Colusa 23 – Williams 0
A week off for a bye was just what the RedHawks needed as they posted their first win of the season over county rival Williams.
It marked the first victory in Colusa coach Mason Niccum’s tenure and one in which his team put forth a complete effort.
“This one feels good,” Niccum said. “I’m just really happy for the kids. We were finally able to put together four good quarters. I challenged our guys up front on both sides of the ball and they prepared well and got it done.”
David Belmontes had a big night rushing for 104 yards on 22 carries while Eric Gonzalez ran 14 times for 88 yards and two touchdowns.
Yet despite the significant contributions from his skill players, for Niccum the game was won in the trenches stating that “Our best performance came from our O and D lines.”
Asa Selover led the RedHawk defense with 11 total tackles, while Hunter Purvis finished with nine including three for losses.
For Williams, which could not get its offense going, Ricardo Medina was a bright spot, carrying six times for 71 yards in addition to making 12 tackles on defense.
Azael Velazquez accounted for nine tackles and Phillip Santillan picked off a pass.
This week both teams face tough tasks as Colusa (1-2) hosts Gridley tonight at Yeghoian Field, while Williams (2-1) travels to LeMaster Field in Arbuckle for the latest rendition of the Rice Bowl.
Pierce 23 – Lincoln 21
Coming off a forfeit win over Clear Lake on Sept. 5, the Bears rallied from four points down to out-score the Zebras 13 -7 in the fourth quarter and come away with the win in their home opener.
“Honestly, it was an awesome game,” said head coach Anthony Tapia. “They are a really good team with a high-powered offense, but we kept them in check, immediately shutting down their run and forcing them to throw.”
Indeed Pierce did, just that holding Lincoln to a mere 17 yards rushing for the entirety of the contest.
To win however, the Bears had to overcome a miscue on a punt that resulted in a scoop and score for Lincoln, but ultimately put together a game-winning drive with a 1:30 remaining to secure the victory.
In setting the tone for the game, Tapia singled out the effort of Nathan Gomez saying, “He was a load running the ball. Without his physicality we would not have been able to compete with them.
No other information was provided.
Off to a 3-0 start, the Bears look to keep their game win streak in the Rice Bowl alive when they entertain Williams in the county’s biggest game.
Maxwell 22 – Redding Christian 30
It was another tough night for the Panthers who battled illness in addition to Lions last week.
Yet despite giving up 390 yards to Redding Christian, Maxwell kept things interesting.
Levi Velazquez had his best game thus far completing nine passes for 205 yards and touchdown in addition to running for a team-high 81 yards and two more scores.
Tanner Vierra caught three balls for 98 yards, Celestino Corona hauled in tow for 59 yards, while Erik New ran 12 times for 77 yards.
New led Panther defense with 10 tackles as well.
Coach Lane Davis also singled out the play of Alex Krug, who got the start in place of an injured Landon Barrett, and made an impression collecting seven tackles including three for losses.
Still in reflecting on the game and how his team played as a whole, Davis feels there is definitely room for improvement saying, “We have a lot of getting to do.”
Maxwell (1-2) looks to get back on track tonight at home against Mt. Shasta (1-1).