Ray Hamill/HumboldtSports.com – The Arcata Tigers are 9-1.

By Ray Hamill — The Arcata Tigers won nine straight to start the new season before tasting defeat for the first time against a very good Pleasant Valley team at the Red Bluff tournament over the weekend.

And that makes them our No. 1 team in the first power rankings of the season.

But it’s a pretty close call between the top four teams at least.

Through the early season, it appears as if the Del Norte Warriors will also challenge for the Big 5, while there’s reason to believe McKinleyville, Eureka and Fortuna will also be competitive in what could be a very fun Big 5 this winter.

The Panthers have won five straight and if they can find more consistency on offense, they’ll be a very dangerous prospect going forward.

Likewise with St. Bernard’s, which was 8-0 going into a Thursday afternoon matchup against San Domenico at the Berean Christian tournament.

POWER RANKINGS

1 — Arcata (9-1)

The Tigers won nine straight to start the new season.

2 — Del Norte (6-2)

The Warriors have also impressed early, especially on defense.

3 — St. Bernard’s (9-0)

With the way they’re playing, the Crusaders will be heavy favorites in the Little 4.

4 — McKinleyville (6-3)

The Panthers have won five straight, including three straight against Big 5 opponents.

5 — Eureka (4-8)

After winning three of their last four, the Loggers have put a seven-game losing streak behind them.