In the past, there’s always been something to prepare for.
In the past, there’s always been something to prepare for.
Before last week, nobody on the Gilroy High football team had ever practiced in preparation for a bye. But that all changed because of a Week Zero game this season.
“Honestly, I think it kind of threw us off,” senior defensive tackle Rico Loza said. “We’re used to our routine. We focus all week toward one game and one opponent.
“So it was kind of hard to get motivated. It kind of made us lazy.”
That didn’t last long, though.
This week the Mustangs (4-0) prepared for a much tougher opponent than winless Bye. They prepared for today 2pm game road game against North Monterey County. It’ll be homecoming in Castroville.
“We got after it this week,” senior wide receiver Jorden Newton said. “We’re just trying to stay crisp.”
Stressing fundamentals was the focus, said assistant coach Craig Martin.
Martin is assuming interim head coaching duties in place of Darren Yafai, who is in Florida tending to the death of a family member.
“We’ve really tried to emphasize the fundamental part – things like blocking assignments and form tackling on defense,” Martin said.
By most accounts, North County (1-3) doesn’t appear to be much of a challenge for the undefeated Mustangs, who start TCAL play next week against San Benito.
Members of the Monterey Bay League, the Condors are led by junior running back Aaron Palacios, who has rushed for 284 yards and four of the team’s seven touchdowns.
Quarterback Ed Stefani (0 TDs, 5 INTs) doesn’t present much of a threat through the air, though, and the Condors haven’t presented much of a threat, period.
Their first game was a 30-0 loss to Bellarmine. Their last was a 32-7 loss to Live Oak.
“We can’t think it’s an easy game, though,” junior cornerback Jay Raven said. “I think we’ll do good. We’ll play our hardest and stay focused.
“We know we can’t get our minds off our main goal.”
Raven’s teammates seemed to echo those sentiments.
“We have plenty of confidence,” Newton said, “but not arrogance.”
Added Loza: “It’s always better to stay humble.”
Injury report: Starting defensive end Kevin Collins suffered a concussion during a recent practice and will be held out against the Condors.
Starting tight end Steven Quistian, the team’s second-leading receiver, is hampered by a foot injury and is considered questionable for today’s game, coaches said.
