Versailles lost more than a tough game last week, they also lost a key player.
In their 56-22 loss to Fulton, they also lost freshman Grant Hutchison. Hutchison is a key part of the Tiger's secondary and running attack. He was hurt on a blindside hit during a punt return.
Initially Hutchison lost feeling in his legs and he needed to be taken to the hospital in an ambulance.
At the hospital he regained feeling in his legs. Hutchison is currently working his way through rehab, but there is no timeline for his return to the football field.
Losing Hutchison means losing a starting cornerback and a running back that is normally used to give Dalton Schmidt and Taylor Dobbins a break. That means quarterback Duane Danner will play on both sides of the ball against California.
Normally the team's backup safety, Danner will take over at cornerback on the defensive sid.
"California has a couple of good receivers so we're gonna get Danner in there because he's probably a more polished athlete than some of the other guys that we have," said head coach Broc Silvers of his decision.
California has gotten off to a slow start as injuries to key players and a lack of experience have been tough obstacles to overcome.
The Pintos have an interesting situation at quarterback. They came into the season with two options - Landon Mouse and Jacob Wolken.
Mouse was injured in their season opener, so he's no longer seeing action at quarterback. Despite his injury, he has played wide receiver and safety for the Pintos.
That left the ball in the hands of Wolken, a sophomore.
Silvers isn't really sure what to expect out of this California team that seems to transition its style of play in its first two games of the season.
"You don't know what you're going to get week to week," said Silvers. "They're trying to find their identity. One week they're running veer option and one week they're in shotgun and running zone runs, so I don't know what we're going to get."
The offensive weapon that Silvers is keeping his eye on for California is Josh Woodruff. He is a speedy back, as well as their kick returner, who is more than capable of going the distance anytime he touches the football.
"They got the Woodruff kid at California who has the potential to break any play for a touchdown," Silvers said. "I can't believe he hasn't yet just because I think he's the fastest guy in the conference at the 200-meter dash and he's a special player."
Versailles' biggest benefit will be the fact it has had a consistent offensive line. The Tigers have struggled with injuries on the line, but have gotten healthier in the last week.
The Tigers used the same line throughout their game against Fulton and will hopefully adding senior center Marcus Hammom, who has been out with an injury.
California hosts Versailles - Updates on Twitter: @CDemocratSports and @PintosAthletics. Listen live online: pintosonline.com. Watch live online: Lake TV.
Podcast: