Live Oak senior running back Ian Miranda (1) bursts through an open gap for a long run in the Lions’ 34-26 win over River Valley on Oct. 3. Photo by Chris Pedigo

SUTTER AND BUTTE COUNTIES, CA (YSBC) - As the final week of the CIF Northern Section regular season kicks off tonight, all three local games have a purpose towards the playoffs that are scheduled to be fun next week. 

Here is some analysis from last week and what we can expect from tonight.

Live Oak at Orland, 7:30 p.m - There is without a doubt that Live Oak needs a lot to happen tonight for the Lions to make the postseason, but this is why we play the games.

Live Oak beat Oroville 42-20 and senior running back Ian Miranda rushed for 284 yards and found the end zone three times in the victory.

The game was tied at 20 at the end of the third before the Lions stretched their lead to three possessions and secured their third win of 2025. Live Oak ended up with 382 total rushing yards in the victory.

The Lions hit the road tonight against an Orland team that needs to win as well to secure a top-four seed in the NS D-III bracket.

According to NorCal Football Guys, they had Live Oak in 12th of D-III. If the Lions pull off an upset over the Trojans tonight; they will force the NS playoff committee to make a tough call where they cant be excluded.

Gridley senior defensive back Noe Moran (4) celebrates an interception on Oct. 24 in the Bulldogs' 56-0 victory over Live Oak. Photo by Steven Bryla

Corning at Gridley, 7:30 p.m. - The Gridley Bulldogs have already clinched a share of the Westside League, but it would be the first outright championship since 2006.

Gridley went undefeated in the regular season in 2006, but after the Bulldogs had a close victory against Las Plumas, it came with a cost.

Bulldogs senior running back Manny Sandoval suffered a season-ending leg injury. 

Gridley head coach Daniel Zumwalt told Yuba Sutter Butte Colusa Sports that Sandoval was obviously a big piece of the successful rushing attack for the Bulldogs, but now it’s time for the next guy to step up.

The Gridley rushing attack has been superb and senior quarterback Eli Punzo has been the soul of the offense in the field.

The Bulldogs host Corning in the “Boneyard” tonight and if they are successful with a win, they should be the No. 1 overall seed in the NS D-III bracket.

Gridley senior quarterback Eli Punzo (5) rushes the ball downfield during the Bulldogs' 56-0 win against Live Oak on Oct. 24. Photo by Steven Bryla

Hamilton at Biggs, 7:30 p.m. - The Biggs Wolverines prepared this week for an opportunity to clinch a share of the Mid-Valley League title as they host the Hamilton Braves tonight.

Biggs took care of business last week as they went on the road and beat a scrappy Williams squad that just didn’t want to give up.

Wolverines senior quarterback Skyler Long completed eight passes for 154 yards in the air. Biggs junior running back Cashten Acosta led the rushing attack with 88 yards and two touchdowns:

The MVL has been decided in this game for the last few years and we expect it to add another classic to the story of this rivalry.

The Wolverines have lost the past two years to Hamilton by a combined eight points, and the Braves have gone on to win the MVL

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Biggs junior Cashten Acosta (1) rushes with the ball on Oct. 24 during the Wolverines’ 28-21 win over Los Molinos. Photo by Chris Pedigo