Flames expect a battle against Warriors

The Lodi Flames will not only be looking for their second win in as many weeks when they host the Galt football team at 7:30 p.m. today at the Grape Bowl, they will also be looking to be the victors of the annual border battle between the neighboring towns.

Lodi's offense got off to a good start last week, totaling 339 yards in a 19-14 win over Sheldon. A big chunk of that, 159 yards to be exact, came on 29 carries by sophomore starting running back Jordan Perkins. After the game, Perkins credited the offensive line for his production, which was nearly matched by quarterback Patrick Armstrong's 141-yard, one-TD passing performance.

Despite the healthy numbers, along with the fact that McNair beat Galt for its first win in the three-year history of its program, Flames head coach Todd Dillon knows the Warriors won't be pushovers.

"We have to neutralize their defensive line," Dillon said. "They are big and strong."

Galt's defense gave up 29 points to McNair last week, but Warriors head coach Warren Schroeder is also excited to see how his defense will stack up against the Flames. After working out the Week 1 kinks, Schroeder is confident his D will do better than last week.

"I am really excited to see our defense play," he said. "They have worked really hard this week and I know Lodi has a good offensive line, but I am excited to see how they match up. It is a good test for us in the preseason to get ready for league."

Lodi starting fullback and linebacker Conner Peterson, who left the Sheldon game in the third quarter with a left knee injury, will be out this week. Dillon says doctors are speculating Peterson suffered a torn medial collateral ligament, but won't know until an MRI can be taken.

Perkins is expected to take the majority of the carries for Lodi. Alex Santiago will be starting in Peterson's place at fullback and Dillon said he will take some carries.

Last week, the Warriors were missing their starting center and two guards because of injuries. Galt's offense hurt in their absence, failing to get into the end zone as its only score came on a 82-yard kick return by Abram Piggee.

Even though the linemen won't be returning for the Lodi matchup, Schroeder is more optimistic about this week's game, having had a week to practice with second-string players who will be filling in.

"We've tried to solve some issues from Friday," he said. "Some first-game issues, just simple mistakes that cost us big offensive plays that could have made a big difference in the game."

Feeling more confident about his line, Schroeder believes his offense will have more opportunities to run its plays and gain yards. Last week Galt totaled only 135 yards. Schroeder said he is hoping to see quarterback Bobby Byrd throw the ball more as well as see his capable running backs move the ball.