GALT, CA (MPG) - In a game that had everything – momentum swings, big plays and lead changes – the Liberty Ranch Hawks’ playoff run came to an end in dramatic fashion Friday night when they fell 52-49 to Ripon Christian in a CIF semifinal thriller.

The Hawks battled until the final seconds, even taking their first lead since the opening quarter with just 1:49 remaining, but couldn’t hold on as Ripon Christian’s Daniel Lambdin caught the game-winning touchdown pass with 44 seconds left.

“I am so proud of what we were able to accomplish as a program this season,” Head Coach Warren Schroeder said. “Our boys overcame adversity and showed tremendous determination to compete. We once again brought pride and respect to our school and community and are already looking forward to working hard to do the same next season.”

Liberty Ranch drew first blood when Joe Lara scored to give the Hawks a 7-0 lead in the opening quarter. But Ripon Christian answered quickly with a quarterback keeper to tie it at 7-7 with 5:08 left in the first quarter.

The momentum shifted when Liberty Ranch fumbled on the 23-yard line after a series of strong carries by Lara. Ripon Christian capitalized with a 25-yard touchdown reception, the receiver breaking tackles to put the Knights ahead 14-7.

 

Quarterback Ryan Ogas breaks up a pass intended for Ripon Christian.

Things went from bad to worse when Ripon recovered a pooch kick on the ensuing kickoff and quickly drove to Liberty’s 10-yard line. Though the Hawks’ defense stiffened, Ripon Christian kicked a field goal at the start of the second quarter to extend its lead to 17-7.

Liberty Ranch refused to fold. The Hawks methodically drove down the field, with Lara punching in a touchdown to cut the deficit to 17-14 with 6:58 left in the half.

After forcing a Ripon Christian punt, Liberty took over at its own 35-yard line with 4:58 remaining in the half. Quarterback Ryan Ogas made some nice runs and completed passes to move the chains. Receiver Wyatt Corriea gained significant yardage before a penalty for an illegal man downfield brought the Hawks back when they were within 10 yards of the end zone.

But Corriea gained back all the yards lost, and Lara powered in another touchdown to give the Hawks a 21-17 lead.

The celebration was short-lived, however. Ripon Christian’s Amos Cady returned the ensuing kickoff all the way for a touchdown, putting the Knights back on top 24-21 with 2:23 remaining in the half. Liberty was unable to score before the break despite a late push hampered by penalties.

Ripon Christian received the second-half kickoff and marched down the field on a series of passes, scoring to extend its lead to 31-21.

Liberty answered immediately as Andrew Quinn found the end zone, with James Rangel’s extra point pulling the Hawks within three at 31-28. But a short kickoff gave Ripon Christian possession at the 30-yard line, and the Knights capitalized with another touchdown to make it 38-28.

The third quarter ended with Liberty punting, but the Hawks’ defense came up big when Lara intercepted a long pass to give Liberty possession at its own 30-yard line with 1:30 left in the third.

What followed was a wild final period that saw the teams trade haymakers.

 

Andrew Quinn shakes off defenders and heads to the zone.

Lara scored again, and Rangel’s kick made it 38-35 with 9:03 remaining. But on the very first play of Ripon Christian’s next possession, Amos Cady hauled in a long pass and raced into the end zone to push the lead back to 10 at 45-35.

Lara refused to let his team die. The workhorse back broke free for a 51-yard touchdown run with 7:27 left, and Rangel’s kick cut it to 45-42.

Liberty’s defense then rose to the occasion, holding Ripon Christian on fourth down just inches from the goal line with four minutes remaining. The Hawks took over and punched it down the field for a touchdown, with Rangel’s extra point giving Liberty its first lead since early in the game at 49-45 with 1:49 left.

But there was too much time.

Ripon Christian drove down the field and found Lambdin for the go-ahead touchdown with 44 seconds on the clock. The Hawks tried desperately to answer but turned the ball over before they could get into scoring position. Ripon Christian took a knee to run out the clock.

In a classy gesture after an emotional game, Ripon Christian asked the Hawks to join them in prayer at midfield. Both teams knelt together, a reminder that some things are bigger than wins and losses.

For Liberty Ranch, the loss ends a season that brought pride to the community and showed the character of a team that never stopped fighting.

“We once again brought pride and respect to our school and community,” Schroeder said, “and are already looking forward to working hard to do the same next season.”