Varsity football sends Yreka Miners packing
Lassen High School varsity football held a strong lead throughout the duration of the Friday, April 2 game against the Yreka Miners.
By the end of the night, the Grizzlies ran away with the win, 39-20.
“After a rough start to the surprise season, the players really started to pick up what we’ve been coaching them. Trusting their reads and understanding the blocking really showed up vs Yreka. There is still room for improvement and the players have been working really hard,” Head Coach Jason McCloskey said. “The team is looking to continually improve by eliminating turnovers, execute the game plan and win football games.”
Jacob McCloskey prepares to make a pass during the April 2 game against the Yreka Miners. Photo by Greg Wallace PhotographyThe game, which coincided with senior night, featured an enthusiastic student section, and performances by the drill team senior moms, the LHS drill team and LHS cheer — this was also the first home evening football game of the year.
Throughout the game, LHS showed off its defensive prowess and rushing skills as the Grizzlies kept the Miners at bay.
Starting off, Bobby Robles earned the first touchdown of the game with about nine minutes left in the first quarter.
Entering into the second quarter, the Grizzlies did not waste anytime showing the Miners who was boss, as Jacob McCloskey completed a pass for a touchdown, making the score 12-0.
To counter LHS’ success, the Miners completed a pass for a touchdown with about 5 minutes left in the second quarter. With the failed 2 point conversion, Yreka brought the score to 12-6.
With just 12 seconds left in the half, though, the Grizzlies responded as Robles rushed for another touchdown. Tavin Fowler’s successful 2 point conversion ended the first half with Lassen in the lead, 20-6.
During the third quarter, a safety for Yreka brought the score to 20-8 with about 5 minutes left.
The LHS varsity football team took home the win against Yreka Friday. Photo by Greg Wallace PhotographyLassen didn’t take long to add more points to the board though, shortly into the fourth quarter, Fowler’s interception returned for a touchdown increased LHS’ lead, 26-8.
Yreka’s then responded with a rushing touchdown of their own with just about 7 minutes left that shortened the local team’s lead, 26-14.
Acting fast, Fowler responded with a 15 yard rushing touchdown, bringing the score to 32-14 with about 7 minutes left.
A completed pass for a touchdown by the Miners again brought them closer, 32-20, but Robles rushed for another touchdown with about a minute left in the game to seal the deal. With a good point after attempt, Lassen finished the game strong, 39-20.
Since it was senior night, prior to the start of the varsity game senior members of the drill, cheer and football teams were recognized with their families.
Varsity is set to play Central Valley at home April 9.
** The article was updated to include a quote.
