Isaak Kasso returned an interception 100 yards for a touchdown on Saturday, but it wasn’t enough for the Ferndale Wildcats, who dropped their home opener 33-18 to Clear Lake.
Kasso provided the highlight of the game for the home team, which otherwise had problems containing the undefeated Cardinals in what was a key matchup between two North Coast Section Division-7 teams.
The junior cornerback is one of the best hurdlers in the the H-DNL, but he showed he’s more than just a speedy football player with the big play on Saturday.
Check out the video highlight of Kasso’s TD above, provided by Marleen Hall …
“Isaak Kasso has been playing rock solid all season long on the defensive side,” Ferndale head coach Clint McClurg said. “So for him to get rewarded like that …”
Unfortunately, it was one of the few highlights for the Cats, as the visitors took control of the game early and led 33-6 lead in the fourth quarter.
Ferndale welcomed back senior standout Jack Westfall after he had missed the first two games with an injury, and he had an immediate impact on his return.
Westfall, who split time between quarterback and running back, scored on a five-yard run to keep his team in contention early in the second quarter.
Unfortunately, however, that was the last time the Cats would find the end zone until the fourth when the game was out of reach.
“I think we just came out a little flat,” McClurg said. “And I think the opponent does make a difference, obviously, and they’re a quality opponent.”
The coach added, however, that the Wildcats are making too many mental mistakes, something they need to eliminate.
The ever-improving Dayton Comer also scored a fourth-quarter TD.
Thomas Fergison, who filled in for Westfall at quarterback in the opening two games, continued to impress at the position and he gives this team an added option under center and the freedom to utilize Westfall elsewhere.
Trent Titus also continues to impress for the Cats both at linebacker and as a running back, where he has become a dangerous edge runner.
Clear Lake improved to 2-0.
The Ferndale JVs fared better and continue their impressive start to the season with a 21-18 win.
The young Cats improved to 3-0.
Next up, the Wildcats will welcome Fortuna to Ferndale next weekend for the annual Milk Can showdown.
