By Ray Hamill — With a big showdown looming at Crusader Field on Saturday, Arcata head coach Jamal Jones has stressed this week that his team is not looking to replace St. Bernard’s in the Big 4.

That, however, doesn’t mean they are backing down from their ambition of re-joining the Big 4, something Jones and his players have been eying since Arcata was moved to the Little 4 before the 2018 season.

They just don’t want to do that at the expense of any particular team in a conference that previously had five teams, and the coach says he has nothing but respect for the St. Bernard’s program.

According to the Arcata coach, the Tigers have been eying Saturday’s showdown for some time, but that has little to do with St. Bernard’s and more to do with the fact this is the only time they get to play a Big 4 school in the regular season, and their only opportunity to prove they belong in the larger schools conference.

Jones says he wants his players to face the best competition possible during the regular season to give them a better chance in the North Coast Section postseason.

“It better prepares us when we play good competition,” Jones said.

The league realignment, which also saw McKinleyville switch to the Little 4, has caused plenty of controversy.

Many St. Bernard’s backers feel the Crusaders should not have to compete against the larger schools and rosters of Eureka, Fortuna and Del Norte.

On the field of play, however, the Crusaders have competed well against the Big 4 teams after years of dominating the Little 4 teams, against whom they have now won 29 straight games.

Saturday’s kickoff is set for 1 p.m.

“We’re going to take our best shot on Saturday,” Jones said.