Sports

High School Football: Battle of the Creek on Friday Night

Undefeated Northgate High hosts Las Lomas High in the annual cross-town rivalry

As usual on Walnut Festival weekend, Northgate High and Las Lomas High's football teams will square off Friday night in the annual Battle of the Creek.

This year, the contest is being played at Northgate, beginning at 7 p.m.

Northgate High is 3-0 so far this season after defeating Livermore High, 31-7, last week.

Las Lomas High is 2-1 after losing 31-6 to Foothill High a week ago.

Northgate won last year's battle, 29-19, on Las Lomas' field.

Northgate High coach Justin Lowell didn't respond to a Patch request for an interview, but Las Lomas coach Mike Downing said this game is always a much anticipated contest.

"It's hard not to get up when you have a cross-town rivalry like this," he said.

Downing noted many of the players on both squads have competed with each other in youth sports such as baseball, basketball and soccer, so they know each other well.

He said the key for his team on Friday night is to stay focused and avoid mistakes such as penalties.


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