GAVILAN RAMS
Record: 3-6 overall; 1-5 in the Golden Coast League
Last Week: The Rams snapped a six-game losing streak by beating Monterey Peninsula College 45-41 in their home finale.
Next up: Gavilan takes on College of the Redwoods (2-7 overall) at 1 p.m. in Eureka. The Corsairs lost 35-14 to Yuba last week.
On offense: Anthony Brooks was explosive for the Rams against MPC. He reached the endzone four times and led the team on the ground with 149 yards on 16 carries. Brooks broke free for a 90-yard dash that gave Gavilan its first lead, 14-6, midway through the first. The Rams had capitalized on the arm of QB Drew Fryhoff all season as their run game struggled, but if last week is any indication, the Rams seem to have regained a balanced offense. The special teams unit was also stellar last week, accounting for three of the team’s touchdowns. This shows the Rams are dangerous no matter what unit is on the field and if they can continue that success this week, the Corsairs will have their hands full.
On defense: Redwoods has relied heavily on its run game, especially Jacob Duilio. The running back led the team with 104 yards on 16 carries and a touchdown against Yuba and has 594 yards so far this season—in addition to 10 TDs. The defense’s job is simple: shut down the run game. The Corsairs haven’t had much of an aerial attack this season and quarterback Avery Elrod had just five completions on 17 attempts last week to account for 64 yards and an interception. If the Rams can force Redwoods to throw, they will undoubtedly silence this offense.
Keys to the game: Week after week Gavilan coach Spencer Gilford has said the team that wins the turnover battle will walk off the field the winner. Last week was a testament to that. Gavilan intercepted the Lobos twice and recovered two of their four fumbles. This week is no different. The Rams need to make protecting the ball a priority. If they do, they will end their season with a ‘W’ in Eureka.
— Erin Redmond, Dispatch Sports Editor
