Photos by Ray Hamill/HumboldtSports.com
The Ferndale Wildcats dominated the line of scrimmage on Saturday and that paved the way for a comfortable 57-28 win over California School for the Deaf in the opening round of the NCS Division-7 football playoffs at Ferndale High.
And they did it with a next-man-up mentality.
With brothers Hunter and Bryce Bell both out of the lineup due to sickness, others had to fill the void, and they did.
“We really didn’t miss a beat, and that’s not a slight, it’s just kudos to the offensive line and the players and the coaches,” Ferndale head coach Clint McClurg said, praising the work of assistant coaches Jim Cook and Adam Kendall. “That depth showed up when we needed it most.”
In particular, right tackle Haven Harrington and center Tanner Zanone stepped up their game in the absence of their teammates.
“Haven Harrington has been doing that for us all year long,” the head coach said. “Plugging in wherever — tackle, guard, left side, right side.
“That group up front continues to impress no matter what comes their way.”
Domic Regli also had a big game, leading both lines once again as he has been doing all season, while the return of Orion Benton gave the Cats a big boost at a very opportune time.
Benton is one of the team’s inspirational leaders but has missed almost the entire season due to sickness, and having him back in the lineup was a big plus just as the playoffs got under way.
“It was nice to have Orion back,” McClurg said.
The play of the offensive line opened up opportunities for the Cats’ skill players, and they didn’t disappoint.
Quarterback Jenner Christiansen had his best game yet for Ferndale, accounting for six touchdowns in the rout, using his arm and legs to great effect.
The junior ran in for two and threw for four, three of them to senior receiver Javier Lopez who has become one of the Cats’ most reliable weapons on both sides of the ball.
“When Jenner Christiansen is as effective as he was and we pound the football …,” the coach said. “He was extremely accurate with the ball today, and then threatening the edge with his legs.”
Gomes continued to set the tone on offense with his early runs, opening up the play action and opportunities for his teammates.
Both Lopez and Gomes each had an interception on defense, along with Tristen Martin, who also had a two-point catch at tight end.
Christiansen also completed a TD pass to Colson Renner, while Nico Alejandre ran in for a TD from eight yards out early in the game.
The win was the ninth in the last 10 games for the Cats, who are seeded No. 2 in the NCS Division-7 bracket and will host No. 3 Willits next Saturday at 1 p.m.
Willits defeated El Molino 41-7.
