GHS (1-1) at Leland (2-0). Kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. at Pat
Tillman Stadium in San Jose.
After last week’s disappointing 31-21 loss to Saratoga, Gilroy High head man Steven Lo and the rest of his coaching staff spent 20 minutes in the locker room challenging the Mustangs to rise up no matter the circumstances.
That message carried into practice this week as the Mustangs ready for a road date with Leland tonight in San Jose.
“The message wasn’t just for the game necessarily, it was for the whole week,” Lo said. “We have had some of the most focused practices we have had all year. It’s been phenomenal this week. We won’t be able to blame practice. It’s whether or not the kids come out and play.”
Leland is 2-0 thus far and feature a bevy of talented offensive forces, led by quarterback Jason Habash and running back Chris Santini.
“It’s not just a one-two punch, it’s like a one, two, three, four, five punch,” Lo said. “They have three running backs who can all ball, and then the quarterback is lights out and Santini’s reputation precedes him.”
The Chargers have averaged 174 rushing yards to begin the season. The Mustangs surrendered 324 against Saratoga’s three-headed ground attack last week.
“Our defense is going to have its hands full,” Lo said. “We have to definitely contain the running game. The biggest thing right now is playing with more aggression, believing in the system and playing fast within that system.”
GHS racked up 408 yards of offense versus the Falcons but struggled finishing drives, especially in the second half. Two key turnovers also impeded progress.
“We had ball security drills that the kids loved this week,” Lo said. “It’s about getting the kids to play more physical and getting them to understand that the rock cannot be turned over.”
