While no one with the program seems to remember exactly how long it’s been since the McKinleyville Panthers started a season 3-0, we at least know it predates the MaxPreps records that go back to 2004.
But that’s exactly what happened on Saturday night, as the Panthers made the short trip to the Redwood Bowl to play neighbor and rival Arcata and came away with a 27-0 win.
The victory follows wins over Cloverdale and Fort Bragg the past two weekends and secured the best start to a campaign in over two decades.
The Panthers broke open a tight game with three touchdowns in the second quarter and led 20-0 at halftime.
Sophomore quarterback Corbin Green had another composed performance as he quickly establishes himself at the varsity level.
In just his third start, Green completed 20-of-38 passes for 322 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.
“What was impressive about him was his composure once again,” Benge said of the sophomore, who shook off his two interceptions and went right back to work each time. “He’s like a poised varsity player that didn’t let it affect him.”
Junior Talon Turner benefited from that composeure and displayed plenty if it himself.
Playing his first-ever high school game, Turner had a night he won’t easily forget, pulling in four receptions for 91 yards.
“All of them were off tipped balls and he never gave up on the play,” said Benge, who described Turner as the story of the night. “He just was lights out. He played a heck of a ball game.”
Turner also had a big night at linebacker.
Gunner Grande also impressed and finished with 109 yards and two touchdowns, both in the second quarter, on four catches, while running back Cameron Heldebrandt ran in for a TD to close out the scoring in the fourth..
Defensively, sophomore Brycen Phillips had another big game and continued to set a physical tone on the line for the third straight game, along with linebacker Brylon Sotelo.
“They just caused havoc on defense,” Benge said of Phillips and Sotelo, the latter of whom also scored a rushing TD on offense in the second quarter.
The defense gave up some yards in the opening quarter as Arcata had some success moving the ball but settled into the game and began to figure things out.
McKinleyvilelehas now given up just two touchdowns in three games.
Senior team captain Bryce Grutzmacher added an interception.
The McKinleyville JVs also won on Saturday, avenging an earlier loss to St. Bernard’s on opening weekend with a 28-8 win over the Crusaders.
The Mack JVs are now 2-1.
“It was a great day for McKinleyville football,” Benge said.
The Panthers will have a bye next week before hosting Fortuna in two weeks.
1 thought on “Panthers win again, off to best start in more than two decades”