Bring on the playoffs.
The McKinleyville Panthers capped a breakthrough season with a second shutout victory over their biggest rivals in their regular season finale on Friday night, and guaranteed themselves a spot in the North Coast Section playoffs in the process.
After going winless in 2023 and 2024 and winning just three games last year, McKinleyville finished the 2026 regular season 7-3, including gong 3-0 in the Redwood League.
The Panthers had clinched at least a share of the league title before Friday night’s game at Mack High, but a 21-0 victory over Arcata secured the championship outright.
It will also give them some momentum heading into next week’s postseason, where they are expected to receive a high seed in the Division-7 bracket.
And as long as they don’t have to face a higher-seeded league champ they will host at least one playoff game, which appears likely at this stage.
“I’m just happy for McKinleyville, I’m happy for our guys. We got a championship,” McKinleyville head coach Jason Benge said. “I feel we still have a lot of work to do, but it’s a testament to our coaches and players, and I’m happy for them.”
Much as it has all year, the McKinleyville defense played a huge role in Friday night’s win, scoring 14 of the team’s 21 points.
Senior team captain Bryce Grutzmacher got the scoring started on a five-yard scoop and score in the first quarter after forcing the fumble.
The impressive Grutzmacher also had an interception.
However, that was the only score the Panthers would get in the opening half as the Arcata defense did an effective job limiting the home team’s offensive production.
The league champs would add to their tally with two second-half TDs, the first on a 65-yard pass from quarterback Corbin Green to the always-dangerous Gunner Grande, and the second on a 30-yard pick six by junior defensive back Dash Clare.
“Our defense has been doing well all season and they played well in this game,” Benge said.
They certainly set the tone and came away with several takeaways.
Brycen Phillips had three sacks on the night and a fumble recovery, while team leader Braylon Sotelo also had three sacks.
Wes Montgomery and Carson Hicks each also impressed and finished with six tackles apiece, while Coltyn Rasella added a fumble recovery.
Hicks also had an interception to end the first half, as did teammate Everett Grutzmacher in the fourth quarter.
Green completed 11 of 22 passes for 159 yards and the TD.
“Arcata did a good job with our offense,” Benge said. “We had a difficult time getting in a rhythm.
“Arcata played tough.”
The NCS brackets and seeds will be announced on Sunday.
