GALT, CA (MPG) - The Liberty Ranch Hawks made a statement Friday night, overwhelming a tough Linden squad 44-7 in a performance that showcased their potential heading into league play.

The Hawks wasted no time setting the tone, with junior Joe Lara returning the opening kickoff for a touchdown. Liberty Ranch added another touchdown and a field goal before the first quarter ended, taking a commanding 16-0 lead into the second period.

The offensive explosion continued in the second quarter as the Hawks poured on 21 more points while Linden managed its only touchdown of the night. Leading 37-7 at halftime, Liberty Ranch added one more touchdown in the second half while completely shutting out the Lions over the final two quarters.

 

Junior Soni Takafua puts the final stop on a Linden rusher as the Hawks’ defense dominated throughout the night. Takafua recorded seven tackles in the 44-7 triumph.

“We knew Linden could present a challenge for us, so the coaches and players worked very hard all week to prepare,” said head coach Warren Schroeder. “And while we were quite pleased with the result, we continue each week to focus on fixing mistakes and improving execution in order to prepare for league play.”

Junior Andrew Quinn had a breakout performance, rushing for 166 yards and scoring three touchdowns. The running back was grateful for his offensive line’s dominance.

“Last week, I had chances but stepped out of bounds right on the goal line, and then there was a flag that called back another,” Quinn said. “This week it was the line opening up the holes. It felt great getting to the second level. It was all the line letting me get to the second level to make those plays.”

 

Junior Andrew Quinn sails into the end zone for one of his three touchdowns in Liberty Ranch’s victory over Linden.

 

When asked about his goals moving forward, Quinn was focused on team success: “To get better, fix the mistakes we did have – very minimal that we did have – but to go 10-0.”

Junior Wyatt Corriea added 98 rushing yards and one touchdown, while Lara contributed 48 rushing yards to go with his kickoff return touchdown. Senior James Rangel was perfect on extra points, converting all eight attempts.

The Hawks’ defense was equally impressive, led by junior Enzo Diaz, who intercepted two passes and recorded 26 receiving yards on offense.

 

Junior Wyatt Corriea secures an interception during Liberty Ranch’s overwhelming defensive performance against Linden. Corriea finished with 10 tackles and 98 rushing yards in the Hawks’ victory.

Diaz explained his defensive success: “I just stayed over Linden’s No. 1 all night, and I was reading the quarterback’s eyes. I knew where he was going, and the quarterback should not have thrown to me. I guess he didn’t watch the film.”

Senior Deshaun Jackson led the defensive charge with 10 tackles and 4.0 tackles for loss, while Corriea added 10 tackles and 2.0 tackles for loss. Senior Eston Tucker and senior Michael Lamson each recorded sacks, with Tucker finishing with four tackles and Lamson adding five tackles.

Joe Lara contributed four tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss, while Quinn added eight tackles from his linebacker position. Junior Soni Takafua chipped in seven tackles to help anchor the defensive effort.

 

Junior Enzo Diaz leaps high in front of the goal line to intercept a pass and prevent Linden from scoring. 

The dominant performance on both sides of the ball has the Hawks feeling confident as they continue to prepare for the challenges of league competition.