SUTTER CREEK, CA (MPG) - Liberty Ranch overcame a sluggish start to defeat Amador 40-26 Friday night, using a dominant rushing attack and second-half adjustments to pull away for the victory.

The Hawks trailed early but found their rhythm after halftime, outscoring Amador 21-14 in the final two quarters to secure the win. Liberty Ranch amassed 478 total yards of offense, including a punishing 395 yards on the ground.

“We are very fortunate this season to have a resilient team that is confident in their ability to compete no matter the situation,” said Liberty Ranch head coach Warren Schroeder. “We made some adjustments at half and were clear about what they had to do to overcome a slow start.”

 

A pile of Liberty Ranch Hawks converges on an Amador player during Friday night’s game. The Hawks’ defense recorded six sacks and two interceptions in the win.

The game was tied 6-6 after the first quarter before Liberty Ranch began to assert control. Junior running back Joe Lara led the way with 149 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 13 carries, including a 63-yard scoring run. Fellow junior Wyatt Corriea added 119 yards and two rushing touchdowns on just seven attempts, averaging 17 yards per carry. Corriea also caught a touchdown pass to account for three total scores.

Quarterback Ryan Ogas managed the game effectively for Liberty Ranch, completing five of 10 passes for 83 yards and one touchdown while adding 54 rushing yards.

The Hawks’ defense was equally impressive, recording six sacks led by junior Andrew Quinn’s two sacks. Lara, Corriea, junior Soni Takafua and junior Deshaun Jackson each added one sack. Quinn also led the team in tackles with nine total stops, while Jackson contributed eight tackles and Lara added six.

 

Junior Wyatt Corriea hurdles an Amador player as he heads toward the end zone during Liberty Ranch’s 40-26 victory. Corriea rushed for 119 yards and two touchdowns on just seven carries. 

Amador kept pace through the air, with senior quarterback John McPartland throwing for 209 yards and two touchdowns on 9-of-20 passing. His favorite target was senior receiver Colby Nelson, who hauled in five catches for 169 yards and both touchdown passes, including a 58-yard scoring strike.

Liberty Ranch’s defense came up big when needed, forcing two interceptions. Senior Daniel Sosa recorded one of those picks for the Hawks.

Despite the victory, Coach Schroeder knows his team must improve their early-game execution.

 

Quarterback Ryan Ogas gains yards on a keeper during Liberty Ranch’s victory over Amador. Ogas rushed for 54 yards while completing five of 10 passes for 83 yards and one touchdown.

“Moving forward, they know that they have to do a better job starting faster and executing more efficiently to avoid being put in challenging situations,” Schroeder said.

The win showcased Liberty Ranch’s balanced offensive attack and its ability to make crucial halftime adjustments when facing adversity.