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Warriors earn first league win over Vista del Lago
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Photo by Paige Lampson
Ryan Byrd and Eric Toscano, middle, work to hold Vista del Lago’s offense.
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By Kerensa Uyeta-Buckley
Herald Sports
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The number one played a central role in the varsity Warriors’ first league football game against Vista del Lago- one point was all that separated Galt and Vista del lago in the end of their first meeting.
More importantly, it marked the total Sierra Valley Conference wins earned by the Warriors after they defeated the Eagles 14-13 at Erv Hatzenbuler Field/ Warrior Stadium.
Galt survived a late Eagles touchdown and the subsequent missed kick to edge the SVC’s newest team in a night that was filled with surprise plays.
The Warriors scored their first touchdown on a seven-yard run by Trevor Alcoriza with 6:34 left in the first quarter.
Cody Klucznik kicked the extra point to give the Warriors a 7-0 lead.
Vista del Lago made things interesting by tying the score on a 10-yard touchdown run by Trey Hairabedian, followed by a successful kick by Scott Fukui for a 7-7 score.
Both teams had trouble keeping the ball in the third quarter, with possessions lasting more than often less than two minutes.
At the end of the quarter, however, the Warriors started an offensive drive that would result in their second touchdown.
Abram Piggee began the drive by carrying the ball near Galt’s 44-yard line to Vista del Lago’s 26-yard line, getting the Warriors in an excellent position.
Alcoriza later had a carry for about 22 yards to get the ball to the one-yard line on the same possession.
After the fourth quarter started, Robert Byrd scored on a one-yard run and Klucznik kicked the PAT for a 14-7 Warrior lead.
After Vista del Lago and Galt both traded possessions, the game seemed to turn into a waiting game for the Warriors, who had the lead with 5:03 left.
However, Vista del Lago found themselves on Galt’s 15-yard line after Anthony Mull completed a 26-yard pass to Marques White with just over four minutes left.
After an incomplete pass inside the goal line, the Warriors were hit with a penalty for roughing the passer.
The penalty moved Vista del Lago up to the five-yard line with just over three minutes left.
A called pass interference on Galt allowed the Eagles another chance at the three yard line, after barely hanging onto a fourth down on their previous play.
Hairabedian then scored on a three-yard run to put the Eagles within 14-13 with 1:39 left.
Fukui then missed the PAT to keep Galt’s lead intact.
“I knew Vista Del Lago was going to be a tough opponent,” Galt head coach Warren Schroeder said. “They played tough and will make some noise this year in our league. I believe our defense played extremely well, holding them for 7-8 plays in the red zone until they were given another set of downs on a faulty call,” said Schroeder.
Schroeder addressed other questionable calls, noting that there were two opportunities the Warriors had to score but that they were called back by referees.
“I am so proud of the way our players dealt with the adversity placed before them Friday night, and I know that this experience will serve us well in the future,” Schroeder said.
The Warriors are now 2-2 overall and 1-0 in the SVC.
Alcoriza led the offense in rushing with 89 yards, had three receptions for 53 yards, 10 tackles and a touchdown.
Byrd completed eight of 12 passes for 103 yards, had 15 rushing yards and two tackles.
Eric Toscano continued the defensive leadership he has shown all season, leading with 12 tackles, while David Petkovich and Joey Ruiz both made nine tackles.
Piggee had 53 rushing yards and had three receptions for 37 yards.
Piggee also made five tackles and had one punt return and one kickoff return.
Vista del Lago, which has no seniors, is in its first year on the varsity level in football after opening its doors in the 2007-08 school year. The Eagles are 0-4 and 0-1 in league.
On the Warriors’ success on defense, Schroeder said that he has seen the line progress and grow more physical.
“Our defense is really starting to realize how talented they are and what a physical team we can be. We are excited with their progress, and continue to see them improve their skills and fundamentals in practice every day,” said Schroeder.
The Warriors will compete in their final preseason game Friday against Tokay, before hosting Union Mine for homecoming next week.
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