Of the things Gilroy High football Coach Rich Hammond was
thankful for this Thanksgiving, practicing at 6 a.m. actually rated
pretty high on the list.
GILROY
Of the things Gilroy High football Coach Rich Hammond was thankful for this Thanksgiving, practicing at 6 a.m. actually rated pretty high on the list.
“I was really impressed with the kids,” he said. “It was hands down our best practice of the year.”
With frost lining the Garcia-Elder Sports Complex turf, Hammond said there were only four incompletions thrown over the course of two cold hours to begin Turkey Day. Giving his guys a small reward for their dedication, Hammond brought donuts for players prior to practice.
A heavier meal later in the day didn’t slow the team down.
According to Hammond, Friday’s practice was also crisp in terms of execution, which should make the Mustangs well prepared for the Los Gatos Wildcats in tonight’s 7 p.m. Central Coast Section Open Division semifinal matchup at San Jose City College.
An emphasis on starting the game strong has been repeated all week. The coaching staff believes going into halftime with a lead or close score should allow the Mustangs’ speed and depth to become the determining factor in the final two periods.
“I think the main thing is playing a competitive first half,” Hammond said. “We can’t have turnovers, mental errors or give up big plays on special teams.”
One of Gilroy’s own special team players will have a busy afternoon.
Kicker Kevin Grove, who nailed a 43-yard field goal in last week’s 38-22 victory over Valley Christian in the first round of CCS, will be flying back from a soccer tournament in San Diego, with his plane expected to land just three hours before the game starts. Also a force on kickoffs with his ability to boot balls into the end zone for touchbacks, Grove is a player that could have a huge role in the contest.
“We’re very happy about getting him back,” Hammond said with a knock-on-wood approach.
Aside from the obvious talent Gilroy has on offense, defense and special teams though, a major role in the success of this year’s squad seems to have stemmed from a setback. After an Oct. 12 injury sidelined cornerback Ryan Costa, each of the Mustangs developed a greater understanding of the concept of playing for one another.
“I love all the players I play with,” junior safety Tony Travis said after last week’s win. “All of us are representing, giving our fullest for Ryan since he got hurt. We told him we’ll always give our hearts out for him and that’s we do.”
The approach hasn’t been lost on Hammond.
“You can say what you want about us or this or that, but two things again stand out about us,” the coach said after beating Valley Christian. “We’ve gotten better each and every week – that’s the kids making a commitment to work, the coaches making a commitment to work … And the second thing … they’ve been selfless most of the time. A guy doesn’t have a great game, they haven’t hung their head.”
For that, Gilroy fans can be thankful.
