GILROY – Even though the Coast Conference schedule is still
three weeks away, tonight’s home date with Diablo Valley College
may be the best test the Gavilan football team will have in its
search for a second straight conference championship.
GILROY – Even though the Coast Conference schedule is still three weeks away, tonight’s home date with Diablo Valley College may be the best test the Gavilan football team will have in its search for a second straight conference championship.
Coach Ralph Depew’s Vikings of the Golden Gate Conference have piled up a 2-1 record with a strong running attack and special teams’ excellence. That efficiency will be tested by a Gavilan defense that leads the state after three games.
“This will be a true test for us,” Depew said of the 7pm game at Mustang Stadium. “It’s always tough to win on the road. I see the defenses dominating in this game. Gavilan’s only given up 63 yards rushing this year. That’s amazing. We better learn how to pass the football this week.
“This will be a very physical game. Gavilan’s the best team we’ve played since we opened against Sierra. Both on film and statistically, Gavilan’s very impressive, a much improved team.”
Depew lauded the play of his offensive line, particularly sophomores Nick Smith, Adam Cimino and Ryan Kelley, for developing a potent running game. The Viking defense is paced by linebacker Chris Mulvanny and cornerback Castine Bridges, owner of three interceptions in the first quarter of last week’s 27-7 nod over Mendocino.
The Vikings’ ground attack centers around sophomore Ronnell Robinson, the Golden Gate’s leading rusher with 359 yards and two touchdowns. Robinson also handles much of the kick return duties and leads the conference in all-purpose running.
Brandon Pressley adds 206 rushing yards and a team-leading five touchdowns to the Vikings backfield.
“Diablo Valley’s similar to COS, big and fast,” Gavilan coach John Lango said. Sequoias snapped Gavilan’s two-game winning streak 34-26 last weekend.
“As long as we don’t turn the ball over, we’re in this game” Lango added about tonight’s encounter. “This week, we’ve been preaching it about protecting the football, when and where to throw the football.”
Diablo Valley has had limited success throwing, starting quarterback David Guistfard connecting on only 10 passes for 145 yards and two scores. Two Gavilan receivers have more catches (Guy Blightman with 18, Shane Butcher 16) than Guistfard has completions.
Gavilan’s Will Kilday tops the Coast Conference with seven touchdowns in a 52-for-99 start this season.
“Will’s getting better each week,” said Lango of the redshirt freshman. “At times, he’s been all-world, but he’s still making some mistakes. Some of our problems passing have to do with pass blocking.”
Lango announced that El Ray Henry will be in uniform against the Vikings after skipping the COS game because of an injury.
