The short-handed Oak Harbor High School football team lost 48-22 at Ferndale Friday, Oct. 4.
The Wildcats were missing seven starters because of injuries and lost two more during the game.
“We were bit with the injury bug,” coach Marcus Hughes said. “We hope to get three back this week.”
Oak Harbor lost its fourth straight game after opening the season with a win and dropped its second of two Western Conference North contests.
Ferndale is now 3-0 in league and 3-2 overall.
The Wildcats host Arlington (2-1, 3-1) at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 8.
Ferndale buried Oak Harbor with a 28-point second quarter and took a 41-0 lead into halftime.
The Wildcats’ offense perked up in the second half, and Oak Harbor out-scored the Golden Eagles 22-7 after the break.
“We did some good things offensively,” Hughes said. “Defensively, we didn’t tackle well and missed some assignments.”
After struggling on offense the past two games, Oak Harbor put up 292 yards on Ferndale.
Brenden Andersen led the runners with 72 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries.
Kaito White hit seven of 10 passes for 190 yards and ran for a score. Cameron Asinsin hit seven of 15 throws for 39 yards and two interceptions.
Matt Kelley (81 yards), Dominic Dean (40 yards) and Will Rankin (21 yards) each caught three passes; Landon Cantrell snagged two for 42 yards.
Jake Mitten kicked two extra points and Michael Gomez ran in a PAT.
“The kids are playing hard and getting better,” Hughes said. “Because of our youth, injuries, late start and a new system, (the game) was a perfect combination of for not doing well.”
Hughes thought White “played awesome,” adding they tried several new receivers and Rankin and Dean “played really well.”
The offensive line also stood out, according to Hughes. Tight end Nathan Hummel volunteered to move to the interior and “played well,” as did Brecken Collins, according to Hughes.
“Hopefully we can build on the improvements,” Hughes said.
Oak Harbor’s Cameron Asinsin sets up to pass. (Photo by John Fisken)
Landon Contrell heads up the sideline for a big gainer. (Photo by John Fisken)
Luke Golden returns a kick for the Wildcats. (Photo by John Fisken)
Jackson Higman, left, blocks Ferndale’s Malachi Ledbetter. (Photo by John Fisken)
Matt Kelley scoops up a pass in front of Ferndale’s Jonathan Salazar. (Photo by John Fisken)
Center John Leete gets ready to snap the ball in Friday’s game at Ferndale. (Photo by John Fisken)
Oak Harbor’s Aaron Linden tackles Ryan Pelton (18) as Landon Cantrell (4) closes in. (Photo by John Fisken)
Will Rankin registers one of his three receptions in the game. (Photo by John Fisken)
Kaito White throws on the run. (Photo by John Fisken)
