Ray Hamill/HumboldtSports.com

By Ray Hamill — The Hoopa Warriors got their running game going and kept their playoff hopes alive with a highly entertaining 32-21 win over McKinleyville at the Redwood Bowl on Friday night.

The Warriors took control of a back-and-forth game with two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, both on big-time plays.

The first came on a 61-yard TD pass from quarterback John Smith to Carlos Aguilar, and the second on a 93-yard TD run by Larry Tracy that essentially ended the game as a contest.

Sandwiched in between those two scores was a big defensive stand in the red zone, as the Warriors held tough when they needed to.

“It was a dogfight,” Hoopa head coach Sonny Ryles said. 

The Panthers, who were celebrating homecoming, didn’t give up, driving all the way upfield once again after Tracy’s TD, only to once again be stopped, this time on an AJ Perez interception in the end zone.

Super happy

Running the ball better was a point of emphasis for the Warriors at practice this week, and it paid off.

“I was super happy we had three rushing touchdowns,” Ryles said. “We emphasized that all week and I was really proud of the way we ran the ball.”

Tristin Campbell was inspirational in the win, scoring the Warriors’ opening touchdown on an eight-yard run midway through the first quarter to set the tone.

Campbell, who was clear hobbled in the second half, remained in the game giving everything he had.

There was no lack of offense and big plays early in the game as the two teams combined to score touchdowns on four consecutive possessions.

Campbell’s TD came after Kyler Carr had given the Panthers the lead on a 10-yard scoring run on their first possession of the game.

Caleb Martinez, who had two touchdowns on the night, scored on a five-yard run after Campbell had opened the Warriors’ account, before Smith connected with Perez on a 12-yard scoring pass to then give Hoopa a 14-13 edge.

The home team would re-take the lead in the third quarter on Martinez’s second touchdown run, this one from one yard out.

But it was a short-lived advantage, and the Warriors responded with the two late scores to seal the win.

“Overall, I thought our defense played lights out,” Ryles said.

Campbell added a fumble recovery, while Che Jimenez had yet another interception for the Panthers and is averaging one a week.

Big plays

The Warriors’ second TD was set up on a pair of big plays involving Smith, the first on a big pass to Jasper Hostler and the second on a brilliant scramble.

Along the line, a thin Hoopa roster battled, with big performances from Tommy Kelley, David Ruiz and Ben Colegrove, while Johnny Leach ran the well effectively along with Campbell, Tracy and Smith.

Kagan Renteria also had a big game at receiver and DB, having an immediate impact in his season debut after recovering from a broken collar bone suffered during the summer.

The Panthers ran the ball well themselves, especially Carr and Martinez, with Carr even more impressive on special teams where he had multiple huge returns.

“I felt the game got away from us,” McKinleyville head coach Keoki Burbank said. “We need to learn how to win games like that. But I’m so proud of my guys.” 

Along the lines, Alden Weber and Anthony Eggink continue to battle.

“There’s nothing to play for other than the love of the game,” said Burbank, who’s team is 1-7 and out of playoff and league contention. “And just seeing these guys continue to battle and put it all on the line, I’m so proud.”

Sophomore Donte Lamberson impressed at defensive tackle in his first ever varsity game for McKinleyville after moving up from the JVs, while Dominic Kofi impressed at defensive end.

The Mack JVs beat Hoopa 28-16.