The San Luis Obispo Tigers will face off against the Santa Ynez Pirates at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. San Luis Obispo has given up an average of 28.5 points per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Things were looking good for San Luis Obispo after they put the first points on the board on Friday, but unfortunately for them things went downhill from there. They were dealt a 48-7 defeat at the hands of Templeton. The matchup marked the Tigers' lowest-scoring game so far this season.
The loss doesn't tell the whole story though, as several players had good games. One of the most active was Zion Hegg, who threw for 182 yards and one touchdown on only 13 passes, and also rushed for 38 yards.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Santa Ynez). They simply couldn't be stopped on Friday as they easily beat Pioneer Valley 51-0. Winning may never get old, but the Pirates sure are getting used to it with their fourth in a row.
San Luis Obispo better keep an eye on Austin Willis. He was instrumental in Santa Ynez's win, rushing for 96 yards and one TD on only six carries. Those 96 rushing yards gave Willis a new career-high. Diego Pulido got in on the action too, converting a pick into a touchdown.
Santa Ynez was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 205 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 167 rushing yards in three consecutive contests.
Santa Ynez didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off three passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Pulido and Jack Swain. Pulido got in on the action too, converting a pick into a touchdown.
Santa Ynez's victory bumped their record up to 6-2. As for San Luis Obispo, this is the second loss in a row for them and nudges their season record down to 4-4.
Friday's matchup might be decided on the ground. San Luis Obispo has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 214.9 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Santa Ynez struggles in that department as they've been averaging 179.1 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's game turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Everything came up roses for San Luis Obispo against Santa Ynez in their previous matchup back in October of 2024, as the squad secured a 42-9 win. Do the Tigers have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Pirates turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
