Photo by Sarah Quist

By Ray Hamill — The Corsairs will be without a pair of big playmakers when they host an in-form Yuba team in their home finale on Saturday.

Redwoods is looking to end a four-game losing streak, but will have to do so without the services of the team’s leading rusher and leading receiver.

Running back Elijah Hicks, who is second in the American Pacific-7 Conference in rushing yards per game (80.6), and tied for the lead in rushing touchdowns with six, is out with a concussion suffered in last weekend’s loss at Foothill.

Also out is leading receiver Zacharry Loveland, who is third in the conference with 80.9 yards receiving a game, and will miss Saturday’s game after being ejected a week ago.

“We’re going to be up against it a little bit,” CR head coach Frank Borba said. “As a staff we want to see our kids compete and play for 60 minutes, and we believe we can win.”

Francois to start at QB

Freshman Moise Francois will get the start at quarterback after an impressive showing a week ago.

Francois has split time with fellow freshman Alex Adams for much of the season after starter Brody Lucero was sidelined with a shoulder injury early in the third game.

But the Fort Lauderdale native will get his first start this weekend.

“He played well enough last week, He definitely earned the start,” Borba said.

Sophomore running back Anthony Bowman will also get his first start of the season in the backfield in place of Hicks.

Bowman has rushed just 18 times this year for 68 yards.

“It’s fitting on sophomore day he’ll get the start,” Borba said.

Five-game winning streak

Yuba comes into the game on a five-game winning streak, after dropping its first two games of the season.

“They’re fast and athletic on defense, and on offense they like to pound the ball,” said Borba.

They’ve also played in some close games, with three of their five wins decided by a touchdown or less.

The 49ers have also been effective stopping the run, allowing a stingy 84 yards a game.

Saturday’s game is set for 1 p.m., and Redwoods will honor its 10 sophomores before kickoff.