Colusa 12 – Yreka 6
Over the past two seasons, the RedHawks have struggled in adverse conditions, but that all changed last Friday on a wet and slippery field in Yreka as despite not scoring on offense, they emerged with the win.
Isaiah Travis returned the opening kickoff 60 yards to get Colusa on the board, then, after the defense held the Miners to a three-and-out on the subsequent possession, Landon Humphrey returned the punt for the RedHawks only other score.
Yreka did respond with a touchdown of its own, but Joe Chavez blocked the extra point to keep the differential at six points and, in fact, be the last points of the game.
For the remaining three quarters, a defensive battle ensued, which was ultimately won by Colusa, something head coach Mikey Badaluco was more than pleased with as he explained, “We grew up tonight coming out on top in those conditions. We made countless third and fourth down stops.”
Spearheading the defensive effort was a trio of seniors in Hayden Sines, Nicko Mata, and Will McCoy.
Sines turned in a monster performance, making 10 solo tackles to go along with seven assists. Mata collected 12 total tackles including one to save the game, while McCoy finished with 10 total tackles.
Colusa (2-0) returns home tonight to take on Willows in its third preseason game.
Williams 21 – Durham 19
Down seven points after the first quarter, the Yellowjackets responded with two touchdowns in the second period then picked up one more in the third to give first year head coach Forrest Bateman his first career win.
Alan Rodriguez had another big game to lead ‘Jacket offense, gaining 131 yards on 30 carries, while Kyden Bowen completed 10 of 13 passes for 130 yards and three touchdowns.
On the receiving end of six of those passes was Daniel Brunner, who finished with 100 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Jose Martinez made good on his only catch of the game, scoring from six yards out.
And while the offense got itself on track this week, it was a second straight impressive performance from the defense according to Bateman who said, “Our defense played great again. We made plays when we needed to, and I am very proud of the kids.”
Alejandro Hernandez and Salem Rodriguez made a team high 11 total tackles apiece, Luis Jauregui picked off a pass, and Kaled Rosales blocked a field goal.
Having gained confidence with the win, the Yellowjackets (1-1) are in Arbuckle tonight looking to end Pierce’s recent dominance in the Rice Bowl.
Pierce 0 – Clear Lake 42
Coming off a relatively easy win over Piedmont in its season opener, last Friday night, was a humbling experience for the Bears as they were shut out by the reigning Division 5-A NorCal Regional runner-up Cardinals.
Head coach Anthony Tapia reported that his team played “alright,” but that Clear Lake put forth more “effort and toughness and just wanted it more than we did.”
Statistics from the game were not available.
Pierce (1-1) looks to get back on track tonight when the Rice Bowl returns to Gregg LeMaster Field in Arbuckle.
