Photos by Ray Hamill/HumboldtSports.com – Fortuna’s Kavi Bolden scored two touchdowns within a minute to help lift the Huskies to a big NCS semifinal win at St. Bernard’s on Saturday afternoon.

By Ray Hamill — Any time you qualify for a North Coast Section championship game, it’s a special occasion for the players, coaches and fan base.

But watching the Fortuna Huskies celebrate their big 35-15 semifinal win at St. Bernard’s on Saturday, you couldn’t help but get the feeling this one was a little extra special.

Not only did they relish beating one of their biggest rivals, but the championship game berth caps a remarkable turnaround for a team that started the season 0-3.

“I can’t even put it in words,” said Fortuna head coach Mike Benbow, whose team will play Bishop O’Dowd for the Division-6 section championship next Saturday. “It’s been such a great season for (the players). They kept believing in each other and showing up for each other.

“I can’t tell you how much appreciation I have for this team. We could have folded at 0-3, but they decided to play for each other and they bought in.”

On the far side on the field, it was a disappointing end to an otherwise memorable season for the Crusaders, who were the top seeds in the bracket.

In a physical and well-played showdown between two programs that know each other about as well as any two can, and two schools that were playing each other for the third time this year, the game got away from the home team late.

“I’m super proud of the senior class and the team as a whole,” said SB head coach Matt Tomlin, whose team closed out 10-2 and exceeded most observers’ expectations this year. “A 10-win season is special, and to be co-champions (of the Big 4) for the second time in three years was special. We’re really competing well against the larger schools.”

That continued to be the case on Saturday.

The Crusaders took an early 8-0 lead on a Tyler Hinrichs TD run and two point conversion, and they appeared poised to double the advantage after driving deep into Fortuna territory late in the opening quarter.

Check out Will Shaw’s TD run for the Huskies below …

A pass from quarterback Trenten Hagler, however, bounced off intended receiver Kuron Devlin and into the hands of the opportunistic Michael Shaw, who would return it 85 yards for a touchdown to make it 8-7.

Fortuna would take the lead early in the second quarter on a one-yard Mako Limon TD run that capped a 53-yard, eight-play drive.

The Huskies looked like they would add to their lead shortly before halftime, but just as it appeared the momentum had shifted their way, St. Bernard’s grabbed it right back again with a huge goal-line stand to end the half.

The Crusaders then retook the lead on a 40-yard Riley Nantz TD run early in the third quarter to give them a 15-13 advantage.

That, however, was the last time they would find the end zone, with three plays and an inspirational effort by senior Kavi Bolden and the Huskies defense proving to be the difference in a tight game.

Quarterback Will Shaw would reestablish the Huskies’ advantage on a 16-yard TD run late in the third and a two-point conversion pass from Shaw to Gavin Mayberry put them up 21-15.

The Crusaders would drive deep into Fortuna territory on their ensuing possession, but the drive stalled at the 15-yard line and the Huskies took over on downs.

Three of the next seven plays from scrimmage would turn the game on its head.

The Crusaders had a golden opportunity to retake possession after a Fortuna fumble just moments later, but instead of diving on the ball they tried to scoop it up and the Huskies recovered.

On the very next play, Devlin intercepted a pass, only for the play to be nullified on a pass interference call, and two plays later Bolden broke several tackles on an inspirational 64-yard TD run that would put the visitors up 28-15.

Two plays into the ensuing St. Bernard’s drive, and less than a minute after his first TD of the game, Bolden added a 30-yard pick six that all but ended the game as a contest.

“Three plays were really significant in the game,” Tomlin said referring to the fumble, the PI call and the pick six. “Other than that I thought we played pretty good.

“Those three plays were major momentum swings that we weren’t able to overcome.”

Bolden was the catalyst in the late swing, as the Crusaders were held to a season-low in points.

“Kavi Bolden was amazing,” Benbow said. “All of our guys did a great job. Our defense was lights out against a very good St. Bernard’s offense.”

The Fortuna coach was also impressed with his players’ resiliency.

“I just think that when you start a game, you’ve got to get into a groove, and it took us a while to get going,” he said. “We were tested early and (the players) responded well to the adversity.”

The performance epitomized the Huskies’ season.

“It was such a great team win,” Benbow added. “We have been tested and tried all year long, and our kids have been so resilient. To respond like we have is amazing.”

Despite the loss, there were several bright spots for the Crusaders, including the play of the ever-consistent Josh Tinkham in the trenches, as well as Devlin, who was “explosive all game at defensive back and receiver,” according to his coach.

Sophomore Henry Hinrichs also impressed for the home team after replacing the injured Quentin Ikeya early in the game.

“Henry Hinrichs really stepped up and played well at wide receiver and corner,” Tomlin said.

The day, however, belonged to the Huskies, who keep their season going and will now play for a first NCS title since 2018 and a place in the state playoffs.

“We get a morning practice on Thanksgiving, and that is something we have been talking about,” Benbow said. “So we’re pretty excited about that.”

As is usually the case, the rest of the H-DNL will be rooting for the Huskies to win the section title.

“I just want to wish coach Benbow and his staff and his players the best of luck next week, and hopefully they can bring back an NCS championship for the HDN,” Tomlin said.

Benbow also praised the Crusaders.

“Hats off to St. Bernard’s, they had a great season,” he said. “They have a special group of coaches and players.”

Bolden finished the game with 118 yards rushing on 18 carries and had two receptions for 21 yards, while Limon added 56 yards on six carries before being sidelined for much of the second half through injury, although it is hoped he will back next week.

Will Shaw completed 6 of 12 passes for 97 yards, with Mayberry pulling in four receptions for 76 yards.

The Fortuna coach also praised the Huskies fans, who showed up in big numbers, as usual.

“Husky fans are amazing,” he said. “And it was great to see so many folks show up.”

The NCS championship game will be played at Moreau Catholic High School in Hayward, with a Saturday afternoon kickoff at 2 p.m.

Bishop O’Dowd is seeded No. 3 and defeated No. 2 St. Helena 49-26 in the other semifinal.