By Ray Hamill — A pair of H-DNL cross country runners enjoyed big performances at the North Coast Section championships on Saturday, and that makes them our athletes of the week, sponsored by College of the Redwoods Athletics.

Arcata senior Jude Ortega and Fortuna junior Ella Owsley led the local contingent in the Division-4 races.

Ortega placed ninth overall, while Owsley was 23rd, an impressive showing for both runners.

Our team of the week honors, meanwhile, go to the three recent Six Rivers Youth Football Conference champions.

The Ferndale Mustangs won both the AAA and AA championships, with the Eel River Huskies taking home the Single-A title.

ATHLETES OF THE WEEK

Jude Ortega

Arcata Cross Country, Senior

Ortega followed a brilliant season in the H-DNL with a strong showing at the NCS meet, placing higher than any other local runner.

Ortega, who comfortably won every H-DNL race this season, was also honored as one of our athletes of the week in September, showcasing just how dominant he was this fall.

For more on his big week, see Ortega, Owsley lead the local charge at NCS cross country championships …

Ella Owsley

Fortuna Cross Country, Junior

Owsley saved her best for last with a huge PR in the championship race at Hayward.

The Huskies standout has battled fellow juniors Charlotte Leonard of Eureka and Ai-Lan McGoldrick of Arcata all season, but edged out her two closest rivals on the biggest stage of all.

The 2022 H-DNL cross country season is still nine months away but it’s already shaping up to be a great battle when all three of these standouts are seniors.

For more on Owsley’s big week, see Ortega, Owsley lead the local charge at NCS cross country championships …

Submitted photos – The AAA Ferndale Mustangs (top), the AA Ferndale Mustangs (middle) and the single-A Eel River Huskies (bottom)

TEAMS OF THE WEEK 

Ferndale Mustangs and Eel River Huskies

Two local youth football associations combined to win the three Six Rivers Youth Football Conference championships last week.

The Ferndale Mustangs are champions in both the AAA and AA divisions, while their neighbors, the Eel River Huskies, are champions in single-A, capping a great season for all three teams.

Congratulations to all three.

For more on the youth football championships, see Mustangs, Huskies prevail in youth football championships …