players like Cole Larson, Treyson Johnson, and Judah Calvin were mentioned for their work on the defensive line. 

“Our defensive linemen are in a structure where they’re not expected to get tackles, but they’re expected to eat up linemen, and then our linebackers get 8,000 tackles,” Terpstra said.

While the Lyncs have shown clear development through the first four games, Terpstra emphasized that there is still room for improvement, particularly in the run game.

“I think we’re going to run the ball better, more effectively,” he said. 

Terpstra also stressed the importance of finding the roles where players can excel and increasing the number of repetitions in practice to build consistency.

On defense, the rotation of players has been a focal point, as the coaching staff has tried to utilize as many players as possible to keep the defense fresh and productive. 

“We’ve rotated quite a few guys in on defense and have had productive results,” Terpstra said. “That makes us feel pretty good that we can sub freely and get quality results.”

He also lauded the efforts of the younger players who have embraced their roles as backups and scout team members, noting that their hard work in practice has paid off when given the opportunity to play in games.

Next on the schedule for Lynden Christian is a matchup against Blaine, who is currently 4-0. The game is set for Friday, Oct. 4, at 7 p.m. at Blaine High School. 

“They are vastly improved,” Terpstra said. “That’s going to be a dogfight, I’m guessing right to the very end of the game.”

Preparation for Blaine will be broad, with the Lyncs needing to be sharp in all phases of the game. 

“We have to be extremely sharp,” Terpstra said. “Coach Olson does a great job. He knows football, and he’s a great motivator. I think kids would run through a brick wall for him, so we will have our hands full Friday night.”

As Lynden Christian prepares for this challenge, Terpstra noted the team has remained resilient throughout a tough early schedule. He emphasized that the demanding matchups are designed to test the team’s abilities and foster growth. 

“I schedule the hardest schedule I could possibly schedule, and they know that going in,” Terpstra said. “They know that I’m testing them, and I think they’ve embraced that idea.”

Following their Blaine matchup, Lynden Christian will face Sehome (3-1) the following week, followed by Mount Baker (4-0) on Oct. 18.