Time out. It’s the perfect opportunity to take a break from
recent hard news and acknowledge the wonderful season the Gilroy
Mustangs have had on the football field. Regardless of Saturday
night’s Central Coast Section playoff game outcome (GHS battles
Independence at 7pm in San Jose), the Mustangs have had a great
season, filled with exciting games.
Time out. It’s the perfect opportunity to take a break from recent hard news and acknowledge the wonderful season the Gilroy Mustangs have had on the football field. Regardless of Saturday night’s Central Coast Section playoff game outcome (GHS battles Independence at 7pm in San Jose), the Mustangs have had a great season, filled with exciting games.
Most importantly, the Mustangs – in both victory and defeat – have played with class and determination. Our hats are off to the players, the coaching staff led by Darren Yafai and the parents. There have been tough losses to rivals Live Oak and San Benito, and a glorious victory over perennial powerhouse Palma. For Gilroy, that win was important from a mental standpoint. It takes a certain resolve for a team to overcome the weight of never having beaten the other. Gilroy’s 2004 team vanquished that forever. Palma is no longer invincible, the Chieftains are just another game on a grueling Tri-County Athletic League schedule.
And speaking of that, it’s remarkable how dominant the TCAL is. Gilroy, Live Oak, Salinas, San Benito and Palma are all in the playoffs. It’s an elite league that Gilroy competes in, neck-and-neck with the West Catholic Athletic League.
Lastly, we have to say something about the league rushing record set by Justin Sweeney. The GHS junior (we like that word after GHS as much as Yafai does), scampered for 1,661 yards, including 181 against Live Oak, to set the single-season TCAL mark. Tremendous! We’d say the same to the offensive line which paved the way for the “Sweet Express.”
Good luck Saturday, GHS. Well done.
