GALT, CA (MPG) - In a spectacular showdown, the Galt Warriors took on the Liberty Ranch Hawks on Feb. 10, with the league title hanging in the balance. The stakes were high, as the Hawks arrived at Hawk Stadium with a perfect 13-0 record, having secured a league title no matter what the outcome, while the Warriors, sitting in second place at 12-1, yearned for revenge after their season's only loss to Liberty Ranch.

The atmosphere was electric as both teams battled through a fast-paced and physical match. The referees allowed the players to fully engage, and by halftime, neither side had found the back of the net, with the score locked at 0-0. 

Tensions ran high, and both teams prepared for an intense second half, knowing that every play could dictate the outcome of the league title.

In an astonishing turn of events, the Warriors clinched their victory without ever scoring themselves. A mishap by a Hawk defender led to one of the most bizarre goals of the season, as he inadvertently headed the ball into his own net, giving Galt a 1-0 victory and securing a share of the league championship. 

This unprecedented result leaves both the Warriors and the Hawks as SVC league champions, a remarkable feat for a town that prides itself on its soccer rivalries. After the match, Liberty Ranch head coach Garett Arechiga demonstrated true sportsmanship, crossing the field to shake hands with every player on the Galt side, praising their effort and determination.

Warrior senior Jaylen Mendez reflected on the match by saying, “We kept our heads high. We knew they were going to come out and play hard and fast. We had to set the tone and keep pushing on them. This was the hardest game against the best team we played all year. At the end, a few cards were thrown, and our emotions were high, but we got the win and that is all that matters. Props to our goalie Adam and our defenders who saved us. What a heck of a game.”

Defensive stalwart Breen Velasquez echoed Mendez’s sentiments: “At practice, we just put in the work. JP (coach Parra) talked to me personally and told me what to do to fix it, so when I came here, I didn’t come to lose,” he said, acknowledging the preparation that went into facing the fearsome Hawk offense.

Head coach Julian Parra rallied his team in a huddle after the game, emphasizing their shared victory. 

“We can share the league title, but there is one thing we aren’t going to share and that is the section title,” he declared. “You have value, you have personality, and you belong here. From now until Friday, every time you sweat and every time we do a drill from now until the section playoffs, it’s for a purpose.”

Coach Parra said they had the first game, where things didn’t go Galt’s way, in the back of their minds all season. 

“First and foremost, I would like to give all glory to Jesus,” said Parra. “We look to him a lot, especially me after that first game I had to rely back on my faith. I would like to thank Liberty Ranch because they are a hell of a team. They are the best team we have played all season by far. I don’t think the rivalry has a lot to do with it; I just think coach Garett has it set that way. 

“They are solid in every aspect and it is really hard to break them down. We were lucky tonight to do so. I am very grateful to be in the position I am. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for coach Garett and the love that I have for that man, and everything he has going over there is really special. We also have a really good group of boys here who really want it and we are hoping for bigger things. We are just happy to be co-league champions with our friends next door; that is friendship right there.”

As both teams prepare for the Division 4 section playoffs kicking off Friday, Feb. 14, the spirit of camaraderie and rivalry shines brightly, fostering friendships that exemplify the true spirit of high school athletics.