By Ed Martin, Editor
Lemoore's Ray Escandon (No. 32) bore down on Redwood quarterback Hector Gonzalez in Friday's convincing 28-21 win.
Lemoore's Ray Escandon (No. 32) bore down on Redwood quarterback Hector Gonzalez in Friday's convincing 28-21 win.
Bill Burris, Lemooresports.com

After getting blown out two weeks ago by a powerful Buchanan team, and then suffering a double overtime loss to Sanger just a week ago, the Tigers found themselves atop the West Yosemite League late Friday night thanks to a convincing 28-21 win over visiting Redwood High School.

The Tigers hope to make it two in a row when they visit Hanford Friday for a 7:30 p.m. game against the Huskies in Neighbor Bowl. Hanford West comes into the contest with a 0-1 mark in the WYL and an overall record of 3-2. The Huskies lost to cross-town rival Hanford Friday night 31-7.

Lemoore fullback William Kloster secured the victory with a one-yard touchdown with 3:23 left in the fourth quarter to give his team a commanding 28-14 advantage, the result of a fumble recovery at the Ranger 10-yard line.

Lemoore took a 21-14 halftime lead on the strength of a 70-yard touchdown run by running back Brandon Hargrove and then a scoring pass to receiver Jack Foote in the second quarter.

Tigers beat Redwood 28-14; tackle Hanford West Friday in WYL round two

Lemoore was driving midway through the final period when a Tiger fumble returned the ball to Redwood. The Rangers were moving the ball and were at their 44-yard line when defensive stalwart Austin Martinez blocked Redwood quarterback Hector Gonzalez’ pass into the waiting arms of Damien Goudeau to end the Rangers short-lived threat.

In a serious of sloppy plays, a pass attempt by receiver Foote slipped from his hands and was intercepted, returning the ball to Redwood. Moments later, the Tigers recovered a Redwood fumble with 4:07 left in the game to set up the Tigers’ final touchdown.

Redwood scored with just 13 seconds left in the game to account for the final verdict.