Ray Hamill/HumboldtSports.com – The McKinleyville Panthers are No. 1 in this week’s Power Rankings

By Ray Hamill — The McKinleyville Panthers enjoyed a statement win over the Big 5 favorites on Friday night, as they got their league campaign off to an impressive start.

The Mack boys opened against Fortuna and won a defensive battle by a score of 50-34, knocking off the previous No. 1 in our rankings who were the clear favorites heading into league play, according to a Humboldt Sports readers poll.

There’s a long way to go in league play and the games will be coming fast and furious every few days, but the Panthers could hardly have hoped for a better start and their victory will serve as a warning to the rest of the Big 5.

They aren’t the only movers in this week’s rankings, with No. 3 Arcata and No. 5 (tie) Eureka the only teams not to switch positions.

The Fortuna Huskies drop to No. 2 after their loss at McKinleyville, but their 10-6 record suggests they will remain a threat in the Big 5, and no doubt they will be fired up for the Panthers’ trip to Fortuna later in the campaign.

The Del Norte Warriors, meanwhile, move up one spot to No. 4 after a much-needed win at Eureka on Friday night, while the St. Bernard’s Crusaders move into our top five after a big statement win over South Fork, also on Friday night.

The Cubs drop out of the rankings this week after their disappointing loss to SB, but they remain on the bubble along with a much-improved Ferndale team.

Next week, McKinleyville will be tested in games against St. Bernard’s on Monday and Arcata on Wednesday.

POWER RANKINGS

1 — McKinleyville (14-3)

It was a big win for the Panthers on Friday

2 — Fortuna (10-6)

The Huskies will be tested again against Arcata on Monday

3 — Arcata (7-6)

The Tigers have not played a game since Dec. 29

4 — Del Norte (8-9)

A huge road win for the Warriors at Eureka on Friday

5T — St. Bernard’s (8-6)

The Crusaders have won three straight games and are building momentum

5T — Eureka (6-8)

The Loggers have lost four straight, but they have beaten St. Bernard’s this season