YUBA/SUTTER, CA (MPG) - The Live Oak Lions hosted the Colusa Redhawks at Arostegui Stadium last Friday night. The Redhawks went up early in the first quarter and never looked back. Colusa scored on a 45-yard touchdown pass on a drive that only took 52 seconds off the clock. On the ensuing possession, Live Oak gambled early and turned the ball over on downs at their own 30-yard line. Colusa scored again on a five-play drive to go up 14-0 with 7:40 left to go in the first.

Redhawk special teams took over the scoring from there. Colusa’s Nick Price returned a Live Oak punt for a touchdown. After a Live Oak three and out on the next drive, the Redhawks blocked a punt attempt. The ball took a Colusa bounce, rolling out of the End Zone for a safety and a 23-point lead with 3:15 left to go in the first. After a Live Oak fumble, the Redhawks scored again to take a 30-point lead. Colusa added another touchdown with 9:23 to go in the half.

Despite being down so many points early, the Live Oak defense played the rest of the game like it was a tie. The Lions defense stepped up and stopped Colusa from scoring any points for the rest of the game. The undersized Lions rallied to the ball and gang-tackled brawny Colusa ball carriers. The Live Oak pass defense improved in the second half and limited Colusa to much smaller gains through the air and not giving up any touchdowns.

Live Oak had a tough time on offense throughout the game. With the exception of one drive at the end of the third quarter, the Lions were unable to get their pass game going. The lack of success led to the offense becoming one dimensional. Colusa was able to stack the line of scrimmage and get good penetration leading to tackles for losses. The Lions also surrendered four turnovers which destroyed their chances for a win in their final home game of the year.

The Lions close out the season Friday in Paradise against the Bobcats.