Happy Birthday to Lance Zamzow! A 1995 graduate of Mount Baker, Zamzow made electrifying plays almost every time he touched the ball. As a sophomore he backed up senior Pete Barter at quarterback, and was the teams punter. He was forced into action at Nooksack Valley, and led the Mountaineers to a 20-18 upset win on the road. He finished the season completing 9-of-19 passes for 95 yards. As a junior he was slated as the second quarterback behind fellow junior Tom Horsmon. Horsmon started the first three games, and after a 1-1 start, the first league game of the year was at Lynden Christian (who would go on to play for the state championship that season). Zazmow came into the game against the Lyncs halfway through the third quarter. He finished that game completing 14-of 22 passes for 209 yards, two touchdowns while rushing for another one as the game ended. It wasnt enough for Mount Baker to win, but his dynamic play at quarterback showed that he could definitely get the job done as the starting quarterback. In the following week at Blaine, Zamzow led the Mountaineers to a 24-21 win in double overtime after hitting Mike Perez with a 25-yard touchdown pass off of a reverse flea-flicker in the first overtime. Zamzow missed the next two games, and the Mounties went 0-2 in those games. Baker went 3-0 in its final three games with Zamzow back under center, and the Mountaineers made the postseason for the first time in seven years. Zamzow was knocked out of the playoff game against Steilacoom, and Baker lost 30-8. He finished the season completing 48-of-94 passes for 722 yards and six touchdowns, while rushing for three more scores. He was named All-League Honorable Mention at quarterback, and with the main core of players returning next season, Baker looked to have a big season, especially with the Zamzow-to-Perez connection. Unfortunately for the Mountaineers, Perez transferred to Nooksack Valley, and with wide receiver Rieker Sternhagen and tight end Rod Fleming graduating, the Mounties would go into the next season with two proven quarterbacks and no proven receivers. Coach Doug Preston would choose to start the season with Horsmon at quarterback, and use Zamzows athletic ability at wide receiver. After week ones narrow 15-14 win at Vashon Island, Coach Preston made another change, inserting junior David Galbraith, and use seniors Zamzow and Horsmon as the wide receivers.... and it was a great decision. Zamzow electrify the rest of the league, scoring touchdowns in almost every way imaginable. He would catch 22 passes for 477 yards (21.7 average) and six touchdowns. He also carried the ball 11 times for 148 yards (13.5) average and three touchdowns. He returned only four kickoffs, but totaled 110 yards (27.5 average) and a touchdown, and he also returned 18 punts for 263 yards (14.6 average) and two more touchdowns. He was named All-League 1st Team at wide receiver, and the position was completely new to him. He was also named All-League Honorable Mention at punter, averaging 31.8 yards per punt. Defensively, he made 52 tackles (35 solo), four interceptions for 54 yards, three passes defended, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and was named All-League Honorable Mention at defensive back. He would go on to play in the All-State game, where he caught a 30-yard touchdown pass, and intercepted two passes on defense and he was named the defensive MVP of the game. I know I wrote a lot about Lance, but its almost 11:00 PM, and I almost forgot to write something! Lance was one of my favorite players, and I got to see him every day in practice. He was a true joy to see on the field.
Posted on: Tue, 27 May 2014 05:51:53 +0000
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