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Galt High's Haran Piggee tries to break through the middle of the Lodi defense on Friday night at Warrior Stadium. (Jerry R. Tyson/News-Sentinel)

Galt Warriors get defensive in defending their turf against Lodi Flames

By Joelle Milholm
News-Sentinel Staff Writer
Saturday, September 19, 2009 7:01 AM PDT

Comments (45 comment(s))

They defended their home field like Warriors. After defeating their neighboring foe Lodi Flames 19-7, they celebrated like Warriors.

Galt's suffocating defense shut down Lodi on Friday night at Erv Hatzenbuhler Field, helping the Warriors defeat the Flames for the first time since 2004.

Following the win, Galt's players gathered on the field and, with the guidance of Samoan players B.J. Pedro and Alexander Fiatoa, did the Haka — a traditional New Zealand war dance accompanied by chants. The new postgame ritual is fitting for Galt's 2-0 start, which hasn't happened in years.

Outside of one scoring drive by the Flames in the third quarter, Galt stuffed Lodi's option offense. Lodi quarterback Collin Rhoads' scrambling was limited. Running back Alex Santiago had some success crashing up the middle, but the Flames couldn't piece together drives.

"They are a good team. The turnovers hurt us," Lodi head coach Todd Dillon said of Lodi's two turnovers. "We couldn't get anything going. We couldn't sustain anything."

Ryan Nunn, Daniel Balcorta and Haran Piggee led the Warriors' defense — which, after a 25-0 win over McNair last week, blanked its opponents for the first 84 minutes of the season. Nunn constantly penetrated the backfield, dropping the Flames (0-2) for losses. Balcorta scooped up a fumble and returned it 45 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter and Piggee picked off a Rhoads pass on Galt's 30-yard line on one of Lodi's best drives.

"We just play hard-knocks football and tell everybody to come up and hit," Nunn said. "The intensity got higher and higher and we just kept getting better and better."

Piggee opened the game's scoring with a 5-yard run to put Galt up 6-0 with 1:38 left in the first quarter. A little over three minutes later, Balcorta scored and the Warriors went into halftime up 13-0.

But Lodi wasn't ready to give in yet.

With Rhoads and junior running back Kenyata Beck leading the way, the Flames marched down the field and Rhoads scored on a 1-yard run with 11:42 left to go in the game to cut Galt's lead to 13-7. Both teams were forced to punt on their next possessions before Rhoads stepped up on defense. He picked off Harrison Stone and put the Flames in Warrior territory with 4:40 remaining.

That's when Galt's smothering defense reemerged. The Warriors dropped Jordan Perkins for a 3-yard loss on fourth and 2, ending Lodi's hopes at a comeback.

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"We heard what Lodi had offensively and we focused on shutting it down, but in the third quarter, they started moving it on us," Galt head coach Rich Maberto said. "Our guys came out flat, but then we made that stop down there."

Galt then sealed the win when Nunn broke away for a 26-yard run that set up his own 4-yard TD-scoring run.

"I gotta give it to the line," Nunn said. "They blocked for me all the way."

Piggee finished with 17 carries for 93 yards for Galt, while Santiago led the Flames, rushing the ball 11 times for 60 yards.

Contact reporter Joelle Milholm at joellem@lodinews.com.

GALT 19, LODI 7
Lodi0070—7
Galt6706—19
Scoring Summary
First Quarter
G — H. Piggee 4 run (pass failed)
Second Quarter
G — Balcorta 45 fumble return (Klucznick kick)
Third Quarter
None
Fourth Quarter
L — Rhoads 1 run (Fraiser kick)
G — Nunn 4 run (kick blocked)

Reader Feedback

soonerfan wrote on Sep 23, 2009 1:01 PM:

" formerfan- Here, here. Someone that has the intestinal fortitude to call the program standard what it is, "mediocrity". Until you do something to change the culture of that program, you will continue to get the same results. Famous Amos said it best, "If you always do what you've always done, you will always get what you always got." Formerfan is right, Something is a miss. Looking at the roster Friday night, I noticed many names omitted. Where are these guys? "

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soonerfan wrote on Sep 23, 2009 12:37 PM:

" Opinion-Demographics is a word that a person looking for an excuse would use. I did not play on teams where we looked for excuses to justify our means. We don't need excuses, we need people that understand how important it is to feed a young man's mental attitude and build his character. Doug Flutie was small, Emmitt Smith was too small and too slow. I played at a D-1 school with "athletes", one a 190 lbs nosetackle. He lead then nation in sacks. We have athletes, but we need to edify them and teach them about mental toughness and the mental aspect of the game. The game is won by those that believe they can win. Plays are made by players that believe they can make them. So we have a young and inexperienced offensive line. Put them in situations that create success and let them know when they are doing it right. The line WILL get better,and this team WILL get better with an emphasis on attitude and mental toughness. No more excuses, no more entitlement. Championships are earned or they wouldn't be worth playing for. "

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formerfan wrote on Sep 23, 2009 12:24 PM:

" I think Sooner Fan hit it right. What "opinion," needs to do is get out of Lodi a bit. Do you honestly think other communities don't have some of the same issues with "Demographics?" This isn't the first time in Lodi sports I have seen the acceptance of mediocrity. Hang it on the kids and the talent pool, what a shame. Lodi football needs to figure out why they don't retain their "Athletes?" By the time they get to the varsity level, where are they? Many of the athletes within the "Demographics," have made a choice not to play. WHY? "

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galtguy wrote on Sep 23, 2009 8:10 AM:

" getreal-

Please! Let's not get carried away. It's 2 victories, not 20. Galt is not exactly a football factory either. As a matter of fact some of these same points you take against LHS you could apply to GHS.

Let's just say we in Galt have been following this group of kids since they were little, known as the Galt Chiefs then Galt Jr. Warriors pop warner football. This has been a long time in coming. "

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getreal wrote on Sep 23, 2009 6:51 AM:

" A team must have coaches that encourage instead of discourage. This has been the theme for years at Lodi High - Lodi High Coaches do not inspire their players. I wonder if that is the reason Galt's quarterback is playing in Galt when he lives within the Lodi High School Boundaries. "

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Galtguy wrote on Sep 23, 2009 5:29 AM:

" Tokay54-

Relax, it's called smack talk. No one means anything by it. We've been doing it since the caveman days! LOL "

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fballfan wrote on Sep 22, 2009 10:13 PM:

" actually Lodi does have a horse.it's a rb that is receiving high interest from big schools according to my sources..schools like LSU,UCLA,Vanderbilt, Oregon, Nebraska,. and many more.not bad for an average athlete. Lodi has the most athletes on this team I have seen in 30 plus years.it will take some time to get the O together.good luck Lodi! RIde your horses lodi.LMAO "

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Tokay54 wrote on Sep 22, 2009 10:06 PM:

" I completely agree with Sooner fan.

Also I just wanted to say that the way some of the people on here are talking to one another is nothing short of disgusting. "

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opinion wrote on Sep 22, 2009 9:35 PM:

" Well Sooner, you obviously don't have much of an idea what "athletes" look like. Unfortunately our kids on average, are smaller and slower than the competition we face week in week out. (Please note I said on average, not all players) If you took off your Red tinted glasses you might see that. I think our kids play with as much heart and guts as any team around, unfortunately we have never been as athletic as most schools and given our demographics we probably never will be. I care about our kids as much as anyone trust me, but fortunately I can see things for what they are. Sooner, I admire your positivity your just not being realistic. You can rah rah until the cows come home but if you don't have the horses you just don't have the horses buddy. If you really believe what you wrote you probably do not have much of a clue about sports in general. "

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flamefan wrote on Sep 22, 2009 8:47 PM:

" Nice job "soonerfan" all great points. Go Flames! "

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soonerfan wrote on Sep 22, 2009 7:54 PM:

" Opinion-are you kidding me? We have the athletes to compete with anyone in the section. I believe we may have an issue with intestinal fortitude and mental attitude. Guts and attitude. People tell these young men that they can't compete with the athletes from Stockton or Sacramento, so guess what? They don't. Some quit when it gets tough, because they are not expected to compete. Others don't even come out because they find they their spirts being filled with the "You can't compete attitude". If you can't then why try? We need to be encouraging these young men that they can. Encouraging them to work hard and never give up or give in...Never.. Coaches need to do the same. Never give up or give in. Use all time outs, show your excited, show you are going to battle until that gun sounds to end that game. "

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galtguy wrote on Sep 22, 2009 6:38 AM:

" Hey essayjay-

No she's not on the team. If she was we'd have beaten you even worse. We wanted to spare you the embarrassment. Got anything else to say?

Citizen-

STILL waiting for a reply with some thought behind it. I guess your posting is about as clever as your play calling on offense?

Flamefan-

Thanks cognito. "Flamefan"? Your what's known as an "Athletic Supporter" are you?

The biggest collective group of crybabies on the net. "

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Curveball wrote on Sep 21, 2009 4:03 PM:

" A lot of this has to do with the schedule,,previous years its been weak.Heck,,all these posts would be different if Lodi had played Tokays two opponents instead. "

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opinion wrote on Sep 21, 2009 4:00 PM:

" is much improved. "

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opinion wrote on Sep 21, 2009 3:58 PM:

" 6 or 7 years ago we actually didn'n score a point for 22 consecutive quarters. We have won 1 playoff game in the past 25 plus years. I believe we have only made the playoffs once in the past 17 years or so. We have only won 1 league title (shared 3 ways) in the past 25 plus yrs. We are not good at football and more than likely never will be. I must admit I was and still am very excited about this junior class in general, but right now it does not look as if they are on the same track that they were as frosh and soph's. Maybe we should all step back and see the big picture instead of getting into a war of words over the internet. We lost to Galt High because we were not as good as them last Friday. Not necessarily because of coaching (although that certainly did not help) but because we were not as good. Hopefully we can get in the win column this Friday night, but please do not be shocked if we lose to a Stagg team that "

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opinion wrote on Sep 21, 2009 3:55 PM:

" After reading all of these posts I can't help myself but to finally chime in. I must admit, I do feel childish to enter a war of words with other adults but it is kinda fun.

Several of these posts are fairly accurate and some are kinda funny. I do not know why someone can't just post how it really is. For a division-1 High School Lodi High football is just quite frankly below average. Lodi is no longer hideous like we once were, but we still should not leave the field surprised after a loss. We do not have the athletes that many other High Schools have that are necessary to be good at football. Our demographics are not ideal to field a very successful football team year in year out. We have made great strides over the past 5 years to actually get to where we are now. We are no longer laughable as we were for the better part of 10 yrs, but we certainly are not going to strike fear into the hearts of any good HS football teams. to be continued "

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citizen wrote on Sep 21, 2009 3:51 PM:

" No offense RUFKM because we are both on the same side here and just want to see the boys have a good season and win some games, but werent you just doing the same thing on your Sept 19th posts that you are telling these guys not to do. Just because these guys waited two days to post doesnt make them any worse than the early comments. Go Flames!! "

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RUFKM wrote on Sep 21, 2009 1:55 PM:

" Lodi High fans and supporters will never be happy. Last year when they were unbeaten everyone cried they didn't have a tough enough schedule.

I imagine if they did step up the schedule, and lost games they would complain that they were losing too many. There sure seem to be a lot of people with all the answers here on this forum.

If you have all the answer's step and help your Lodi Flames. Coach for a season, I dare you. "

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fballfan wrote on Sep 21, 2009 1:09 PM:

" Let the coaches coach.cmon you all. you are out of control now!! "

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RUFKM wrote on Sep 21, 2009 10:32 AM:

" Probably Coach McFadden is the one helping carry out orders from Bishop during game time adjustments. "

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bulldog wrote on Sep 21, 2009 7:33 AM:

" And where is Coach Bishop during the game. He has inexperienced players on both lines, and he is not coaching them during the game. Is the reason we are not running the ball effectively because the line coach is MIA? Who is making in-game adjustments on the blocking schemes? Who is telling the d-line what to look for and how to get better (although the d-line looked much better this game than against Sheldon).

We supposedly have one of the best backs in the SJAA. I believe that is true. But if the line does not get better in non-league, Jordan will not do anything this year.

I would think that Bishop would be working with the line every opportunity he gets. Maybe they have a plan, but it is not evident to the fans, just like Bishop is not evident on the sidelines. "

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bulldog wrote on Sep 21, 2009 7:19 AM:

" 4 plays is the difference in this game. The "scoop and score" turnover, the 2 un-sportsmanship penalties, and the pick.

Lodi played much better defense and should not feel bad about that.

Those penalties show a lack of discipline, a direct result of coaching. Why was Schopp getting high fives on the sideline after killing a drive with that penalty?

And the best athlete on the field is now hurt. Joey Armstrong going down is going to hurt more than the wound to the pride of the team. Another Sophomore put in both ways and getting hurt. Didn't we see that same thing last year. I think Simon was the only sophomore last year who made it the entire season without getting hurt. But then he wasn't going both ways last year either.

This coaching staff is dangerous to the boys. A first year varsity player should not be going both ways right off the bat.

I feel for Mrs. Armstrong. She has had to see her boys down on the field in consecutive years. I hope Joey is OK? "

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Cogito wrote on Sep 20, 2009 10:07 PM:

" Galtguy, no one ever accused those sophisticated folks from Lodi of being smart enough to actually spell a word correctly. They're so much better than everyone else don't you know. Bahahahahahaha "

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Cogito wrote on Sep 20, 2009 10:04 PM:

" Someone calling them self "flamefan" accusing someone else of centering their life around teenage boys? You couldn't make up something funnier. Can you say sore loser? "

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essayjay wrote on Sep 20, 2009 9:39 PM:

" Hey Galtguy,, It's not your fault you live in Galt.
Was that girl wrestler playing on your football team too? "

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articlewriter1 wrote on Sep 20, 2009 8:50 PM:

" Hey Galt Guy, you guys won fair and square, no question, Galt was the better team.. And yes, they hit very well and were also coached very well.. This forum is about why LHS cannot compete with your team, or score points needed to compete against your team. "

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flamefan wrote on Sep 20, 2009 7:45 PM:

" Poor "galtguy" apparently his entire life centers around teenage boys. Very sad. "

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citizen wrote on Sep 20, 2009 7:31 PM:

" Wow that "hic" nerve must really be sore. ha ha ha "

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galtguy wrote on Sep 20, 2009 2:34 PM:

" Citizen-

BTW the reason I keep using quotation marks " " around "hic" is your spelling it wrong loser. It's hick, not hic. When you're going to insult someone who just stole your lunch money on the football field you may want to get the spelling correct.

Hick-

–noun 1. an unsophisticated, boorish, and provincial person; rube.

–adjective 2. pertaining to or characteristic of hicks: hick ideas.
3. located in a rural or culturally unsophisticated area: a hick town.

Pretty much describes BOTH Galt and Lodi, don't you think? Pot calling the kettle black? "

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galtguy wrote on Sep 20, 2009 2:26 PM:

" citizen-


Is that the best you can come up with? Maybe you like your boys are still picking themselves up off thier backs?

The only nerve you struck was your own whinning, nasaly plugged voice as the "Hics" ran you over on the way to scoring on your swiss cheese defense. "

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citizen wrote on Sep 20, 2009 11:38 AM:

" Uh oh struck a hic nerve. ha ha that was easy. "

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galtguy wrote on Sep 20, 2009 11:03 AM:

" Citizen-

That's rich, someone from Lodi calling my town "hic". Your from LODI. Not exactly a center for culture and the finer things in life! Unless the finer things in life involve WalMart and the Grape Bowl!

I find it incredible that you folks from Lodi are just so taken aback by the fact that boys from such a "Hic" town as Galt outplayed, out-hit, and out-hustled your team. You're ready to fire your entire coaching staff! Even going to the point of saying, "I truly believe some of the coaching staff wants to fail this year". So your team's staff WANT'S TO FAIL? Why so they can draft higher next year? LOL!

You're LODI, not DLS or Don Bosco. Give me a break! "

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citizen wrote on Sep 20, 2009 10:06 AM:

" Ok Galtguy so what is no one allowed to complain about Lodi coaching without being suicidal. Gimme a break just get back to the goats and the flea market and worry about your own team. No one said anything about your boys so just butt out. geeze is your hic town so boring that you have to concern yourself with what Lodi parents think of their team. You won congrats good job now just go away. "

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RUFKM wrote on Sep 19, 2009 9:14 PM:

" some of the kids said Dillon has nothing to do with the offense. I hear Bishop calls the offense. Time for him to step aside and allow Dillon to call O. Or bring up JV Head Coach Hobie, who called Varsity football for many years at Tokay when they were successful.

Are the coaches afraid of Bishop??? "

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articlewriter1 wrote on Sep 19, 2009 8:20 PM:

" this game was a very sad one for LHS. Based on the offensive play calling, I truly believe some of the coaching staff wants to fail this year. Dillon was a points minded QB in his day, so coaches ---what is happening? Someone on the staff needs to take charge and commit to scoring points and winning ball games. I am no offensive strategist, but why is the Leagues leading rusher from last year not running the football? Coaches? Step up and answer.. "

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RUFKM wrote on Sep 19, 2009 4:28 PM:

" The hardest part about watching last nights game as a Lodi fan, is the fact that you know, you are going to play good D, but it feels like you must score on D and special teams because this crazy system hasn't worked yet.

Galt is a good team this year, but it would have been nice if we could have put a little pressure on Galt's D. No three man route combinations, screens etc. Pretty vanilla. This will work against softer teams, but not against Sheldon and Galt. Good thing we have Tokay coming up, we'll take it to them! "

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Galtguy wrote on Sep 19, 2009 2:33 PM:

" Geez flamefan and sportfan, should we hide the guns and pills or what?

Is it that hard to believe you got your asses handed to you by a better team? Your boys were simply out hustled, out hit, and basically showed what HS Football is all about. Attitude. "

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flamefan wrote on Sep 19, 2009 2:09 PM:

" Dont be sorry sportfan EVERYONE and I mean everyone feels the same way its just no one wants to speak up for fear of repercussions against their kid. Just sit in the stands and listen to the fans, the same things are being said no matter where you sit. One Lodi coach spoke up last year now he is out and watching from the stands. What does that tell you? "

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sportfan wrote on Sep 19, 2009 1:33 PM:

" in reading the comments i have only one thought.....how long do we sit back and watch the kids be hauled off to the hospital year after year after year because of the method that these guys have chosen to play offense...what a waste of talent......it is really a sorry day for the football program.....they are also infecting the younger programs with this offense...it doesn't work....sorry i can't help the way i feel "

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flamefan wrote on Sep 19, 2009 9:28 AM:

" All true defense good offense crappy. Scrap this joke of an offense get back to real formations and this team could compete with these same boys. What a waste of a season. Just gotta feel for the seniors. Go Flames! "

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RUFKM wrote on Sep 19, 2009 8:58 AM:

" Give the ball to Perkins!

It is that simple, scrap this crappy O and give the ball to Perkins. "

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fballfan wrote on Sep 19, 2009 8:46 AM:

" The irony is is why in the heck is Lodi in this crappy offense? It's not working do you all see that? Hey Perkins, come over to Tokay, we will give you the rock!! "

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lhssportsfan wrote on Sep 19, 2009 8:19 AM:

" Oh the irony. In the season preview, a coach or athlete was quoted as saying "I think we'll score every time we get the ball." Unfortunately for LHS the offense is business as usual: Run, Run, Run. If very average teams have stopped the unstoppable offense, then league is not going to be pretty.

Remember that the preseason is relatively weak compared to league. Last year LHS started 6-1 before losing the last 3 league games.

Have fun! "

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Curveball wrote on Sep 19, 2009 6:44 AM:

" Whats going on around here,,Tokay barely beats a D IIV school,,and then Lodi loses to Galt !
Nice job Warriors. "

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Galtguy wrote on Sep 19, 2009 6:28 AM:

" Congrats to the Warriors!

Sorry Lodi, better luck next year. "

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Comments on this story are now closed.

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