Ray Hamill/HumboldtSports.com – Arcata running back Kien Mazzotti was a handful for the Ferndale defense all night.

By Ray Hamill — The Arcata Tigers may have lost their Little 4 opener on Friday night, but it wasn’t because of a lack of offense.

Numerous players stepped up in a thrilling 45-38 loss to the Ferndale Wildcats at the Redwood Bowl.

Quarterback Mathew Robinson found a rhythm, receivers Niko Zambas and Raven Perez each had some huge receptions, and running back Kien Mazzotti had one of his best games for the Tigers.

The latter finished with two touchdowns and four successful two-point conversion runs, finding the end zone time and again.

Mazzotti scored a remarkable 16 points in a 40-second spell midway through the third quarter, running in for back-to-back TDs and back-to-back two-point conversions.

A Perez fumble recovery set up the second of those TDs, which Mazzotti took 25 yards to the end zone on the following play.

Zambas too had a huge game, pulling in a pair of TDs, as well as a pivotal 34-yard reception to set up a Robinson QB sneak to the end zone from the one.

The Arcata offensive line also had a big night, opening holes against a tough Ferndale defensive unit.

The Tigers (2-3) will try to get back on track next week when they play McKinleyville (1-4) at the Redwood Bowl.