JACKSON, CA (MPG) - The Galt High Warriors reached a significant milestone Friday night, scoring their first points of league play in a 49-14 loss to Argonaut. After being shut out in every previous league contest, the Warriors found the end zone twice, providing a glimmer of hope for the program’s future.

“The offensive line did a great job all night making holes and moving the ball,” said Warrior head coach JJ Woodard. “James Gilbert did a great job blocking from the running back spot, and Arthur Cordova led the team in rushing.”

Galt struck first in the opening quarter, with junior quarterback Robert Rubio connecting with junior running back James Gilbert on a four-yard touchdown pass. The Mustangs were able to score twice in the first quarter and once in the second, denying Galt and making the score 21-7 at half.

The Warriors’ second touchdown came in the third quarter on a quarterback sneak by Rubio, capping a drive set up by junior Cordova’s explosive 62-yard run. Cordova finished the night as Galt’s leading rusher with 79 yards on 10 carries, showcasing the big-play ability that has been developing throughout the season.

The Warriors’ ground game produced 195 yards on 40 carries, averaging 4.9 yards per attempt. Senior Nick Pena added 49 yards on eight carries, while Gilbert contributed 30 yards on six attempts in addition to his receiving touchdown. Senior Caleb McEwen rushed for 14 yards on five carries, junior Carlo Sterni had eight yards on five attempts and freshman Sean Mace added 10 yards on four carries. Rubio finished with five rushing yards and the touchdown sneak.

Through the air, Rubio completed four of 14 passes for 66 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. Sophomore Mark Grammer led all receivers with a 30-yard catch, while junior Anthony Trejo hauled in a 27-yard reception. Gilbert’s touchdown catch accounted for five yards, and senior Anthony Harrison added a five-yard reception.

Rubio led all Warriors in total yards with 71 (66 passing, five rushing), while Cordova’s 79 rushing yards paced the ground attack. Gilbert totaled 35 all-purpose yards, combining his rushing and receiving efforts.

Defensively, the Warriors showed determination despite the lopsided score. Sterni led the team with five solo tackles, while Trejo recorded eight total tackles (one solo, seven assists). Gilbert added five tackles (four solo, one assist), and Cash Myrick, McEwen and Pena each contributed four tackles. Junior Devin Williams made his presence felt with two tackles, including one tackle for loss and the team’s only sack. Williams also forced a fumble while Trejo recovered one.

Junior Rafeal Bertho was perfect on extra points, converting both attempts to account for Galt’s other two points.

Argonaut dominated the scoring after the first quarter, putting up seven points in the second, 14 in the third and 14 more in the fourth to pull away for the 49-14 victory.

While the final score wasn’t what the Warriors hoped for, the breakthrough of scoring twice in league play represents progress for a young team building toward the future. With contributions from underclassmen like Cordova, Gilbert, Rubio and freshman Mace, along with leadership from seniors Pena, McEwen and Myrick, Galt showed signs of an offense that can move the ball and find the end zone.

“We’re seeing growth,” the sentiment around the program suggests. “These boys are fighting, and tonight they proved they can score against league competition.”