Ferndale snuffs out Arcata’s comeback in dramatic clash

A single point made all the difference in Friday night’s clash between Ferndale High and Arcata High, with the final score flashing a 33-32 victory for the Wildcats.

The game, played at McKinleyville High’s field, saw both teams’ great offensive talents and grit on full display, with a combined nine touchdowns and great solo plays from both sides.

Ferndale made the most out of the younger Arcata High team’s offensive gaffes, leading to several fumbles through the meeting, including a big play in which Cole Carmesin brought down a Tigers player to trigger a fumble.

The mistakes opened the door for the Wildcats to put 17 points of distance between them and their rivals teams early into the second half.

DJ Albee continued to plow through the field, continuing his scoring streak. The senior running back ran past the goal line three times during the game. His last foray into the end zone set the scoreboard 33-16 with a few minutes of play third quarter.

But the Tigers roared back.

Quarterback Shane Purcell finding his receivers for key touchdowns in their efforts to bridge the gap on the scoreboard.

Purcell found Carson Tucker twice as the clock ran out, with passes coming from 24 and 20 yards away.

Alex Jioras and Ty Franklin also made receptions Friday night. Jioras took to the air for a nine-yard reception, while Franklin caught a pass from five yards up.

Tucker’s second reception

set the Tigers up 3330. A successful two-point conversion then put the Tigers a single point away, 33-32.

Arcata’s hopes for a last chance comeback victory were dashed by Kannon Christiansen receiving a pass from older brother Jenner to get a first down off a fourth and long scenario. The Wildcats took a knee to let the clock run out, sealing their 33-32 victory.

The aftermath leaves the Wildcats with a 3-1 record.

Arcata High, with its third loss of the season, holds a 1-3 record.

Game Week 5 will see Arcata return to McKinleyville High for their Friday night game against the Panthers, scheduled for 7 p.m. Ferndale will be Hosting Hoopa Valley High on Saturday, with kickoff scheduled for 2 p.m.

Week 4 scores

South Fork 50 — 6 McKinleyville

Hoopa Valley 13 — 8 Fortuna B

PHOTOS BY JOSE QUEZADA, HUMEDIA — FOR THE TIMES-STANDARD Ferndale’s defense forces a fumble on an Arcata drive, leading to a turnover.

Arcata’s hopes for a last chance comeback win evaporated on this catch by Kannon Christiansen, thrown by Ferndale High Wildcats quarterback Jenner Christiansen.

Alex Jioras makes a touchdown grab for the Arcata High Tigers.

Arcata’s Ty Franklin makes a first down before being taken down by Ferndale defender Garrett Christiansen.