The Borderites knew what they were up against coming into their game on Oct. 29. Lynden Christian, undefeated in league play, was ranked third of all Class 1A teams in the state, according to Washington Interscholastic Activities Association’s Rating Percentage Index.
But Blaine was up for the challenge.
Lynden Christian’s opening kickoff to Blaine was bobbled by junior Saihou Kanagie, but with several Lyncs closing in on him, he was able to recover the ball and slip through the crowd. At midfield he was left with just one man to beat.
Kanagie shook off the tackle and took the kickoff back for a touchdown, giving Blaine an early 7-0 lead.
“I saw a gap open and I shot it. I wasn’t expecting to score a touchdown on that play,” Kanagie said after the game. “I thought it was just going to be a pretty good gain. I wasn’t expecting to break the tackle, but I guess it happens.”
Then on defense, Kanagie made both tackles on the Lyncs’ first two plays from scrimmage.
His opening sequence provided the Borderites with energy that would carry them through the first half.
The Lyncs tied the score with a rushing touchdown in the second quarter, and they were threatening to score again, but Blaine’s junior cornerback Hunter Candanoza intercepted a pass and returned it about 60 yards for touchdown, giving Blaine a 14-7 lead.
The Borderites then forced a fumble on the Lyncs’ next play from scrimmage.
Junior quarterback Connor Brown and junior receiver Isaac Bouma connected on a long pass play to get them inside the 10-yard line, and a fourth-down passing touchdown to Candanoza (his second touchdown of the game) put Blaine up by two scores.
It looked as if Blaine might upset the Lyncs — the Borderites led 21-7 at halftime.
But it was a tale of two halves, as the Lyncs looked like a different team to start the third quarter. Lynden Christian’s run game produced consistent gains in the second half, and its defense forced a couple of crucial turnovers.
A pair of rushing touchdowns and an interception return for touchdown quickly put Lynden Christian on top 28-21.
The Borderites scored one more time when Brown found Bouma for a 12-yard passing touchdown to tie the score at 28, but the Lyncs showed why they’re ranked No. 3.
They scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, and their defense was lights out. Lynden Christian was able to come away with a 42-28 win.
With the loss to Lynden Christian, Blaine’s record fell to 0-4 against league opponents and 2-6 overall.
Though the outcome wasn’t what they would have liked, Kanagie said the game against Lynden Christian showed that their team can compete with some of the toughest opponents, and demonstrated how much the team has improved from the start of the season.
Senior linebacker Axel Shelton, who led the county with 66 tackles prior to the Oct. 29 game (according to WhatcomPreps.com), echoed Kanagie’s sentiment. Shelton said that the team has worked really hard throughout this season, and that showed against Lynden Christian.
Shelton said the Borderites will hope to carry that energy into their game against Friday Harbor on Blaine’s home field at 4 p.m. Thursday.
“I feel like we put on a pretty good show. It’s just a work in progress from here — it’s getting better,” Kanagie said. “There’s more coming. Stay tuned.”
