The Doug Lange Network 

October 20, 2018 

​

Two offensive powerhouses got downright defensive in a first place showdown Friday night in at Bob Tisdale Stadium in Deming.  The Meridian Trojans survived the slugfest and held off Mount Baker 13-to-9 to claim sole possession of first place in the Northwest Conference 1A ranks.  

​

The rematch between the No. 10 Trojans (6-2/4-1) and the No. 6 Mountaineers (5-3/3-2) barely resembled the first game back on September 28th that saw the two teams score a combined 61 points in a Mount Baker victory.  This matchup featured as many defensive scores as offensive. 

​

The lone score in the first half was a 36 yard, pick-6 interception return by Meridian defensive lineman Adam Kruzich.  The first offensive touchdown wasn't scored until there was just 37 seconds left in the 3rd quarter as RB Cole Roberts scored on 1 yard touchdown run. 

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

Meridian survived Mount Baker's 4th quarter comeback. Kaleb Bass threw an 8 yard TD strike to Michael Kentner in at the 6:37 mark. Kentner also recorded a safety with a sack of Dylan Hickok in the end zone with 2:24 left to play in the game. 

​

How did Meridian coach Bob Ames describe this "very fortunate win"?

​

"They couldn't make plays and we couldn't make plays, it's just hard to say...both teams were playing their tails off," said Ames. "Not much left to take home, they left everything out there."

​

Meridian held Mount Baker to just 127 total yards on offense, making life difficult for Bass all night. He went 4-for-15 for just 38 yards with 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions. 

​

Trojan defensive lineman Trevor Pagnossin had a huge sack of Bass on Mount Baker's final possession helping end the threat of a successful comeback, 

 

"We all just needed to do our job.  Hold our gaps, play hard and finish off," said Pagnossin.   

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

 

Meridian gets the victory despite totaling just 214 yards on offense. The Trojans lost star quarterback Dawson Logan for much of the second half to a wrist injury. The senior finished the night with 84 yards rushing. No word on his status moving forward as Dylan Hickok assumed the signal caller duties. 

​

Both squads wrap up the regular season Thursday, October 25th. Meridian hosts Lynden Christian and Mount Baker hosts Nooksack Valley. 

​

​

- Doug Lange 

​