By STEPHEN GLOVER

For the Call

Since opening the 2005 season with an impressive 31-6 win over North County, the Oakville Senior High football team has suffered a two-game losing streak.

The Tigers (1-2, 0-2 Suburban West) suffered a 14-7 loss to Lafayette on Friday.

“We had opportunities, but made mistakes,” Oakville head coach Arlee Conners told the Call. “It was one of those games where we found ways to lose rather than found ways to win.”

Oakville broke a 0-0 stalemate in the second quarter as junior wide receiver Dwayne Pickens hauled in a 24-yard pass from junior wide receiver Cody Terry.

Pickens finished the evening with two catches for 32 yards. He also was strong on the defensive side of the ball with six tackles and three assists as the team’s free safety.

“It was a great catch by Dwayne,” Con-ners said in regard to Pickens’ touchdown pass. “He’s one of those kids that pretty much gives you everything he can.”

Terry, on the other hand, hauled in two re-ceptions for 27 yards and threw the one touchdown pass for 32 yards.

“To his (Terry’s) credit, he threw a nice pass to Dwayne,” Conners said. “He’s another player that will give you everything he has.”

Oakville starting quarterback Sam Krie-gel finished the evening with a 7-16 performance for 88 yards and one interception and had 10 carries for 25 yards.

“Sam tried to make plays for us,” Con-ners said. “A lot of the time their defense had him on the run.”Brandon Dillard led the Tigers in yardage with seven carries for 64 yards. The senior running back also had one kickoff return for 10 yards.

“To his credit, Brandon tried to do a lot for us,” Conners said. “He’s one guy that really wants to win bad.”

Chris Kaestner was the cornerstone of the Oakville defense as the senior outside linebacker with eight tackles and four assists.

Oakville will play 7 p.m. Friday as they play host to Fort Zumwalt West. The Bulldogs currently are 0-3 and are coming off an 11-7 loss to Troy last week.

“It’s a game we can’t take lightly,” Conners said.