GALT, CA (MPG) - The Galt Warriors ended a long drought on Friday night, defeating the Kennedy Cougars 24-12 for their first home victory in two years in a hard-fought battle that showcased the team’s growth on both sides of the ball.

After a scoreless first quarter, the Warriors found their rhythm in the second period, outscoring Kennedy 14-6 to take control heading into halftime. Galt added seven points in the third quarter and tacked on a field goal in the fourth, while Kennedy managed six fourth-quarter points in the 24-12 final.

Junior quarterback Robert Rubio prepares to deliver a pass during the Warriors’ dominant performance.

“I could not have been prouder of the boys,” said head coach JJ Woodward. “We started off the game with a great defensive stand. This was followed by a 20-play drive that took over 11 minutes. The boys dominated the line on both sides of the ball. Our defense played great all night.”

The Warriors showed their poise in a crucial moment late in the second quarter. With 1:47 left in the half and no timeouts remaining, Kennedy gave Galt the ball on the 48-yard line. On first down, the Warriors connected with senior Anthony Harrison for a 38-yard completion, followed immediately by a 10-yard touchdown pass to junior James Gilbert to close out the half in style.

 

Senior Nick Pena tries to break through three Kennedy defenders to gain additional yards. Pena led Galt’s ground attack with 98 yards on 12 carries in the winning effort.

Galt carried that momentum into the second half, taking the opening drive down for a score to extend its lead to 21-6, effectively putting the game away.

Junior quarterback Robert Rubio had an outstanding night, completing six of seven passes for 98 yards and one touchdown while also rushing for a score. Senior Nick Pena anchored the ground game with 98 yards on 12 carries, leading a rushing attack that totaled 238 yards on 42 attempts.

Harrison finished with 47 total yards receiving, while Gilbert added 35 yards and the touchdown catch. Junior Arthur Cordova contributed 72 rushing yards and nine receiving yards for 81 total yards.

 

Junior Arthur Cordova dodges his way through the Kennedy defense during the Warriors’ 24-12 victory. Photos Courtesy of Tom Santillon

Defensively, the Warriors were led by junior Karlos Cornejo with three tackles, while seniors Caleb McEwen and junior Carlos Sterni each added three tackles. Arthur Cordova and James Gilbert each recorded four tackles in the winning effort.

Junior Rafael Bertho was perfect on extra points, converting all six attempts to account for the team’s other scoring.

 

Nick Pena runs through a hole created by senior lineman Tucker Alexander as the Warriors controlled the line of scrimmage over Kennedy.

“Kennedy played a great game and was really physical,” Woodward noted. “We kept doing our assignments all night and ended up with the win. Rubio was six for seven with 98 yards and one TD as well as a rushing TD. Pena was our leading rusher with 12 carries for 98 yards. It was a fun night, and I’m proud of the way we played.”

The victory marks a significant milestone for the Warriors program as it continues to build momentum for the remainder of the season.