Oak Harbor High School’s football team rallied, then faded, in a 41-21 loss in heavy ran at Arlington Friday.

The Wildcats’ playoff hopes took a big hit with the loss. Oak Harbor is now 1-3 in league play, 2-5 overall. Arlington moved ahead of the ‘Cats with a 2-2 Wesco North record, 3-4 overall.

The Eagles built a 28-7 lead, but the Wildcats roared back into the game with two second half touchdowns. Oak Harbor trimmed to lead to 28-21 with about four minutes to go in the game.

Arlington then struck for two quick touchdowns to bury the Wildcats.

Oak Harbor coach Jay Turner said, “We played really poorly in the first half. We did not come out ready to play.”

As flat as the Wildcats played, they were about to go into halftime trailing just 14-7 when a turnover bit them. Oak Harbor coughed up the ball at the 15, and Arlington quickly scored just before the half.

The Wildcats were shorthanded, missing several key players to injuries and academic issues. One of the few highlights for Oak Harbor was the play of some of the young replacements. Three sophomores, making their varsity debuts, played key roles in the game.

Brent Ryan scored Oak Harbor’s first touchdown on a 6-yard run.

Peter Franssen was on the receiving end of a Luke Felkner touchdown pass for the ‘Cats next touchdown.

Felkner was hurt early in the fourth quarter, and backup Gabe Dye marched the Wildcats 97 yards for their final score that got them back into the game.