The Tigers have not lost any adrenaline since their last win, advancing to 4-0 on the season. Arcata beat the Oakland Wildcats, 38-20, in a non-conference game on Friday night, taking away Oakland’s undefeated title.
“We didn’t play as well as we did against Del Norte, but we played well enough to win,” Junior Lincoln Neuman said.
Arcata had a quick start, scoring three touchdowns in the first half from Seniors, Lennon Gieder and Cal Tucker. Gieder has had a slower start to the season, with only having one catch in the past three games. He shook off the slow start with two touchdowns in the win.
Gieder wasn’t the only player to get their first touchdown of the season, Neuman added his first to the board in the 2nd half.
Junior Luke Lemke has been playing a pivotal role in the Tigers’ success this season. Lemke threw for four touchdowns and rushed in his own in the 2nd half.
“Luke had done a good job distributing the ball around, he’s not just locking in on one guy,” Head coach Matt Magers said. “It really helps our offense, anytime one player is your go-to, it’s easier to defend against.”
Despite their well-played offense, the Tigers struggled on defense. Arcata allowed Oakland three touchdowns, and 20 points, the most they’ve let up all season.
“We stuck to our assignments, but we were sloppy about it,” Gieder said. “They took advantage of it a couple of times.”
Arcata JV also gained their first win, beating Oakland with a season-high of 28-21. Sophomore Jack Bertell had a pick-six. Sophomores Ronan Williamson and Duuya Smith also added to the scoring with one touchdown for Williamson and two for Smith.
The Tigers will have a bye this week and host the Mckinleyville Panthers at Cal Poly Humboldt on Friday, October 4.
