The Ferndale Wildcats will welcome the Arroyo Dons at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. Ferndale knows how to get points on the board -- the team has finished with 31 points or more in their past ten matchups -- so hopefully Arroyo likes a good challenge.
It was a proper cat-fight when Ferndale took on Arcata on Friday. The Wildcats took their contest with ease, bagging a 48-6 victory over the Tigers. Give the Wildcats' offense some serious credit: that high-scoring performance was actually the fewest points they've scored all season.
Tanner Pidgeon had another great game (as he tends to do), rushing for 206 yards and five scores while picking up 12.9 yards per carry. He showed off some serious burst, turning on the afterburners on one carry for 65 yards.
Luke Dixon
| 11/07/25 @ Arcata | 6 |
| 10/31/25 @ McKinleyville | 9 |
| 10/25/25 vs Hoopa Valley | 8 |
| 10/18/25 vs Arcata | 9 |
| 10/11/25 vs McKinleyville | 8 |
| + 5 more games |
Ferndale didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off three passes before the game was over. It was truly a group effort as Tyler Broderick, Luke Dixon, and Rolland Mcclurg picked up one apiece. Dixon is also crushing it when it comes to total tackles: he's made at least six every time he's taken the field this season.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Arroyo). They blew past San Lorenzo 68-6 on Saturday. The Dons have beaten the Grizzlies the last four times they've met, but they better watch out: this was the closest the Grizzlies has come to flipping the script.
Ferndale better keep an eye on Jonah Shelton. He was instrumental in Arroyo's win, throwing for 191 yards and five TDs while completing 72.7% of his passes. Those five passing touchdowns gave Shelton a new career-high. Robert Mcgehee was Shelton's top target, picking up 68 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Special teams played a big role in the game for Arroyo, adding 14 points to the final score. The biggest highlight from special teams (and perhaps the team as a whole) came courtesy of Ricky Wyatt, who ran a punt back for a touchdown.
One reason for the win was Arroyo's imposing defense, which managed to get into the backfield for three sacks. The team can thank three different players for their defensive prowess: Jordan Nguyen, Jason Cordova, and Austin Celzo, who each picked up one sack apiece. Arroyo received some extra help from Marcell Usher, whose fumble return for a touchdown made for one of the most unforgettable moments.
Ferndale's record now sits at 10-0. As for Arroyo, their record is now 8-2.
Saturday's game might be decided on the ground. Ferndale has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 245.1 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Arroyo struggles in that department as they've been averaging 176.5 rushing yards. There's a good chance Saturday's matchup turns into a tough fight on the ground. Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more football content.
