Live Oak sophomore quarterback Ethan Petrone (3) rushes the ball against Anderson on Sept. 11 in the Lions’ victory. Photo by Steven Bryla

LIVE OAK, CA (YSBC) - The Live Oak Lions moved to 2-1 on the 2026 season after their rushing attack ran through the Anderson Cubs in a 43-7 victory on Sept. 11.

Live Oak hosted their third game in a row at Arostegui Stadium on Sept. 11 where they split with Quincy and Williams.

Anderson went into the matchup with the Lions 0-2 with double-digit losses to Ferndale and Las Plumas (Oroville).

Live Oak’s Chase Ehrke (71) lifts up Jesus Martinez (23) after a touchdown rush on Sept. 11 in the Lions win over Anderson. Photo by Steven Bryla

The Cubs scored on their first-offensive play from scrimmage and took an early 7-0 lead with seven minutes to go in the first as junior quarterback Gaige Podva found senior wide receiver Connor Bushey for a 76-yard touchdown pass.

After Andersons’s first points it was all Live Oak the rest of the night.

The Lions were able to move the ball on the ground at will as they combined for more than 360 yards on the ground behind their experienced offensive line.

Live Oak could have had multiple more offensive yardage on the night, but they continuously committed multiple penalties and a lot of extra-curricular activities after the play.

Live Oak junior running back Jesus Martinez (23) rushes the ball on Sept. 11 in the Lions’ win over Anderson. Photo by Steven Bryla

The Lions had a total of 137 yards in penalties during their win over the Cubs.

Following the touchdown by Bushey, Live Oak got a great kick return that led them inside the Anderson 40.

Lions sophomore quarterback Ethan Petrone scored on a nine-yard rushing touchdown and after a successful two-point conversion, Live Oak led 8-7.

After a defensive stand that forced the Cubs to turn the ball over on downs on the Lions 41-yard line.

Live Oak senior lineman Chase Ehrke (71) dives for a loose ball in the Lions’ victory over Anderson on Sept. 11. Photo by Steven Bryla

Petrone opened up the second quarter with a 54-yard touchdown rush and extended the Live Oak lead 15-7.

Petrone finished with 114 yards on the ground with 11 carries.

On top of the Lions offense being able to run at will against Anderson, the Live Oak defense forced seven turnovers in their win.

The Cubs had multiple struggles snapping the ball that fell low to the ground, but they did have success throwing the ball through the air.

Live Oak senior Keyaan Khan (42) and junior Daniel Torres (21) team up for a tackle on Sept. 11 in the Lions’ win over Anderson. Photo by Steven Bryla

The Lions led 22-7 at the half.

Live Oak junior running back Jesus Martinez was the leading rusher in the game as he carried the ball 18 times for 192 yards on the ground and had three touchdowns.

Martinez told YSBC that the key to getting the win over Naderson was the confidence the team came into the matchup of being able to execute their plays on the field.

Lions head coach Robert Tilton expressed to YSBC that he was proud of the effort that his team displayed running the ball.

He added that it’s obvious they need to cut down the mental mistakes and that they need to be cut down over time throughout the season.

Live Oak will hit the road for the first time in 2026 this Friday, as they play at Willows. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Anderson senior wide receiver Connor Bushey (12) hauls in a long pass for a touchdown on Sept. 11 in the Cubs’ defeat to Live Oak. Photo by Steven Bryla