Grizzlies steamroll first round of playoffs
The Lassen High School Grizzlies’ football season continues after defeating the Corning Cardinals 49-8 in the first round of the Northern Section playoffs Friday, Nov. 15.
The game started off with the Grizzlies kicking off to the Cardinals, but it wasn’t long till the Grizzlies’ defense forced a punt return just two minutes in.
The Grizzlies didn’t waste any time after the return with Nick Valdez running the outside line for a 25-yard run for the Grizzlies’ first touchdown and successful extra point to follow.
The Grizzlies would again make a kickoff back to the visiting Cardinals, and again the Cardinals were forced into punt return just minutes later. Grizzlies maintained possession leading into the second quarter.
The second quarter kicked off with the Grizzlies making a turnover on downs back to the Cardinals. This did not last long as Corning was forced into a punt return just a minute later.
Valdez came out with a 50-yard carry giving the Grizzlies their second touchdown and extra point after, and minutes later he did it again following a punt return from the Cardinals.
Grizzlies’ defense kept the pressure through the second quarter forcing quick punt returns and one fumble recovery by Bobby Robles.
The Grizzlies finished the second quarter scoring 28 points adding to the seven from the first putting them at 35-0 over the Cardinals leading into the half.
At the start of the third quarter, Valdez picked up the kick return and took it all the way running 80- yards for a Grizzly touchdown and successful PAT.
Corning was finally able to bring some offense to the table after recovering a fumble four minutes into the quarter and bringing it into the Grizzlies’ 20 yard line, and following it up with their only touchdown of the night.
Robles finished the quarter for the Grizzlies, barreling through the Cardinals’ defense for a 55-yard rush to the endzone landing the Grizzlies 49-6 over the Cardinals.
The fourth quarter was a battle of defenses as the Cardinals managed to catch the Grizzlies in their own endzone landing a safety against the Grizzlies.
The Grizzlies then loaded up the buses to take on Sutter for the second round of playoffs Friday, Nov. 22. Results were unavailable at press time but look for them in the Tuesday, Dec. 3 issue of the Lassen County Times.
