By Ray Hamill — The Ferndale Wildcats got to celebrate their historic state championship in football once again this week.

On Monday night, at Ferndale High School, the players and coaches received their state winning rings in front of fans and community members in a ceremony hosted by the Ferndale Wildcats Booster Club.

The Cats claimed a first-ever state championship in the sport in thrilling fashion last December, after rallying from a three-touchdown deficit to defeat Fairfax out of Los Angeles 29-21 in the CIF Division 7-AA championship game at El Camino College.

The state win capped a huge run through the playoffs that included three straight road wins against higher seeds on the way to a North Coast Section championship.

Speaking to the gathering on Monday, head coach Clint McClurg, who is a finalist for the 2024 Humboldt Sports High School Coach of the Year, thanked several people who helped out along the way, including parents, boosters, school administrators and the chain gang.

He also thanked local celebrity Guy Fieri for his support with the travel.

Most importantly, McClurg thanked the Ferndale players who won the historic championship before presenting them with their winning rings.

“We required a lot of you,” he said. “So thank you, for this great game you committed to.”

The head coach also told the players their ability to work together to achieve the state championship is something that will benefit them all going forward.

“Their ability to work together for a common goal, yet still keep it very simple, young men take that with you for the rest of your life, just work well with each other, be selfless, it was amazing,” he said.

Check out some video highlights of Monday night’s ceremony above …