Tigers fall in West Yosemite League finale at Hanford but will host Justin Garza High in Division II opener Friday

Monday, October 30, 2023 - 10:49am By The Leader Staff

Lemoore's Daniel Rodrigues tries to block a pass from Hanford's Daniel Gomez in Friday night's West Yosemite Leauge finale.

Photo by Gary Feinstein

Lemoore’s talented Tiger football team, despite its 27-13 loss at Hanford on Friday night, find themselves ranked No. 2 in the Division II CIF football playoffs behind No. 1 Central Valley Christian. The Tigers get to host another playoff game, this time to No. 15 Justin Garza High School.

Lemoore finished the regular season at 7-3 and 4-1 in the West Yosemite League.

According to the CIF, Friday night’s playoff game against Justin Garza (Nov. 3) begins at 7 p.m. in Tiger Stadium.

Justin Garza High finished at 3-2 in the County/Metro League and overall finished with a 5-5 record. The Guardians lost a 28-27 thriller to 7-3 Madera High School Friday night.

It was a crowded stadium at Hanford High School as an overflow crowd watched as their Bullpups took a 27-0 first-half lead against the visiting Tigers. However, Lemoore returned the favor – sort of – by shutting out Hanford in the second half while scoring 13 points to cut the gap somewhat.

According to observers, the field was somewhat slippery, and the ball appeared to be wet, which may have resulted in fumbles. At times, the Tigers were backed up in their territory, starting at least three possessions inside the five-yard line.