Friday, October 13, 2017 - 10:58am By The Leader Staff

Lemoore's Damion Charleston rushed for nearly 300 yards in Friday's 56-28 loss to Golden West High School.

Bill Burris, Lemooresports.com

Lemoore’s defense took a wrong turn Friday night in at Golden West High School’s Groppetti Stadium and managed to turn the West Yosemite League title chase into a free-for-all. And it was the second time this season Lemoore was subject to the “Mercy Rule” as the Trailblazers – with a big lead – forced a fourth-quarter running clock.

West Yosemite League Standings

The Tigers, 2-0, going into Friday night’s WYL game, fell to 2-1 and now share second place with Redwood, a team they beat on Sept. 22 in Lemoore. Golden West improved to 5-1 overall and 1-1 in the WYL.

Friday night’s 56-28 loss to Golden West was something of a shocker, considering just a week ago the Rangers beat the Blazers 19-7. Lemoore fell to 3-4 overall as it hopes to rebound against Mt. Whitney this Friday in Tiger Stadium. Game time is 7:30 p.m. The Pioneers are 2-4 overall and 1-1 in league play.

Tigers face 'Mercy Rule' in 56-28 loss to Trailblazers, take 2-1 mark into Friday game vs. Pioneers

Friday night’s loss was not without its high points, including an impressive ground game, led by halfback Damion Charleston, who rushed for nearly 300 yards and scored the Tigers’ first three touchdowns on runs of 7, 22 and 8 yards.

Tiger receiver Jack Foote hauled in a 17-yard pass from quarterback Kristian Gaytan in the final quarter, but by that point, the Tigers were too far behind to catch up. Foote also rushed for over 50 yards in addition to his five catches. Amier Hollis chipped in with 60 yards rushing.