San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) rolls out to make a pass against the Las Vegas Raiders in the first half at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Fri Aug 23, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The San Francisco 49ers played their final pre-season game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Friday night. San Francisco led for most of the game with the Raiders leading only once in this contest.

The Raiders had a great opportunity in the third quarter having a first and goal on the four yard line but failed to score. With under two minutes left in the game, the Raiders again had a great opportunity and drove downfield kicking the tying field goal by kicker Daniel Carlson with 16 ticks left on the clock. The game ended in a 24-24 tie.

Friday night’s game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Las Vegas Raiders may only be a pre-season game but it does have huge implications for many of the players on the field Friday night.

Both of these teams will have to cut their roster to 53 by the end of next week and so it is imperative that every one of these players put forth their best efforts if they are to realize their dream of an NFL career.

For many of these players this is their super bowl. Front offices across the nation will be watching looking to bolster their final rosters with additional talent. This could be the last chance for many of these players to show-case their talent and just maybe earn a spot on an NFL team.

The 49ers will get to see starters in this game although a handful did not play tonight. Brock Purdy, George Kittle and Deebo Samuel all took the field in this game. This will be the first time the 49ers have been back to Allegiant Stadium since the (SBB) Super Bowl Bummer earlier this year.

Last season, the San Francisco 49ers were dominant and they look to be even stronger this coming season. Last season they had two MVP frontrunners while most other teams barely had a single hopeful that’s just how good this team is.

The opening quarter was successful for San Francisco taking a 10-0 lead over the Raiders. Brock Purdy played some snaps in the first quarter and finished 9 of 12 for 96 yards and one interception.

Jake Moody had spear-headed the San Francisco scoring in the opening quarter with a 49 yard field goal at 12:59 giving San Francisco the early 3-0 lead. The Niners would extend their lead when Jordan Mason rushed for four yards with 3:33 left in the quarter giving the 49ers a 10-0 lead.

Las Vegas wide receiver Tyriek McAllister answered in the second quarter with a 81 yard punt return for the touchdown. The extra kick by Carlson was good and Las Vegas was back in this game trailing 10-7.

Less than a minute later, San Francisco scored their second touchdown of the game. Patrick Taylor Jr. rushed for three yards, the extra point was good and the 49ers had taken a 17-7 lead. With 13 ticks left on the clock until the half, the Raiders Kristian Wilkerson caught a three yard pass from quarterback Nathan Peterman and the score was 17-14 in favor of the 49ers at the half.

The third quarter was a wild affair with the two teams trading leads. The Raiders took the lead at 11:30 when quarterback Carter Bradley found McAllister for 35 yards giving Las Vegas their first lead of the game 21-17.

The Raider defense kept San Francisco out of the end zone for the next ten minutes of the quarter hanging onto the lead. With 1:55 left in the third quarter, the 49ers offense wore down the Las Vegas defense scoring a passing touchdown. Joshua Dobbs found Jacob Cowing for 10 yards and the touchdown. San Francisco had taken back the lead 24-21 going into the fourth quarter.

When it looked as if San Francisco would win this game, the Raiders got their hands on the ball with under two minutes left in the game and drove downfield to within Daniel Carlson’s range. Carlson tied up the game with a successful 43 Yd Field Goal and this game would end in a tie 24-24 in one crazy game. What a way to end a pre-season game for both teams.

The season will get underway for the 49ers on Monday Night Football September 9th when San Francisco will open at Levi’s Stadium taking on the New York Jets. Kickoff for that game is scheduled for 5:20 PM and will air on ABC/ESPN/ESPN+.