File photo – Shane Purcell

If the Tigers can get around to playing two complete halves of football in the same game, who knows how many points they might actually score.

A dangerous Arcata offense broke open a tight game on Friday night with a 42-point second half on the way to a 70-22 win over Ferndale in a game at McKinleyville High.

Senior quarterback Shane Purcell threw eight TDs in the win, six of them them to fellow senior Carson Tucker, as the Tigers won for the third straight week after opening the season 0-2.

“It was a rocky first half,” said Arcata head coach Jamal Jones. “(The Wildcats) played Ferndale football and they outplayed us in the first half, just physically and effort wise, and at halftime we made some adjustments.

“That’s the second week in a row we’ve had a sloppy half of football.”

The Tigers, however, have found ways to win both those games, thanks in large part to a potent passing attack.

Purcell now has 16 TD passes in the past three games, as the Tigers have racked up an incredible 164 points in that time.

Alex Gorge and Ty Franklin each also had a TD catch in the win, while Wilson Medina scored a rushing TD.

The Arcata offensive line also had a big night despite missing two starters, with Jared Wallace, Nico Chorny, Tucker Rice, Aidan Lorton and Ryder Meyer all playing well together and giving their QB plenty of time to pass the ball.

“Defensively, our entire unit answered the call in the second half,” said Jones. who added, “In the second half, our senior leadership stepped up.”

For the Cats, Jack Westfall continued to impress, running in for his team’s first touchdown and setting up the second on a long run.

Quarterback Cole Carmesin also continued to impress, scoring on a TD run and adding a two-point conversion after Westfall’s score.

Kannon Christiansen added the third TD on a run and had a good all-around night despite the loss, along with teammates Westfall and Seth Regli.

Aaiden Burris also threw a two-point conversion pass to Teejay Woods.

“We’re still finding our way, but we definitely feel we’re getting better,” Ferndale head coach Clint McClurg said. “I think our kids did the best they could. I never question their effort.”

The Ferndale coach also praised the Tigers for their performance.

“You’ve got to tip your hat to Arcata right now,” he said. “They’re playing well. They’re a cohesive group and difficult to defend. Credit where credit’s due.”