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The Ferndale Wildcats came into the new football season with high expectations, and in Friday night’s opener at Fort Bragg they more than lived up to those expectations.

While there were some concerns and things to work on, they won with a complete team performance, shutting out the Timberwolves 57-0.

The Cats scored nine unanswered touchdowns in the win, with several big plays on defense and special teams and a solid night from their relentless running game.

“I was really, really pleased with our defensive performance. Our effort in getting to the football really shows up on film,” Ferndale head coach Clint McClurg said. “And I was pleased with the way our young men played fast and physical.”

Quarterback/safety Tanner Pidgeon scored three touchdowns in the win, one each on offense, defense and special teams, while also throwing for two more TDs.

Prescott Langer also scored three touchdowns, while impressive sophomore Liam Bishop scored twice, including on a 77-yard punt return.

Several other players also impressed, including linebackers Tyler Broderick, Luke Dixon, Garyn McClurg, Brandon Bailey and Bishop, who helped set the tone on defense.

Langer opened the scoring on a short TD run and the Wildcats would double their advantage on a Pidgeon punt return.

Dixon added the third TD of the night on a play action pass from Pidgeon, before the latter scored the fourth touchdown of the night on an interception he returned from his own half.

A tight end screen pass from Pidgeon to Langer widened the gap further, before the senior quarterback added a sixth TD on an option run.

Langer found the end zone a third time on a short TD run, before “Big Play Bishop” rounded out the scoring with two more TDs, including the long punt return.

But it was the play of the team blockers that helped set up all of those scores, with several standouts all contributing and showcasing the abundance of physicality this year’s Ferndale team has throughout the roster.

“On defense we gave up some first downs, but we really settled in and played some physical football,” Clint McClurg said.

That physicality and the pressure the defensive front put on the Fort Bragg offense paved the way for the big plays.

“I was really pleased with the defense stepping up, and the special teams, and our offense played on a short field for much of the night,” Clint McClurg said. “And they’re going to take advantage of a short field.”

Several players also big nights running the ball, including Garyn McClurg, who had a 60-yard gain to set up Dixon’s TD, just moments after Broderick was instrumental in stopping the Timberwolves on a fourth-down attempt.

Christian Enrique made his first two PATS, but the Cats kicking team struggled for much of the night, before closing out strong.

“It’s something to work on for sure,” Clint McClurg said.

Many of the Ferndale back-ups saw plenty of game time late on, and they also impressed.

“It was a good opportunity for those young men to step up and take advantage of their opportunity,” the head coach added.

The Ferndale JVs also won their game, pulling away late for the victory.

The Cats led 14-0 with eight minutes remaining in the game and exploded down the stretch with three touchdowns to win 33-0.

The Wildcats will return home to host Fall River in their home opener next weekend.