Ray Hamill/HumboldtSports.com

It’s been a disappointing start to the Little 4 for the McKinleyville Panthers, who are 0-2 in conference play after back-to-back losses to Hoopa and Arcata.

Injuries haven’t helped matters for Mack, which lost two starting guards before this weekend’s game with Arcata, including standout senior Thomas Locatelli, “the heart and soul” of the team, according to head coach Keoki Burbank.

Still, it hasn’t been all bad news for the Panthers, who are 1-4 overall, with several players stepping up their play this season.

Kyler Carr and Freddie Sundberg have each had some positive moments running the ball this season, as has senior Caleb Martinez who accounted for 252 yards and three touchdowns at Hoopa a week ago.

Martinez continued to have an impact against the Tigers at the Redwood Bowl on Friday night, scoring his team’s opening TD in the fourth quarter.

For more on the game, see Arcata O-line paves the way in win over Mack …

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Ray Hamill writes at humboldtsports.com, where you can read lots more about sports in Humboldt County.