On paper, Gilroy High football is a better team than the host
Atascadero squad it will face at 7:30 p.m. tonight.
ATASCADERO, CALIF. – On paper, Gilroy High football is a better team than the host Atascadero squad it will face at 7:30 p.m. tonight.
But paper has nothing to do with a tight spiral, a tightrope catch on the sidelines or breaking down to make a sure tackle. Paper definitely has nothing to do with how a body feels in the fourth quarter,
The Mustang coaches say they expect nothing less than a dogfight from the Greyhounds, who will be led by a powerful running game, and a stout defensive line and linebacking core. Unfortunately for Atascadero (1-1), Gilroy isn’t trying to grind it out, as was made clear by the 62 points the Mustangs posted on Archbishop Mitty in its first-week win.
Going to the air in all but a handful of plays last Friday, Gilroy’s offense has proven to be one of the most dangerous in the state.
“I think they’ll play safe on defense,” Gilroy coach Rich Hammond said. “Their attitude is to not give up the big play.”
The Mustangs should be equally concerned about not giving up a big play to Atascadero. Any turnovers would likely allow the Greyhounds to milk the clock, using time of possession to their advantage.
“It’s difficult because if we turn the ball over, it gets the crowd into it,” Hammond said.
The Greyhounds will ride the back of tailback Nick Tenhaeff, who is averaging 126 yards per game and has committed to San Diego State. Trevor Holloway will be another player that could make life miserable for the Mustangs. At 6-foot-1, 234 pounds, Holloway is a load at fullback and linebacker.
After beating Mitty by 49 points, Gilroy coaches were unimpressed with practices in the early part of the week. With hopes of going undefeated this season, the Mustangs could have their toughest regular season challenge tonight, with Palma and North Salinas providing possible roadblocks later in the year.
“There’s going to be obstacles and mental challenges for us to overcome, but it’s my job as a coach to motivate them,” Hammond said.
One GHS assistant said motivation was lacking at practice because players were reading their own press clippings. Hammond countered that this “is something they have to learn to deal with” if they want to accomplish their goals.
Playing football certainly has nothing do with paper. But if it helps, burn after reading.
