The South Fork Cubs got their season off to a flying starting in eight-player football last week, as they get set for a very challenging showdown in Miranda this weekend.

With new head coach Brandon Coborn taking over from longtime coach Karl Terrell, the Cubs had to wait longer than any other H-DNL program to kick off the new campaign.

But once they did, they hit the ground running — literally — with a dominating 62-8 home win over Happy Camp this past Friday night.

“It was a great way to get our season going,” Coborn said. “I felt like the boys came in with good preparation.”

Coborn and his players, however, will face a far more challenging prospect this weekend when they host a red-hot Hayfork program, which has not lost a game since October 2022.

A win over the Timberjacks, whose winning streak stands at 28 games and counting, would be a big statement of intent for this year’s Cubs.

“That’s going to be a hell of a challenge for us,” Coborn said.

Judging by their season-opening performance, however, the Cubs might just be up for that challenge.

There were several standouts in what was a big team performance, none more so than junior running back/linebacker Martin Navarrete, who is one of four team captains.

Navarrete finished with 63 yards rushing and a touchdown on five carries, as well as pulling in two receptions for 74 yards and a second TD.

For good measure, the standout junior also kicked four PATs.

Another team captain, John Stafslien, added 73 yards rushing and a touchdown on seven carries, as the Cubs ended the game as a contest early.

Shawn Schmidt got the start at quarterback and also impressed, completing 2-of-8 passes for 74 yards and a TD.

With the game well in hand, Coborn went deep to his bench, including back-up QB Kale Puno, who added 19 yards rushing on two carries and impressed his coach with his play as well

The sophomore also had a big night on special teams, with a blocked punt and a fumble recovery.

Two other young players also stood out in the lopsided season-opening victory.

Sophomore Mason Hunt had an interception, while freshman lineman Koda Walls wested no time impressing in his first-ever high school game.

Walls had a big game at center and also had one carry for 25 yards and a TD, showcasing why his coaches believe he could have a big future with the program.

Coborn, who has been working with the players since preseason practice got under way in early August, likes a lot of what he’s seen so far, but one aspect of how the Cubs have approached the season stands out.

“What I really love about this team is we have a group of guys that are free spirits, and it’s been a lot of fun being around them,” the first-year head coach said. “We’re starting to become one heartbeat and that’s the most important thing.

“They’re really buying into the concept of brotherhood.”

Coborn also praised the contribution of longtime South Fork assistant coach Bret Wilsey.

“What a phenomenal job he’s doing and what a phenomenal coach,” Coborn said. “He’s been coaching here on the North Coast for a long time and he has a football mind.

“And that’s been a huge plus for the program.”

Friday night’s big game in Miranda is set for 6 p.m.

Hayfork is 3-0 this year, including a 36-20 win over Rogue River this past weekend.