Photos by Ray Hamill/HumboldtSports.com – St. Bernard’s Tyler Dimmick breaks free for an 85-yard TD on a kickoff return against Hoopa on Saturday.

By Ray Hamill — A couple of inspirational seniors lead the way this week, as the Humboldt Sports Athletes and Team of the Week makes a welcome return.

A big thank-you to College of the Redwoods Athletes for sponsoring the weekly honors.

St. Bernard’s Tyler Dimmick was a difference maker for his team in a grueling 26-25 win over Hoopa in football on Saturday, sparking the Crusaders to a key victory with some big plays, most notably an 85-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

And he wasn’t the only H-DNL senior to shine early in the season.

Arcata’s Ethan Gyenis is the returning Big 5 MVP in boys soccer and he has started this season even stronger than he finished last year.

Gyenis is fortunate to have a talented and deep lineup around him and has been outstanding early in the season in leading the Tigers to four straight wins.

Gyenis netted twice on Saturday in a 2-0 win over Eureka in the championship game of the McKinleyville tournament.

Our first Team of the Week award this school year goes to the Del Norte football team, which has begun the new season in sensational fashion with a couple of big wins.

And they can thank a core group of seniors for setting the tone early, with five three-year varsity players leading the way.

ATHLETES OF THE WEEK

Tyler Dimmick

St. Bernard’s Football, Senior

With the game getting away from the Crusaders, Dimmick returned a kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown and brought his team to life.

After being convinced to play offense for the first time this season, Dimmick had 63 yards on four receptions, including a touchdown catch right before halftime, and he would finish with 113 yards on two kickoff returns, as well as four tackles on defense.

For more on Dimmick’s big day, see Crusaders rally to edge the Warriors in early-season classic …

Ethan Gyenis

Arcata Soccer, Senior

Gyenis was expected to be the most dangerous striker in the H-DNL this season and has certainly backed that reputation through the early going.

The Arcata standout looks set for a big senior season.

For more on Gyenis and the Tigers’ big weekend see Tigers win Mack tournament, as Big 5 teams continue to build …

TEAM OF THE WEEK 

Del Norte Football

What’s not to like about the Warriors through the opening two weeks of the 2022 season.

Seniors RJ Loftin, Jacob Dane, Cooper Maxwell, Giancarlo Desolenni and Brody Mattz are all in their third or fourth seasons on the varsity roster and all are playing a key role in helping to set the early tone for this team.

After defeating Kelseyville 71-13 in their opener at home, the Warriors followed that with a 42-0 road victory at Piedmont on Friday night.

It’s shaping up to be a fun year for head coach Nick White and his players.

For more on the Warriors’ fast start, see Del Norte Warriors dominate again, roll over Piedmont …