Live Oak sophomore quarterback Ethan Petrone hands the ball off to a running back during practice on Aug. 14. Photo by Steven Bryla

LIVE OAK, CA (YSBC) - The Live Oak Lions football team is looking to have their first winning season since 2023 and they can achieve that through the youth in their program mixed with the experienced senior class of. 2027.

Over the past two seasons, Live Oak has won a total of seven games, but in 2025, they opened the season with two one-possession defeats.

Lions head coach Robert Tilton told Yuba Sutter Butte Colusa Sports that he wants to finish those types of games in 2026.

Tilton added that Live Oak graduated 23 players from the 2025 roster, but gained some youthful talent for this season.

Live Oak head coach Robert Tilton speaks to his team on Aug. at the end of practice. Photo by Steven Bryla

Offense

The Lions lost a lot of their offensive starters from last season, but a big positive is the entire offensive line returns for 2026.

Live Oak senior lineman Chase Ehrke said that it will be an advantage for the Lions that there is an experienced group coming into the year as they protect a young arm.

“We have some big guys up here so it’ll be beneficial for our quarterback and open up lanes for the running backs,” Ehrke said.

Live Oak sophomore quarterback Ethan Petrone will be the new signal caller offensively for Tilton and the Lions.

The humble 2029 quarterback said that Live Oak has a lot to prove to teams this season.

“We want to show everyone we are here to compete,” Petrone said.

Live Oak sophomore quarterback Ethan Petrone tosses a pass during the Lions’ practice on Aug. 14. Photo by Steven Bryla

Defense

Defensively, the Lions weren’t able to hold and team under 20 points in 2025 and Tilton said that a big goal of his is to start out each game on a good note because last year they struggled at the beginning of games.

He added that if Live Oak is able to get off to a good start in the game defensively, it will help the fluidity of the offense get into a rhythm of attempting to put points up on the scoreboard.

Ehrke is the returning defensive tackle that comes back this season as he has 42 tackles in 2025, including nine for a loss.

Live Oak senior lineman Chase Ehrke (left) battles at the line on Aug. 14 during the Lions’ practice. Photo by Steven Bryla

Schedule

8/28 vs. Quincy, 7:30 p.m.

9/4 vs. Williams, 7:30 p.m.

9/11 vs. Anderson, 7:30 p.m.

9/25 at Central Valley (Shasta Lake), 7 p.m.

10/9 vs. Corning, 7:30 p.m. *

10/16 at Las Plumas (Oroville), 7:30 p.m. *

10/30 vs. Orland, 7 p.m. *

11/6 at Gridley (Harvest Bowl), 7:30 p.m. *

*= Westside League game