UPDATED, 1:22 a.m.: Just got back from Fresno (the things we do for you guys), and it was ugly: Bullard 35, Bakersfield 14.

Here it is in a nutshell: The Drillers killed themselves with penalties and turnovers, and their defense was worn down. It looked good in the beginning when Bakersfield forced Bullard to go three-and-out on the opening series and then gain nine yards each on its first two runs of the ensuing drive. But this game took a turn for the worst the moment Johnson fumbled on that third play, and it seemed like the coaching staff may have hit the panic button a little too soon. That triple back I-formation was money, and I don't know why Bakersfield got away from it so soon.

All in all, a disappointing end to a season from a very talented football team. But things look good for the Drillers with the return next season of many sophomores and juniors.

UPDATED, 8:52 p.m.: I was just in the middle of writing how this got really ugly, because the Drillers went down 28-0 after two turnovers. BUT they just recovered a fumble for a TD. 28-7 Bullard in the third.

UPDATED, 8:28: Drillers just put themselves in a huge hole, fumbling a punt attempt that was returned by Bullard for a TD. 21-0 in the third.

UPDATED, 8:10 p.m.: Bakersfield is down 14-0 at halftime. Here's the deal: The Drillers got away from what was working in the beginning of the game, which was an I-formation that featured three backs in the backfield. It was different, and it was working, but the Drillers haven't gone back to it since their second drive. Maybe they will in the second half, but they can't get down more, otherwise they'll have to revert to the pass. That wouldn't be ideal, especially without Alfonso Jackson who, an assistant told me, is off the team because of disciplanary reasons.

Defensively, the Drillers will have to re-group. Bullard got into a zone as the second half came to an end. This game could actually be worse if the Knights hadn't come down with a case of the dropsies.

(I apologize for spelling/grammatical errors. No time to spell check).

UPDATED, 7:44 p.m.: Bullard kicker Blake Dunn has connected on field goals of 45 and 55 yards, but he missed a 35-yarder earlier. It's 6-0 Bullard in the second. BHS is getting the ball back with 4:03 remaining. The Drillers could use something on this drive.

UPDATED, 7:26 p.m.: So far, the Drillers are hurting themselves after the first quarter. A fumble and four penalties. They are having success moving tne ball, though, relatively. They'll need to shore up the mistakes. 0-0 after first.

UPDATED, 7:15 p.m.: Jerrick Johonson fumbled on the third play of Bakersfield's opening drive in Bullard territory but gained nine yards on his first two runs. No damage done, though as Bullard went three-and-out. Still no score in the first.

UPDATED, 6:52 p.m.: I was just down on the field about 10 minutes ago, and the Drillers seem confident heading into this one like you'd expect from defending Division I champs. I got that feeling from them at least.

As for this being a home game for Bullard? Well, where the heck is everyone? Looking across at their side, the stands can't be even half full. Do they know kickoff is at 7 p.m.?

Decently nice field here at McLane Stadium. A little baige in the center around the 50-yard line, but overall the field conditions shouldn't be a factor. Nice night for a playoff.

Drillers just entered the field to a nice pop from the Bakersfield crowd. Kickoff is only minutes away.

ORIGINAL POST: What's up, everybody. It's about 2:15 p.m. as I write this. I'm stoked. So is Schoolhouse Zach. And we are about to hit the road and venture up the 99 to Fresno for our games tonight (he'll be at Liberty-Clovis West). I know a lot of you won't be able to make the journey north, so here's your heads up that I will also be updating this post throughout the Bakersfield-Bullard game (just like Zach does every Friday night). So check back often for updates on the Drillers. I'm out for now.