AJ Gustaveson ran for 204 yards and Jonathan Singleton threw for five touchdowns as Live Oak smashed its way past Leigh 49-13 last week.
That win put the Acorns into a four-way tie for first place after Piedmont Hills knocked off Westmont.
Gustaveson had 30 carries and really broke out in the game and it freed up everything else that Live Oak wanted to do.
“We established the run game right off the start and stuck with it. That helped Johnny with the play action pass,” said coach Mike Gemo.
Live Oak’s defense was shaky in the beginning, giving up two first-quarter touchdowns.
But the Acorns tightened things up and they completely shutdown Leigh’s attack.
Live Oak forced five turnovers, including three interceptions.
Christian Guary had the dagger when he returned an interception 45 yards for a touchdown.
Guary found himself in line for an overthrown ball and followed his wall of blockers.
Now Live Oak sits in a tie with Oak Grove—which rebounded from an unexpected loss to Santa Teresa—Westmont and this week’s opponent Lincoln.
The Lions have been inconsistent this season, leading to a 2-4 overall record. They dropped their first three games by a combined 13 points, including a 33-30 loss to Overfelt.
But since then, Lincoln knocked off Pioneer and Santa Teresa but also took a one-point loss to Westmont. The latest win over the Saints came thanks to a fourth-quarter safety.
This will be Live Oak’s first run-heavy opponent since going up against Gilroy in Week 3.
“It’s homecoming week. The kids are excited about this week,” Gemo said. “Lincoln is a good opponent. They run heck out of ball. We’ll see how good our run defense is.”
The Lions will come at Live Oak with a two-headed beast in Gabe Florez and Isaac Juarez who combined had rushed for 991 yards and eight touchdowns.
Quarterback Gavin Kalama-florence has rushed for more yards (288) and he’s passed for (212). He also has more rushing TDs (4) than he has passing TDs (3).
Lincoln also had Bryan Pantoja who can offer a change of pace from the Big 3, rushing for 343 yards with two touchdowns.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Due to smoke from the North Bay fires, Friday’s game could be affected. Live Oak is watching conditions closely and will make a call if they prove to be unhealthy for play. Last year’s Loma Fire forced Live Oak to move its game against Leigh due to smoke.
