It wasn’t the real thing, but finally football was back. Gilroy,
Hollister, Lincoln and North Salinas high schools all took to the
field at Garcia-Elder Sports Complex Friday night in what was the
first chance any of the Mustang players had to put a lick on
someone not wearing blue and white.
Gilroy – It wasn’t the real thing, but finally football was back.
Gilroy, Hollister, Lincoln and North Salinas high schools all took to the field at Garcia-Elder Sports Complex Friday night in what was the first chance any of the Mustang players had to put a lick on someone not wearing blue and white. Each team scrimmaged one another for 15 plays on offense as well as defense. For the players who have been getting grilled by coaches in practice, it was nice to finally put some plays into action.
“I was pumped up,” senior GHS running back Travis Reyes said. “I just wish it was a real game.”
Taking on San Benito, North Salinas and Lincoln, in that order, the Mustangs showcased its spread-option shotgun attack, which looks like it will be able to move the ball against most defenses. Reyes had several nice runs up the middle and showed good awareness when making cuts against the grain. Receiver Danny Contreras had by the far the most elusive play of the night, catching a quick out on the left side, before doing a stutter step and zipping up the sideline for a 35-yard touchdown.
“Once I get the ball, I just try to go North, not even South,” Contreras said.
The team also took its lumps, though, as the defense gave up several big plays and junior quarterback Jamie Jensen committed a couple turnovers.
Mustangs coach Rich Hammond saw plenty of potential, but preached the importance of consistency. He compared his team’s play to a strobe light that showed flickers of brilliance.
He called out defenders such as Dennis Rathi and Mike Cano for playing hard in all three scrimmages.
When Cano was asked who was the stronger opponent, Salinas or San Benito, he didn’t blink.
“Neither. We’re the best,” he said.
