ANACORTES — Undefeated defending state champion Anacortes football showed why it is still the team to beat in Class 2A with a 35-21 league win over perennial powerhouse Lynden at home Friday, Sept. 27 in Northwest Conference action.
“They beat us here two years ago and we beat them last year, so this game was a big deal,” Anacortes coach Justin Portz said. “They are a great team, well-coached and they will be in the playoffs.”
The Seahawks showcased one of the top offenses in the state with the victory. Quarterback Ryan Harrington finished 15-for-25 for 213 yards and a touchdown. Brock Beaner had 16 carries and three receptions for 151 total yards and three touchdowns. Brady Beaner finished with 15 rushes and six catches for 168 yards total yards and a touchdown.
Anacortes football triumphs over Lynden at home
“We are explosive,” Harrington said. “Our offensive coordinator finds gaps in the defense and I just find my guys running great routes. Brock was explosive in the run game.”
After Anacortes blocked Lynden’s opening-drive punt, Brock Beaner scored on a 33-yard touchdown reception to make it 7-0. On the following drive, Harrington placed a 35-yard pass to Zeke Hawkins, setting up Brady Beaner’s 6-yard TD run on the next play to make it 14-0.
Lynden cut the lead in half at the end of the first quarter when Brant Heppner found Sam Arango for an 11-yard touchdown pass.
The Seahawks tried to extend the lead by going for it on 4th-and-5 from Lynden’s 40-yard line, which was stopped. Lynden tried to respond but Heppner’s pass was intercepted by Seahawks’ Rylin Lang.
“We talked about where special teams mattered,” Portz said. “They have tremendously coached special teams. We knew the team who gets one turnover would win the momentum.”
After the interception, Brock Beaner bounced off defenders and scored a 21-yard rushing touchdown. Anacortes took a 28-7 lead just before halftime when Brady Beaner caught a 35-yard pass and Brock Beaner scored on a 4-yard carry.
However, Lynden had a four-play drive to end the half, finishing with a 34-yard pass to Isaiah Oudman and a 29-yard touchdown pass to Arango.
Anacortes began to run the ball and wind the clock in the second half. Portz said he was confident about his game plan and wanted to limit the opportunities Lynden had in the second half.
“I was proud of our team taking care of the football and moving the football,” Portz said.
Lang scored the final touchdown for Anacortes on a 17-yard catch. Lynden responded with three minutes left in the fourth quarter when Oudman caught a 23-yard pass down the middle of the field to make it 35-21. Lynden attempted an onside kick but Anacortes recovered and sealed the win.
“I know in the past it was a huge rivalry and they usually came out on top,” Harrington said. “We came out on top and hope to keep doing it every year. We have a tough couple game coming up and can’t look past anybody and take it to them.”
Anacortes (4-0, 3-0 NWC) hosts Squalicum (2-1) at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4. Lynden (3-1, 1-1 NWC) host Sehome (3-1) at 7 p.m. Oct 4.
Nick Zeller-Singh is CDN's sports reporter; reach him at nickzellersingh@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 104.
