Ray Hamill/HumboldtSports.com – McKinleyville’s Kaden Waugh (2) and Michael Fugate celebrate their victory over St. Bernard’s on Friday.

The McKinleyville JVs held on for an impressive 46-44 win over St. Bernard’s at McKinleyville High on Friday night.

In a game that lasted well over two and a half hours, the Crusaders scored late and then recovered an onside kick to make for an exciting finish.

A missed field goal by the visitors as time expired, however, saw the home team hold on for the victory and continue their impressive season.

With the win, the Panthers improved to 6-2.

The Crusaders, who are now 3-3, drove the length of the field in the final minutes to pull within two points with just 20 seconds remaining.

They would miss the two-point conversion attempt, but recovered the ensuing onside kick and quickly drove deep into Mack territory once again.

A 35-yard field goal attempt as time expired missed by just two feet.

In other JV games on Friday night, Ferndale edged Hoopa 15-14.

Ferndale is now 6-1 on the season, while Hoopa is 2-3.