Lynden Beats Squalicum to Stay Perfect in Conference

Lynden residents can breathe easy as the Lions defeated Squalicum 35-32 in Bellingham to keep their Northwest Conference record spotless. The victory preserved Lynden's hold on first place in the conference standings. The game remained tight until the final minute, with Squalicum scoring with 1:16 on the clock. Lynden recovered the onside kick to seal the win and end the season undefeated in conference play.

Gordy Bedlington led the Lynden offense with three rushing touchdowns. He scored on runs of 2, 6, and 7 yards. Lincoln Van Ry contributed on special teams by blocking two extra point attempts for Squalicum. Austin Postma added two touchdowns for the Lions, including a 42-yard rush in the fourth quarter. The defensive stand on the final play secured the 35-32 result for a team now standing at 7-1.

Meridian secured a playoff berth with a 42-28 victory over Nooksack Valley on Friday. The win eliminated Nooksack Valley from postseason contention. The Pioneers will miss the playoffs for the first time in five years. The first quarter ended in a 14-14 tie before Meridian took control in the second half. The Trojans scored four consecutive touchdowns to build a 42-14 lead.

Trey Alexander passed for three touchdowns in the Meridian win. Kasey Brennan caught passes of 35 and 30 yards for scores. Pierce Brzozowski caught two short passes for touchdowns. Treven Scheenstra scored twice for Nooksack Valley, including a 29-yard rush. The Pioneers will play Marysville-Pilchuck on Friday, while Meridian hosts Mount Baker on Thursday, Oct. 29.

Ferndale traveled to Sedro-Woolley and won 43-36 in a high-scoring contest. Elliot Lenssen scored four rushing touchdowns for the Golden Eagles. His final score came on a 23-yard run with 28 seconds remaining. Wyatt Broyles added a 42-yard rushing touchdown in the first half. Trevor Kudsk forced two fumbles late in the game to help protect the lead. Ferndale now stands at 6-2.

The Golden Eagles advance to the 3A Wesco playoffs. They face Oak Harbor on Friday at 7 p.m. in the round of 32. A win keeps Lynden-area teams in the state tournament hunt. Lynden plays Archbishop Murphy on Friday, Oct. 30, at 7 p.m. in its regular season finale.