Eric Evans Photography.

By Ray Hamill — Jake Hanson’s season got off to a disappointing start on Saturday night, as the Oregon Ducks’ national championship ambitions took an early hit.

In one of the most anticipated matchups of the opening weekend, the No. 11 Ducks fell to the No. 16 Auburn Tigers 27-21 in heartbreaking fashion, with the winning TD scored in the final seconds.

Hanson, a former Eureka High standout, is a fifth-year senior and the starting center for the Ducks, anchoring one of the most experienced and highly-touted lines in college football.

He is considered one of the better centers in college ball and a potential NFL Draft pick.

Two other former H-DNL players were in action on Saturday, former McKinleyville standouts Bryce Petersen and Kyle Spalding.

Petersen, a junior, is the starting center for the Akron Zips, who opened their season with a tough 42-3 loss to Illinois.

Spalding made his first-ever start at left tackle for San Diego State, which won a low-scoring game against Weber State 6-0.