Austyn Gubac looks for an opening.

GALT, CA (MPG) - The Galt High junior varsity football team gave its homecoming crowd plenty to cheer about Friday night, but the Warriors could not quite close the gap, dropping a hard-fought 35-29 decision to El Dorado.

Galt's offense was relentless on the ground all evening, piling up 310 total yards — 278 of them on the ground — behind a rushing attack that averaged a robust 8.7 yards per carry. The Warriors punched in three rushing touchdowns and added another through the air, keeping pace with the Cougars in a back-and-forth affair that came down to the final possessions.

Sophomore quarterback Chance George kept the El Dorado defense honest through the air, completing 2 of 3 passes for 32 yards and a touchdown for a sparkling 141.7 passer rating. But it was the running back corps that did the heavy lifting.

The JV line works to move the ball over the goal.

Freshman Austyn Gubac led the way with 74 yards on just eight carries, including a 63-yard burst that was Galt's longest play from scrimmage and went for a touchdown. Freshman Leland Suttenfield was nearly as explosive, rumbling for 71 yards on six carries — an 11.8-yard average — with a 32-yard long and a score of his own. Freshman Hank Van Steyn made the most of limited touches, ripping off 62 yards on only four carries (15.5 yards per attempt) with a 43-yard long. Freshman Grayson Tassell chipped in 56 yards on nine carries, including a 40-yard run. Sophomore Michael Silva rounded out the scoring with a short touchdown plunge.

Through the air, sophomore Brody Patterson hauled in a 17-yard touchdown pass, and Gubac added a 15-yard reception out of the backfield. Gubac finished the night with a team-high 89 all-purpose yards, while Suttenfield (71), Van Steyn (62) and Tassell (56) all made significant contributions to the 310-yard team total.

The Warrior defense turned in a scrappy, physical effort, recording 30 total tackles — 10 solo and 19 assisted — to go along with three tackles for loss and a pair of sacks.

Brody Patterson catches a beautiful touchdown pass.

Sophomore Andy Sanchez and Suttenfield each brought down the El Dorado quarterback, combining for 2.0 sacks and 14 yards lost. Suttenfield (3 tackles, 1.0 TFL), freshman Adan Francisco Chaidez (3 tackles) and freshman Julián Mojica (4 tackles, 2 solo) helped set the tone, while freshman Andrew Lee added three assisted stops. Freshman Aaron Byrd came up with a fumble recovery, and Patterson blocked a punt to give the Warriors a spark on special teams.

A Homecoming to Remember

Despite the final score, it was a night that showcased the young Warriors' promise. A freshman- and sophomore-heavy roster went toe-to-toe with El Dorado, moving the ball at will on the ground and making big plays when it mattered. The 29-point outburst and 310-yard offensive output were among the team's best of the season, even as the Cougars escaped with the win.

Galt will look to build on that momentum — and turn those hard-earned yards into a victory — as it heads to its next matchup.

Freshman Grayson Tassell runs the ball.