The Arcata Tigers took another win against the McKinleyville Panthers in a Friday night matchup. The Tigers now advance to 8-0 on the season with their 47-28 win.
This outcome wasn’t ideal for the Tigers, but wasn’t unexpected. The Panthers are 0-8 on their season, and have never put up more than 18 points on the board until last night.
“That’s what it’s all about right now,” Magers said. “Getting this group of guys all to game strength, and ready for next year.”
Most fans quickly noticed that it wasn’t the Tigers first string on the field for a good amount of the game. Arcata took this game as an opportunity to play their younger talents, and even with struggle, their second and third stringers were able to show success.
Juniors Miguel Obezo and Messiah Love definitely won’t forget last night. In the third quarter, Obezo found an open Love, giving Love his first varsity touchdown, and Obezo his first varsity touchdown throw.
“They did great. There’s always gonna be a learning curve, but I was impressed,” Junior Luke Lemke said
The first string started the game out hot with a fumble recovery from senior Cal Tucker, and then a touchdown catch from senior Dayquan Dunn.
McKinleyville was quick and responded with their own touchdown, and then tried for the two-point conversion to take the lead but couldn’t connect with Arcata’s defense in the way.
Tucker, who has been phenomenal on both sides of the ball, found himself in the endzone with a 29 yard touchdown.
Lemke, yet again unstoppable, is continuing to prove why he is the best, and most electric player in the HDNL currently. With about two minutes to go in the half, the Tigers were on their own five yard line, in shambles, and Lemke finds an opening in the line to run the ball across the field, giving him a 95-yard touchdown. Lemke finished the game with about 150 rushing yards on just three carries.
“I was effective through the air and ran the ball well,” Lemke said. “I’m happy with my performance”
Tucker added another 66-yard touchdown to the board, giving him his second of the night. Tucker has had 4 nights where he had two-touchdowns, and is currently leading the team with 11 touchdowns on the season.
Senior Tony Buchanna, who debuted with Arcata against McKinleyville just four games ago, rushed into the endzone in the second, giving him a touchdown across three out of four games.
The Panthers still had adrenaline, trying to upset the first team in the league, scored another touchdown, putting the score at 34-19.
Just two minutes into the second half, Lemke ran the ball in to extend the Tigers lead over the Panthers.
The Tigers defense was not letting the Panthers by, with a sack from Senior Jackson Strand, and then an Interception by Tucker right after.
McKinleyville was able to sneak by for one final touchdown in the third, but couldn’t connect any longer, leaving Arcata with the lead.
The HDNL is coming to a close, and the Tigers only have two league games left, and one will be extremely crucial.
“A little bit more of the same with Hoopa, get some of the young guys some experience, and then get ready for Ferndale,” Magers said. “Ferndale in Ferndale is always a good one.”
