Pirates Sink Lions – Live Oak Opens Season with Painful Loss

Sep 05, 2024 01:15PM ● By Seti Long

Live Oak's Victor Reyes, #11, intercepts a pass intended for Wheatland’s Brayden Zozaya, #17. Photo courtesy of Yuba Sutter High School Sports Photography

LIVE OAK, CA (MPG) - The Pirates sailed to victory in Live Oak at the Lions’ season opener this past Friday, Aug. 30.

The Lions would put up a good fight through the first quarter until Wheatlands Daniel Oamil marked the board with the first touchdown of the game. The pirates would try for the extra point, but the kick would be no good.

Defense was physical, and offense combined running and passing attacks, Wheatland favoring plays up the side.

Live Oak’s Victor Reyes Jr. would pick-off the ball intended for a Pirate during the second quarter and would go on to have a total of two interceptions during the game.

Personal fouls, roughing the kicker and other flags kept chipping away at both teams’ yardage during the first half.

Wheatland’s Brayden Zozaya preps for incoming, which he would carry into the endzone for a touchdown. Photo courtesy of Yuba Sutter High School Sports Photography

As the clock wound down towards halftime, Wheatland looked to widen the point spread nearing. Cash Tarrant, quarterback for the Pirates, began throwing long passes to push the numbers on the board to double digits.

The Lions would get in the way, putting pressure on Tarrant and the pocket during a play late in the second quarter, but Wheatland added another touchdown just minutes before the whistle blew.

The score would sit Lions 0 – Pirates 13 as the game rolled into halftime.

There would be a few mistakes heading into the second quarter that would hurt the Lions. Wheatland would capitalize on any slip and make good on their passes to favorite target, Zozaya.

Senior running back Nolan Bertolucci would rush for 41 yards and bring in two touchdowns for Wheatland.