GALT, CA (MPG) - The Liberty Ranch Hawks JV football team showed tremendous heart and defensive resolve Friday night, edging the Linden Lions 14-7 in a defensive battle that came down to the final moments.

Unlike their varsity counterparts who dominated in a 44-7 blowout, the JV Hawks found themselves in a much tighter contest against a scrappy Linden squad that refused to go away quietly.

JV quarterback Kason Lauchland receives the ball from center Caleb Martinez as the line goes to work.

The game’s defining moment came late when the Lions mounted a serious scoring threat, driving deep into Hawks territory. With Linden advancing to inside the 20-yard line and threatening to tie the game, the Liberty Ranch defense stepped up when it mattered most.

The Hawks’ defensive unit dug in and made the crucial stops needed to preserve their narrow lead, containing Linden’s forward progress and forcing a turnover on downs to secure the victory.

While the offense managed to put 14 points on the board, it was clearly the defensive effort that won the game for the Hawks. The ability to bend but not break when facing adversity will serve this young group well as it continue its development.