LIVE OAK, CA (MPG) - The Live Oak Lions improved to 3-0 on the season last Friday as they dominated the Lindhurst Blazers in a 48-0 victory.

Live Oak forced a total of six turnovers throughout the game that consisted of four fumble recoveries, an interception and they forced a turnover on downs.

The Lions now have a total of 9 takeaways through their first three games of the season.

Live Oak head coach, Robert Tilton, said his defense made a lot of plays at the line of scrimmage.

The Lions defense has posted two consecutive shutouts and gave up 13 points in their first game against Biggs.

The Live Oak defense is led by senior outside linebacker Sammy Khan.

“We work everyday hard and as a family,” Kahn said.

Kahn is the team leader in tackles on the season so far with 31.

As impressive as the Lions defense, their offense has rushed for 824 yards this season.

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Live Oak has two premier running backs in junior Eben Jones and senior Raul Romero.

Romero had a total of two touchdowns on the night that included rushes of 1 and 63 yards.

Romero rushed the ball four times for a total of 88 yards.

“With the Wing-T offense, getting up to the ball quickly puts a hurt on the defense,” Romero said. “If we’re able to do that, the holes begin to open up more and more.”

Jones ended the first quarter with an electric 85-yard touchdown rush.

Jones ended the game with 114 yards on three carries. 

“I look for my holes and I hit them,” Jones said.

The Lions first three possessions were in the Blazers territory.

The only bright spot for Lindhurst throughout the game that Live Oak struggled with defensively was the deep ball coverage.

The Blazers had a few deep balls that were thrown where Lindhurst receivers were able to jump up in the air and catch the ball well over the head of the Lions defenders.

Anytime the Blazers would get any momentum on a drive, the Live Oak defense created a turnover instantly.

The Lions led 35-0 at the end of the first half. The officials signaled for the running clock to begin in the third quarter.

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With the victory last Friday, Live Oak is off to its best start since the 2012 season, where they began 4-0.

The Lions will host their cross-town rival Gridley Bulldogs tonight in the Harvest Bowl.

“None of us have been able to do it (beat) them,” Jones said.

He added that he was told by one of his coaches during a conversation to visualize having the trophy in his hand and being one of the players that contributed to bringing the trophy back to the city of Live Oak.

The Lions have lost every Harvest Bowl game since the 2012 season with exception of the 2020 season where there wasn’t a scheduled game to play.

Tilton said this game is going to be a good test for his team to start league play in a few weeks.