GILROY – The non-league stretch of Gilroy High’s schedule has
run its course – finally.
In four games the Mustangs have been outscored 167 to 90, the
offense has
”
rushed
”
for -65 yards, and the defense has struggled mightily against
the run, surrendering more than 400 yards on the ground against
Atascadero two weeks ago.
It’s time for TCAL.
GILROY – The non-league stretch of Gilroy High’s schedule has run its course – finally.
In four games the Mustangs have been outscored 167 to 90, the offense has “rushed” for -65 yards, and the defense has struggled mightily against the run, surrendering more than 400 yards on the ground against Atascadero two weeks ago.
It’s time for TCAL.
The Mustangs return to Garcia-Elder Sports Complex tonight, where the crowd should be extra fired up not only feeding off of the players excitement, but also the festivities of Homecoming.
After the team’s worst lost of the year (61-7) last week at Palo Alto, head coach Greg Garcia challenged his players to come prepared for a week of smash-mouth practices, and issued an open-audition call of sorts, with the prize being a starting role on offense or defense.
“The kids have been excited all week,” Garcia said. “There are a lot of kids fighting for their jobs. That has been good because it has brought the competition and intensity level up. We figured out who is best, who can get the job done and who is doing well learning the system.”
First up for the Mustangs is Everett Alvarez, a team no stranger to struggles. The Eagles limp into the week with a 1-3 record, and their own three-game losing streak.
The Eagles have had trouble finding the end zone over their last two contests, scoring a total of six points, including a 14-0 loss to North Monterey County last week.
The main priority on defense for the Mustangs, as it is each and every week, is stopping the run – a crucial adjustment that needs to be made especially in the run-heavy TCAL.
The Mustangs’ focus will be on Eagles’ senior running back Antonio Rosa, who has churned out 597 yards on 73 carries with five touchdowns through four games. A bulk of his yardage came in the Eagles’ first two outings, which saw Rosa twice eclipse the 200-yard mark with 252 yards and 218 yards, respectively.
Lackadaisical first quarters by the offense have crippled GHS in recent weeks, leading to insurmountable deficits which have been impossible to overcome due to uncharacteristic inconsistencies in the Mustangs’ quick-strike, rhythmic attack.
“We have had teams get an early jump on us, but hopefully we will be able to throw the first punch and keep it going from the first quarter on,” Garcia said.
Senior wide receiver Tommy Silvas, who caught four touchdown passes in the Atascadero loss, should serve as a key target for the TCAL’s fourth-leading passer, quarterback Nick Marra.
Safety Jordan Holler had a kick off return touchdown called back two weeks ago and broke off an 85-yard return for a score last week. Another big special teams contribution from Holler would serve the Mustangs well tonight as they look for a spark from anyone on the field.
Despite some of the heartaches and injuries on the offensive side of the ball, the Mustangs remain the league’s second-highest scoring unit, behind rival San Benito.
“There is a lot to fight for,” Garcia said. “(The players) have a lot to feed off of.”
