By Ray Hamill — This weekend marks the halfway stage of the local prep football season, with the Little 4 kicking off on Friday night and the Big 4 not too far away.
The season started slowly for many of the local teams, but most have been gradually improving, some dramatically so, and they’ll all still fancy their chances of making some noise in conference play and perhaps even in the North Coast Section playoffs.
The question is who has the most momentum and is best positioned heading into the business end of the season?
Is it the Del Norte Warriors, who are 4-1 and had barely put a foot wrong until last weekend’s first loss at Mazama?
Or the Eureka Loggers, who started out 0-3 against some tough competition but have now won two straight and could be among the most improved teams locally since week one?
Or maybe the St. Bernard’s Crusaders (5-0), the last remaining undefeated team on the North Coast who have a lightening quick offense and have been putting up points for fun?
Or is it the Arcata Tigers (2-2), also winners of two straight with some outstanding defense and the favorites in the Little 4?
Or perhaps the Ferndale Wildcats (2-2), who have been competing at a whole different level since their season-opening loss to Clear Lake and suddenly look like they’re well poised for a competitive run in league?
Or is the Hoopa Warriors (1-2), who have put a difficult start to the season behind them and are healthy again and riding the momentum of a first win last weekend?
Or perhaps the Fortuna Huskies (1-3), McKinleyville Panthers (1-3) or South Fork Cubs (2-2), all of whom can take positives out of their early-season form despite some difficult losses?
Tell us who you think is best positioned heading into the second half of the season and we’ll print the results later in the week.
Categories: Arcata, Del Norte, Eureka, Ferndale, Football, Fortuna, Hoopa Valley, McKinleyville, South Fork, Sports, St. Bernard's
