The Live Oak Lions will venture away from home to take on the Lassen Grizzlies at 7:00 p.m. on Friday.
Live Oak is headed into the matchup out to prove that what happened against Orland on Friday (when they were outscored in every quarter) was just a minor bump in the road. Live Oak was outmatched by Orland at home and fell 56-21. While losing is never fun, the Lions can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' California football rankings (they are ranked 817th, while the Trojans are ranked 374th).
Despite their loss, Live Oak saw several players rise to the challenge and make noteworthy plays. Tanner Tillotson, who picked up 137 receiving yards and a touchdown, was perhaps the best of all. Another rusher making a difference was Mario Ramirez, who rushed for 85 yards and a touchdown.
Meanwhile, Lassen came tearing into Friday's game with five straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 26 points) and they left with even more momentum. They simply couldn't be stopped as they easily beat the Falcons 55-0. The Grizzlies might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won six contests by 25 points or more this season.
This one was won in the trenches and the lion's share of the credit has to go to Dathen Moore and Dowan Stephens. Moore rushed for 102 yards and two touchdowns on only six carries while Stephens rushed for 67 yards and two touchdowns. Moore is crushing it when it comes to rushing yards: he's rushed for at least 102 every time he's taken the field this season. Another big playmaker for Lassen was Taden Jones-Mckernan, who returned a punt for a touchdown.
Lassen was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 334 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 157 rushing yards in 20 consecutive matches dating back to last season.
Live Oak dropped their record down to 3-7 with the defeat, which was their third straight at home. As for Lassen, their victory bumped their record up to 7-3.
Friday's matchup might be decided in the on the ground. Live Oak has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 172.8 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Lassen struggles in that department as they've been averaging 364.8. It's looking like Friday's game might have some serious battles in the trenches. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
