CALIFORNIA, Mo. - California head coach Marty Albertson expects tonight's Tri-County Conference game at Hallsville to be "a big match-up."
"This game will probably determine the conference lead," Albertson said. "We're both undefeated and they just had their biggest win of the season against Blair Oaks.
"Watching the game film though, Blair Oaks' fumbles gave Hallsville their first 21 points. Blair Oaks' quarterback was injured and only played the first quarter, and they had a running back who was also playing injured."
As long as the Pintos come out focused against the Indians and take control of the game early, Albertson said he's confident things will go well for California.
"When we get on them early in the game, it makes us hard to beat," Albertson said. "That's what we did to Eldon last week and that's what Hallsville did to Blair Oaks."
The Pintos (4-0 and ranked No. 3 in Class 3) racked up 381 yards of offense and scored on every possession while holding the Mustangs to 114 yards en route to the 55-0 victory.
"Overall I was very pleased with our performance," Albertson said. "We came out focused and were very efficient. We had nine guys carrying the ball, we blocked well and executed, and our special teams and defense played really well."
Regarding Hallsville's 42-28 win against Blair Oaks last week, Indians head coach Ty Harrison said, "Obviously we went in as the underdog. Our kids pulled together as a team and I'm proud of the way they played. It was a total team victory for us."
Hallsville, in its seventh varsity season, ended with 161 yards of offense, while Blair Oaks had 219 yards.
The Pintos defeated the Indians 57-8 last season.
Looking ahead to Hallsville's game plan for tonight's contest, Harrison said, "Obviously it's always better to play at home. I know California is a really talented team and they're probably going to want the ball kicked off. It's going to come down to the players on the field. We've been pretty balanced offensively. There are several people we try to get the ball to, so we'll continue to do that, and hopefully we will be balanced with our running and passing."
Harrison, who is in his first year as head coach for the Indians (4-0, receiving votes in the Class 2 rankings), added, "Defensively we will be challenged. Facing California's offense is going to be a challenge for us."
Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
"I hope to see everyone come out to support us Friday," Albertson said. "We're going to be in hostile territory."