When we first introduced the comments section online this
summer, my editor pulled me into his office and asked why we
weren’t getting reader feedback at the end of articles.
My answer:
”
Just wait until football season.
”
When we first introduced the comments section online this summer, my editor pulled me into his office and asked why we weren’t getting reader feedback at the end of articles.
My answer: “Just wait until football season.”
Readers, you have not disappointed. What’s surprised me is that we have far more Monday-, Tuesday- and Wednesday-morning quarterbacks than I anticipated. Starting the season 3-0, Gilroy High football is right where it needs to be, albeit a little less spectacular on offense than expected in the last two wins.
But to quote Herm Edwards, “Hello?! You play to win the games.”
And that’s exactly what the Mustangs have done so far, and are likely to do with ease Saturday against the Alvarez Turkeys – er, Eagles. Gilroy should keep their opponents grounded, while allowing the offense to hit its stride. In fact, I would expect the offense to not only equal its 35 points per game average of a season ago – Gilroy is currently averaging 40 – but be posting near 50 in each of its next four games: Alvarez, Salinas, Pacific Grove and Alisal, which have combined to go 6-9.
The defense and special teams have been unbelievable to start the year and might have a hand in the future point totals, but the Mustangs will be winning or losing as a team. Who cares how they crush squads on the middle to bottom of the Tri-County Athletic League totem pole? (Pacific Grove is a non-conference game, but it should be a blowout as the Breakers are 0-3.)
The main debate online has centered around GHS quarterback Jamie Jensen and whether or not he is the best answer at the position. His numbers by the end of last year were 4,323 yards, 41 touchdowns and 21 interceptions. In three games this season, he has thrown for 761 yards, completed 58 percent of his passes and has seven touchdowns to five picks. Now look at where he was after three games last season: 79-for-119, 919 yards, 7 TDs, 3 INTs.
Gilroy had a 1-2 record at that point, though, and had to pass the entire second half in a Week 3 loss to Serra to make it somewhat respectable. Taking into respect that backup Nick Marra threw two touchdowns in a 62-13 win over Mitty to start this year, Jensen’s numbers would be much closer to what many were expecting if he played the whole game, something GHS had him do all last season because there was no viable backup.
Talking to Rich Hammond this week, the focus in practice has been different for the GHS head coach than it was a season ago. Last year, Hammond was dissecting every pass Jensen made. This season, Hammond has been more concerned with getting the offensive line to jell. That will change.
Jensen’s work in the offseason has been well documented – he continued to work with a private quarterback coach, studied film at home and with coaches, and spent enough time in the weight room to add 20 pounds to his frame. Getting back that extra attention in practice from Hammond, who has had the biggest role in forming Jensen into the quarterback he has become, should be noticeable in the weeks ahead.
Now, I don’t have a problem with anyone speaking their mind online. I actually want to hear from more of you. But there was one disturbing thing that did occur this week. Someone impersonated a player taking a shot at his teammate. It was quickly rectified as “The official” player responded to set the record straight. He then called the haters a word I had never heard – it sucks when you feel old at 26 – but found out it was not suitable for print by using the Urban Dictionary. My knowledge of hip hop is obviously slipping.
Gilroy’s players seem to be taking everything in stride from what I’ve seen at practice this week, and that’s crucial. The main thing that separates good players and teams from the great ones is mental. If the Mustangs can stay confident, tight-knit and humble, there’s no reason to think they’ll stumble.
But that’s just my take. What do you think?
