The Warriors had their eyes set on the Coyotes. A slight 1-0 win over Denair High on Tuesday secured the Warriors position in the Division 4 CIF SJS playoffs. They would end their regular season 16-9-4, 10-1-3 in the SAL league and finished in second position.

“It was a closer game than we expected. The field didn’t help. I mean, and they were just trying to stay on top of us, but we got the score for us, that’s what matters,” said head coach Jose Serrato.

The game was close. But the second half proved that resilience and persistence can win games. The Warriors and Coyotes had met their match. Both teams were fighting for season ending results and league rankings. But Alfred Figuero (10) would score their most important point of the night during the second half. 

“They sent their defenders. He’s a really good player. I mean, we got everything under control at the end, they didn’t create much,” said Serrato.

Defensively, the Warriors were able to stand tall. With Goalkeeper Oscar Tovar (0) securing two important saves for the night, 73 for the season. As regulation began to expire, the Coyotes became desperate, but the Warriors did not let off defensively.

Second place is still good enough. The Warriors ended their regular season ranked second in the SAL league. They didn’t earn a league title, but a chance for the Division 4 CIF SJS championship. Unfortunately, the Warriors would fall to Wheatland on Feb. 9, 2-1, officially ending the season.