LAS PLUMAS MAKES SENIOR NIGHT STATEMENT, SETS UP BATTLE OF THE UNBEATENS

Las Plumas wanted to make Senior Night special.

The Thunderbirds did that — and then made an even bigger statement about what could be ahead.

Las Plumas pulled away from Live Oak on Friday night for a convincing 41-6 victory, remaining undefeated in league play and setting up a massive matchup next week at Orland.

And now, there is no hiding from the stakes.

Both Las Plumas and Orland enter next week’s showdown undefeated in league play, with the Thunderbirds traveling to take on the Orland Trojans at 7:30 p.m.

But before turning their attention to Orland, Las Plumas had business to handle against Live Oak.

The Lions came out ready to battle, and early on the game had all the makings of a back-and-forth contest. The two teams traded touchdowns, with neither side able to immediately seize control.

Then the Thunderbirds flipped the script.

Las Plumas settled in, took control of the game and dominated the remainder of the night on both sides of the ball.

Quarterback Branden Robinson once again directed the Thunderbird offense with a strong performance, while Prem Ball and Kaden Parris provided plenty of offensive firepower.

And perhaps the biggest statement came from the running game, where Nate Nicholas turned in one of his best performances of the season.

Nicholas repeatedly powered through the Live Oak defense, breaking loose for several explosive runs and leaving defenders in his wake. His physical running helped Las Plumas establish control and keep the Lions defense under pressure throughout the night.

Live Oak did threaten in the second half, putting together a drive that carried all the way to the Las Plumas goal line.

The Lions were sitting at first-and-goal with an opportunity to make things interesting.

Instead, the Thunderbird defense delivered one of the game’s biggest plays.

A costly Live Oak fumble ended the threat, and Las Plumas immediately turned defense into offense. The Thunderbirds marched the length of the field and capped the drive with another touchdown, effectively slamming the door on any hopes of a comeback.

From there, Las Plumas continued to pull away.

The final score — Las Plumas 41, Live Oak 6 — reflected the complete team effort.

The offense produced explosive plays. The running game delivered physicality. Robinson continued to lead the attack. And the defense repeatedly came up with the plays needed to stop the Lions when it mattered most.

It was exactly the kind of performance the Thunderbirds wanted on Senior Night.

Now comes the big one.

Next Friday night, Las Plumas heads to Orland for a matchup between two teams that have yet to lose in league play.

The Thunderbirds have earned the right to walk into that game with confidence.

But this time, there will be no easing into it.

Two undefeated league teams. One huge showdown.

And Las Plumas is ready for the challenge.