Jon Bergman Photography

Blitz backup Championship title

2011-10-09T13:29:00.000-07:00

The Bellingham Blitz squared off against an All Star cast of football standouts from the Western Washington Football Alliance league Saturday, October 8 at Civic Field. The exhibition was set to be a warm-up to the November match up between the Blitz and an All Star team from the Wild West Football League in Las Vegas. The first quarter exploded in scoring as Bellingham wide receiver Marquez Moses returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown. Moses then followed up the performance with a punt return for a touchdown minutes later. The Blitz defense continued to show their dominance over the members of the WWFA by shutting the All Stars out of the end zone the entire game. Final score: 38-0. Click here to view photos from the game.

Blitz, Champions!

2011-08-07T14:17:00.000-07:00

The Bellingham Blitz met the Washington Wolfpack from Kent, Wash. for the Western Washington Football Alliance league championship Saturday, Aug. 8 at Civic Field. Bellingham's defense set the tone early, keeping the Wolfpack offense scoreless through the first quarter while the Blitz offense, lead by quarterback Leon Lilley, started hot with 24 unanswered points. Washington rallied, scoring 16 points in 11 minutes and holding the Blitz to three points the entire second quarter. However Bellingham seemed to be a team of destiny, dominating the second half with three straight touchdowns in the third quarter to seal the victory and their first WWFA Championship. Final score 55-16. Click here to view photos of the game.

Blitz one step closer to Champions

2011-08-01T00:08:00.000-07:00

The Bellingham Blitz faced off against the Renton Ravens in the semi-final round of the Western Washington Football Alliance Championship Playoffs Saturday, July 30 at Civic Field. This was a rematch from a game played in June that resulted the Blitz serving the Ravens a 70-0 defeat. Renton had recently strengthened their defensive front seven and were ready to take on the Blitz bruising ground game. Bellingham started out strong, moving the ball quickly down the field in the first quarter. But the Ravens defense stiffened as they drew closer to the red zone and held to Blitz to a field goal. Bellingham hit their stride in the second quarter as two end zone frequenters wide receiver Toby Seim and running back Vann Vetch exploited weaknesses in Renton's defense. The second half turned into an aerial display as quarterback Leon Lilley connected with Seim and quarterback Cody Oakes for three more touchdowns. Final score 47-12. Click here to view photos from the game. The next game will be for the WWFA Championship and will be held at Civic Field August 6.

Blitz halt advancing Invaders

2011-07-17T14:16:00.000-07:00

Torrential rains and crashing lightning can not stop the Blitz from scoring. The Bellingham Blitz ended the 2011 Western Washington Football Alliance season for the visiting Tacoma Invaders Saturday, July 16 at Civic Field with a dominating win and claim the top spot heading into the playoffs. The Blitz offense started hot and stayed hot, moving the ball up and down the field easily behind their tenacious offensive line. They capitalized on short fields and turnovers caused by their defense, which lived up to their reputation of punishing opponents, holding the Invaders' offensive to only two scores the entire game. Blitz coach Brian Young continues his QB rotation utilizing Cody Oakes and Leon Lilly in a wide receiver/quarterback combination that keeps both players on the field at one time and keeps opposing defenses guessing. The Invaders ran out of gas and ran out of player as several Invaders suffered injury. Final score: 61-12. Click here to view photos of the game.

Bulldogs plunder Vikings

2011-07-10T00:40:00.000-07:00

The Bellingham Bulldogs ended their season on a high note Saturday July, 7 at Civic Field, with a statement win over the Snohomish County Vikings. The Vikings jumped out early, completing a 75 yard touchdown pass in the opening minutes. The Bulldogs answered with a touchdown drive ending with Azubo Bearden running in a quarterback sneak. The following kickoff returned was fumbled by the Vikings and was recovered on the 1 yard line resulting in another Bulldogs touchdown. Bellingham continued their momentum through the second quarter by scoring two touchdowns while the Bulldogs defense held the Vikings scoreless. The second half opened with a wild touchdown run by Bearden, recovering his own fumble for a 14 yard score. The Bulldogs sent running back Brett Hall into the end zone three times for touchdowns. The 2011 season ends for the Bulldogs with a 3-8 record. Final score 42-19. Click here to view photos of the game.

Bulldogs go toe-to-toe with Bearcats

2011-06-26T13:12:00.000-07:00

The Bellingham Bulldogs traded blows with the Grays Harbor Bearcats for four quarters Saturday, June 25 at Civic Field, landing the knockout punch late to seal the win. New Bulldogs quarterback Azubo Bearden broke the ice with the home crowd by connecting with wide receiver Toby Seim for a 50 yard touchdown in the opening minutes of the first quarter. The Bearcats did not flinch after falling behind 10-0 and countered with back-to-back touchdown drives. The team exchanged scoring drives through the first half ending in a 24 all tie. The second half carried the same tempo as the first as both teams continued to light up the scoreboard. In the fourth quarter the Bulldogs defense stiffened and held the Bearcats to a field goal deep in the red zone with less than three minutes remaining, tying the game at 34. A quick strike from Azubo Bearden to Toby Seim resulted in a 63 yard touchdown followed by an interception by defensive back Arthur Sanchez sealed the win for the Bulldogs. Final score: 41-34. Click here to view photos of the game.

Ravens Victims of Blitz Defensive Perfection

2011-06-12T02:08:00.000-07:00

The Bellingham Blitz faced off against the Western Washington Football Alliance league leaders, the Renton Ravens, and proved that the Blitz are the best team with a victory Saturday June, 11 at Mount Vernon High School. The stage was set for a battle between two titans of minor league football. The teams were no strangers to each other, waging war several times in the past. The Blitz struck first with an opening drive for a touchdown followed by several scores from turnovers caused by an oppressive defense. Five turnovers in the first quarter by the Ravens turned into 24 straight points for the Blitz, deflating any confidence the Ravens may have had at the start of the game. Renton's offense did not cross mid-field once the entire first half. Momentum did not change after halftime. The Blitz kept up their assault and unleashed the tandem of quarterbacks Leon Lilly and Cody Oakes, playing wide receiver, on the Ravens. The QBs connected for two touchdowns and 84 yards. While the Blitz defense brutalized the Ravens offense with their second straight shutout. Final score 70-0. Click here to view photos of the game.

Blitz post an Extreme shutout

2011-06-05T00:34:00.000-07:00

The Bellingham Blitz added another win to their 2011 season with a victory over the Cascade Extreme Saturday, June 5 at Civic Field. The Blitz defense started strong, forcing punts and recovering three straight turnovers. Giving their offense a short field to operate, resulting in 17 points in the first quarter. Continued pressure from the defensive line and relentless blitzing from the linebackers made it difficult for the Extreme offense to execute throughout the game. Cody Oaks capitalized on the dominating defensive performance by completing a hat-trick of passing for a touchdown, running in a touchdown, and catching a touchdown pass. Final score: 69-0. Click here to view photos of the game.

Slam escape the Volcanoes' fury

2011-06-04T00:10:00.000-07:00

The Bellingham Slam scraped by the Vancouver Volcanoes with a win Friday June 3 at Whatcom Pavilion. This was the fourth of six meeting between these two clubs this season. The Slam built a strong lead in the first quarter, relying on their three-point shooting. The Volcanoes climbing back on top in the second quarter with a 55-49 halftime advantage. The teams battled for dominance through the third quarter but the Slam's defense tightened and were able to wrestle the lead away from the Volcanoes late into the fourth quarter. The game came down to one last shot with 14.7 seconds remaining on the clock the Slam clung to a one point advantage with the Volcanoes controlling the ball but the Slam's defense held their ground. Final score: 107-106. Click here to view photos of the game.

Slam halt the erupting Volcanoes

2011-05-28T00:33:00.000-07:00

The Bellingham Slam bounce back from their lost to Portland with a victory over the Vancouver Volcanoes Friday, May 27 at Whatcom Pavilion. The Slam trailed most of the second half as they struggled to defend the fast-paced transition game of the Volcanoes. Bellingham stole the lead heading into halftime. Derrick Webb and Ira Graham came off the bench to carry the team into the fourth quarter with a double-digit advantage. Final score: 129-113. Click here to view photos of the game.

Blitz roll Thunder

2011-05-22T14:16:00.000-07:00

The Bellingham Blitz continued their winning streak with a victory over the Snohomish County Thunder, Saturday May 21 at Civic Field. The Thunder were out maned and out gunned from the kickoff. The Blitz's relentlessly hounding defense and punishing offensive ground attack sealed the Thunder's fate. Final score: 46-6. Click here to view photos of the game.

Blitz tame Panthers

2011-05-16T08:57:00.000-07:00

The 2011 Bellingham Blitz kickoff their home opener with a dominating performance from both sides of the ball, handling the visiting Umatilla County Panthers Saturday May 14, at Civic Field. A balanced offensive attack was the showcase for the Blitz, scoring at will via the pass and the run. Quarterback Cody Oaks distributed the ball to all of his playmakers giving five different Blitz players the opportunity to score touchdowns, including three for running back Vann Vetch. The continue their tradition of an oppressive defense, stifling the Panthers' offense through three quarters of play. Final score: 49-15. Click here to view photos of the game.

Slam blow over the Chinooks

2011-05-14T10:06:00.000-07:00

The Bellingham Slam scored at will as they easily defeated the Portland Chinooks Friday May, 13 at Whatcom Pavilion. With all players contributing points, the Slam jumped out to a 20-point lead early and never looked back, scoring 100 with three minutes left in the third quarter. Final score: 151-112. Click here to view photos of the game.

Bulldogs shutout at Home

2011-05-08T00:09:00.000-07:00

The Bellingham Bulldogs were handed their worst defeat of the season at the hands of the Yakima Mavericks Saturday May, 7^th at Civic Field. A sluggish start by the Bulldog offense put their defense in a tough spot. Giving the Mavericks two straight possession with a short field witch the Mavericks turned into quick scores. Offensive miscues kept the Bulldog defense on the field for most of the first half. Tempers flared at the start of the second half as frustration from penalties and turnovers proved to be the cause of the Dogs demise. Final score: 0-41. Click here to view photos of the game.

Colts buck Bulldogs

2011-05-01T11:34:00.000-07:00

The Bellingham Bulldogs endure a heartbreaking defeat at the hands of the South King County Colts Saturday April, 30 at Civic Field. The Colts struck first opening a 14-point lead in the first quarter but the Bulldogs narrowed the gap scoring two touchdowns of their own. The game stayed close as the lead charged sides multiple times through the remaining quarters. Yet back to back interceptions returned for touchdowns by the Colts late in the fourth proved to be the breaking point for the Bulldogs as time expired. Final score: 38-43. Click here to view photos of the game.

Slam extinguish Volcanoes

2011-04-30T12:56:00.000-07:00

The Bellingham Slam struggled early against the Vancouver Volcanoes. Trailing the visiting team midway through the second quarter the Slam captured the lead and began their rout with the score 52-41 at halftime. The Volcanoes could not catch up as the Slam found their rhythm and opened a 20-point advantage. Morris Anderson lead all Slam players in scoring with 23 points and added 6 assists to his stats. Final score: 117-95. Click here to view photos from the game.

Bulldogs outlast Ravens

2011-04-17T21:00:00.000-07:00

The Bellingham Bulldogs kickoff their 2011 minor league football season with a preseason victory over the visiting Ravens from Renton Saturday April, 16. The Dogs jumped out to an early lead by capitalizing on two offensive miscues by Renton, returning and interception for a touchdown and recovering a fumble for another. The Bulldogs held the lead by scoring at least twice per quarter despite a late rally by the Ravens. The game was ended with 4:38 left in the fourth quarter, and the Ravens threatening to score, when the Ravens' wide receiver Andre Jackson suffered a neck injury during a play. He was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital as a precaution. Final score 46-28. To view photos from the game click here.

Slam defeat Hotshots in shootout

2011-04-16T12:27:00.000-07:00

The BellinghamSlam treat the home crowd at Whatcom Pavilion with a victory over the West Coast Hotshots in the 2011 season opener Friday night April, 15. The Slam jumped out to an early lead and did not let the Hotshots catch up the entire game. Morris Anderson lead the Slam with 15 points and 15 assists while newcomers Blake Poole and Michael Duty each contributed 12 points and 2 block shots in their Slam debut. Final Score 130-104. To view photos click here.

Cobras repeat and defeat the Blitz

2010-08-16T00:06:00.000-07:00

The Tacoma Cobras proved to be the better team by taking out the Bellingham Blitz in the Professional Developmental Football League Championship game at Curtis High School Stadium, completing a three-game season-sweep. The Blitz were meet with opposition from both the Cobras high-powered offence and themselves with countless penalties and mental mistakes. The Cobras scorched the Blitz 44-20. Click here.

Cobras blister Blitz

2010-07-25T20:30:00.000-07:00

Tempers flared as the temperature increased at Civic Field Saturday. The heated rivalry between the Bellingham Blitz and the Tacoma Cobras reached the boiling point as both teams struggled to keep their cool. Penalties stifled the Blitz offensive machine early as the Cobras took an early 21-0 lead in the first quarter. The Blitz fired back with two touchdowns and a safety to bring the score to 21-16 at the half. However Tacoma rallied and scorched the Blitz in the second half winning the game and securing home-field throughout the playoffs. Final score: 44-25. Click here

Slam head into post-season play with win over Tide

2010-06-25T22:18:00.000-07:00

The Bellingham Slam rally late to push back the Tacoma Tide's offence. Paul Hafford lead the Slam with 23 points and Derrick Webb comes off the bench to score a season-high 20 points in a game that featured seven ties and 10 lead changes. The Slam end the regular season with 13-7 record and head into the playoffs on a two-game winning streak. Final score 110-91. Click here

Blitz scuttle the Buccaneers in season opener

2010-06-14T19:21:00.000-07:00

The Bellingham Blitz defense shutout the visiting Boise Buccaneers forcing seven turnovers and allowing the Blitz offense to score at will. The Blitz jumped out early with three touchdowns in the first quarter and followed with a touchdown scored in each of the following quarters. Final score: 49-0 Click here

At halftime fans were introduced to the Blitz Girls Dance team and were treated to a performance by Island Cheer.

Blitz rumble over another opponent

2010-05-22T22:53:00.000-07:00

The Bellingham Blitz grab another victory over a non-league opponent Saturday as the Tacoma Invaders met the Blitz at Mount Vernon High School for the second game of the 2010 pre-season. The Blitz offensive line used their size advantage to bully the Invaders defense opening up holes for Blitz running back Vann Vetch to 224 yards rushing and five touchdowns. Final score: 36-6. Click here

Slam are defeated in the last seconds.

2010-05-22T22:41:00.000-07:00

The Bellingham Slam held the visiting Yamhill Highfliers at arm's length, never relinquishing the lead through 46 minutes of the game. With two minutes left in the fourth the Highfliers tie the game 100-100. A series of jump shots and untimely fouls left the Slam with heartbreaking lose. Final score: 115-114. Click here

Blitz battle back from first-half deficit to defeat Vikings

2010-05-16T12:34:00.000-07:00

The Bellingham Blitz stumbled early in the 2010 pre-season opening game against the Snohomish County Vikings. The Blitz offense struggled to move the ball throughout the first-half of Saturday's contest and called on the defense to hold the Vikings to eight points. In the second-half fan saw the Blitz open up the play book and were treated to four touchdown passes to Blitz wide receiver Toby Seim. Final score: 24-15. Click here

Slam take revenge on Titans.

2010-05-15T00:09:00.001-07:00

The Bellingham Slam dominate the visiting British Columbia Titans and lead 2-1 in a four game series with their neighbor to the north. Slam guard Jacob Stevenson lead all scorers with 20 points and Morris Anderson lead in assists with 12. Final score: 114-91. Click Here

Bellingham Slam roll the Tide in season opener.

2010-04-09T22:08:00.001-07:00

The Bellingham Slam win the first home game of the 2010 International Basketball League season over the visiting Tacoma Tide 124-103 at Whatcom Community College Pavillion Friday April 9. Click Here

Blitz come up short, Cobras take PDFL championship.

2009-08-31T08:10:00.000-07:00

The Bellingham Blitz traded punches with the Tacoma Cobras, during Saturday's PDFL championship game, keeping the score with in one score the entire bout. With less than five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter a fumble in the endzone sealed the Blitz fate and the following touchdown drive by the Cobras secured them the first PDFL championship trophy. Final score: 36-31 Click Here

Order your 2009 Blitz team photo here

Cobras strike again, the Blitz are defeated at home.

2009-08-22T20:30:00.000-07:00

The Tacoma Cobras hand the Bellingham Blitz their second loss of the season and prove to be the Blitz toughest opponent. After keeping the score close in the first half, penalties and turnovers stifle the Blitz comeback. Final score: 38-23 Click Here

Blitz claim their place in the championship with win over the Vikings

2009-08-16T21:59:00.000-07:00

The Bellingham Blitz stop a second-half comeback by the Everett Vikings and guarantee themselves a spot in the championship game. Final score 45-20. Click Here

Blitz show no mercy to Thunderbolts.

2009-08-09T17:51:00.000-07:00

The Bellingham Blitz hold off a second half comeback by the Portland Thunderbolts. Despite a second half littered with penalty flags the Blitz win 35-13 and improve their chances to host the championship game. Click Here

Blitz crush the Vikings July, 25 2009

2009-07-27T08:31:00.000-07:00

The Bellingham Blitz come out fast and swinging hard as they score three unanswered touchdowns in the first half again the Everett Vikings. The Blitz improves to a 2-1 record, 3 -1 overall, for the season with the 21-0 victory. Click Here

Holtorf Racing at Deming Speedway

2009-07-24T16:41:00.000-07:00

Lets Go Racing from Jon Bergman on Vimeo.

Bellingham Slam 2009

2009-06-29T08:32:00.001-07:00

The best images from the 2009 season. The slam head into the playoffs with a 16-4 record. The possibility for a repeat championship is high. Click Here

Season opener for the Bellingham Blitz

2009-06-21T15:04:00.001-07:00

Pictures from Saturday June, 20 2009. The season opener for the Bellingham Blitz. Defeating the Pierce County Bengals 58-6. Click Here

Raiders clinch championship over Invaders August 2, 2008

2008-08-03T15:08:00.000-07:00

The Whatcom Raiders end their second season in the Cascade Football League undefeated with a victory over the Tacoma Invaders to win the CFL Championship. Final score: 22-12

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Slam win IBL Championship over Express July 18, 2008

2008-07-20T12:20:00.001-07:00

The Bellingham Slam traded fast-break scores with the Elkhart Express during the International Basketball League Championship game at Whatcom Community College Pavilion. The Slam defeated the Express late in the fourth quarter. Final score: 118-111

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Raiders rally from behind to remain undefeated July 12, 2008.

2008-07-14T23:47:00.000-07:00

The Whatcom Raiders reach deep inside and battle back from a 20-6 halftime deficit and defeat the Tacoma Invaders in the final minutes of the game. Final score: 26-20

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Raiders face their toughest opponent, themselves June 28, 2008

2008-06-29T15:01:00.000-07:00

Raiders cruse to a perfect 8-0 record on the season due to a forfeit by the Puget Sound Pirates prior to the game. The Raiders decided to play a scrimmage to see which side of the ball is really winning the games. After a hard fought evening on the sun drenched Civic Field, Coach Young called the game a draw due to the lack of sacks by the defense. Final score: offense, 13; defense, 27.

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Raiders shut down the Thunder and win big June 21, 2008

2008-06-22T14:45:00.000-07:00

The Raiders’ defense shut down the Snohomish Thunder’s offense as the Raiders’ offense scores a season high 72 points, continuing their dominance in the Cascade Football League. Final score: 72-0.

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Raiderettes perform with special quests from Burlington-Edison June 21, 2008

2008-06-22T14:34:00.000-07:00

The Raiderettes once again entertained the home crowd with another top quality performance with the help of the Burlington-Edison High School cheerleading squad at the Raiders' victory over the Thunder.

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Raiderettes performance at Raiders vs. Eagles June 7, 2008

2008-06-08T11:31:00.000-07:00

Another crowd pleaser as the Whatcom County Raiderettes take over halftime during another Raiders shutout at Civic Field Saturday.

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Raiders silence the Eagle chatter June 7, 2008

2008-06-08T10:49:00.000-07:00

The Raiders come off the Memorial Day bye with another shutout. The Olympic Peninsula Eagles were unable to gain momentum on the Raiders' stiffeling defense as the Raiders' O-line once again proved their dominance over the league. Final score 55-0.

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Slam coast to victory over All-Stars May 30, 2008

2008-05-31T10:16:00.000-07:00

The Bellingham Slam set a new single-game scoring record as they cruise pass the Las Vegas All-Stars for their 11th straight victory. Final score: 174-129.

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Raiders prove their dominance with a victory over the Invaders May 24, 2008

2008-05-25T14:51:00.000-07:00

The Raiders improve to 4-0 in the Cascade Football League and 5-0 overall with their thumping of the Tacoma Invaders Saturday night at Civic Field. The evening thundered with the sound of the Raiders' offensive line punishing the Invaders defense. The O-line paved the way for Raiders' running back Rob Knight, who gained over 200 yards rushing. Final score: 50-3.

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Raiderettes perform at Civic Field May 24, 2008

2008-05-25T14:43:00.001-07:00

The Raiderette entertained the crowd of Raider die-hards at Civic Field Saturday. The ladies included a special halftime performance for the lucky fans.

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Raiders' defense shutout the Pirates' old-school offense May 17, 2008

2008-05-18T13:04:00.000-07:00

Running an offense established in the late 1940s, the Puget Sound Pirates had no answer of the suffocating Raiders defense. The Pirates could not reach the endzone nor stop the Raiders' offense from reaching it more than eight times. Reggie Powell continues his consecutive game streak with at least one interception per game and Toby Seim racks up another four touchdown passes and one two-point conversion. Final score: 66-0.

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Defense brings the pain to Thunder's house May 10, 2008

2008-05-11T17:07:00.000-07:00

The Raiders defense answered the coach's challenge Saturday with a 1st quarter shutout of the Snohomish Thunder. Topped with two early interceptions by Reggie Powell, the Raiders dominated the first half 21-6. The debut of quarterback Brett Smith was rocky but the Raiders' offensive line and defensive tenacity made up for the mistakes. The wide receiver duo of Az Bearden (two touchdowns) and Toby Seim (one touchdown and a two-point conversion) finished the Thunder off. Final score: 37-12.

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Shootout with the Ravens May 3, 2008

2008-05-05T17:58:00.000-07:00

Home opener against the Renton Ravens of the Northwest Football League. Raiders jump out to an early 1st quarter lead, 20 to 12, thanks to a quick, opportunistic defense. The Ravens charged back in the 2nd quarter to cut the lead down 26-20 on the shoulders of running back William McGee. The Raiders finished the Ravens off in the 3rd quarter, 42-26. Linebacker Antonie Dudley drove a nail in the Ravens coffin with a fumble recovery for a touch late in the 4th quarter. Final score: 50-26.

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Season opener at Port Townsend April 26, 2008

2008-04-28T12:30:00.000-07:00

This was a great win for the Raiders to give them confidence. To show themselves that all of the hard work prior will payoff throughout the season. Final score: 63-6

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Raiderette tryouts April 20, 2008

2008-04-28T12:26:00.000-07:00

Tryouts for the Raiders dance team were held at Gold's Gym on April 20. I arrived late however they did perform their routine and posed for a group photo.

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Practice April 19, 2008

2008-04-28T11:04:00.000-07:00

This was a non-contact walk through for the Raiders in preparation for the following weekend's game. The wind was bitterly cold but the team held strong.

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Black and White Scrimmage. April 12, 2008

2008-04-17T18:37:00.000-07:00

I missed the practice at the beginning of April and the scrimmage on the 12th wasn't too photographic due to the fact that I was filming video of the scrimmage from the roof of the stands. I shot a few frames though.

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Practice March 29, 2008

2008-04-17T18:32:00.000-07:00

The second practice as team photographer was still cold. I took photos of Justin Bronn this time for the Raiders' site.

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Practice March 22, 2008

2008-04-17T18:26:00.000-07:00

This is the first practice I shot as the offical team photographer. It was a cold day and the light was a little flat. I was also asked to photograph Toby Siem for the Raiders' Web site.

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Whatcom County Raiders Official Web site

2008-04-15T16:40:00.001-07:00

The site is updated daily by Coach Brian Young.

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Whatcom Raiders Article

2008-04-15T16:35:00.000-07:00

Article written by the Western Front during winter quarter at Western Washington University.

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