By Ray Hamill — The McKinleyville Panthers came out firing on all cylinders in their Little 4 opener on Friday night with a dominating first half.

Playing the Ferndale Wildcats at Mack High, the Panthers enjoyed an outstanding opening two quarters in all facets of the game as they opened up a 20-0 halftime lead, and they would hold on for a 38-22 victory.

Check out some of our first-half highlights above, including all three first-half TDs by the offense and a pair of interceptions on the defensive side of the ball.

The Cats to their credit would make a game of it after the break as they settled into the game after turnovers had plagued them in the opening two quarters.

John Randall scored three touchdowns in the win, while quarterback Jack Clancy threw for two, one each to Mettah Kuska and Payton Harbin.

Tyler Marsh also found the end on a 22-yard run on what was arguably the best score of the half.

“We’ve got to learn to close out games,” McKinleyville head coach Fel Barlow said. “I loved the first half, but I think we let down in the second half. We had them against the ropes. But overall, I liked the performance.”

With the win, the Panthers improved to 1-0 in the Little 4 and 2-3 overall.

The Wildcats are now 0-1 and 2-3.

For more on the game, see Panthers start strong, hold on for league-opening win …

The two teams will meet again in Ferndale on Oct. 22.