We're kicking off our first community forum with topic that some of you take awfully serious: prep football.

With the first games only a couple days away, which team is your pick to claim the Northwest Conference championship?

I'm going with Lynden. The defending Class 2A state champion Lions return too many starters and key players not to be considered the top team in the conference. Lynden faces a difficult test against Blaine on Friday, which will tell a lot about both teams.

After Lynden, I expect Ferndale, Anacortes, Burlington-Edison and Blaine to contend for the NWC crown.

Who's your pick?

Doug Pacey
Sports reporter, The Bellingham Herald