Shasta College handed Gavilan its first defeat of the season, topping the Rams 43-19 on Saturday in Redding.
“We weren’t as prepared as we were last week,” Gavilan head coach Spencer Gilford said. “We didn’t take care of what we needed to.”
Shasta led 15-13 after the first quarter and 22-13 by halftime. Gavilan trailed by 10 (29-19) entering the fourth quarter, but a blocked punt turned touchdown by Shasta (2-0) made a Gavilan (1-1) comeback that much more difficult.
“We need to do a much better job of preparing for a road trip like this,” Gilford added. “We will go back to the drawing board this coming week.”
Four Rams recorded double-digit tackles, including linebacker Tim Rodriguez and is team-high 17 (10 solo.) Defensive lineman William Lee had 14 tackles, seven for loss, and a sack. Cornerback Shawn Paul had 15 tackles (12 solo), Cordell Johns had 11 tackles, and Arnold Henderson contributed a sack.
Quarterback Omar Kharroub hit on 16-of-32 passes for 218 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Marcus Harrell was the leading receiver with three catches for 73 yards and a touchdown. Edward Bernard carried the ball 13 times for 42 yards and a score, plus added five catches for 51 yards.
Gavilan is back home this Saturday with a nonconference game against Contra Costa College at 5 p.m. at Garcia-Elder Sports Complex.