SALINAS – A second-half shutout by the defense and a
fourth-quarter rushing touchdown by senior Jordan Holler helped the
Gilroy High football team preserve a 22-22 tie against Tri County
Athletic League opponent Alisal in Salinas on Friday night.
SALINAS – A second-half shutout by the defense and a fourth-quarter rushing touchdown by senior Jordan Holler helped the Gilroy High football team preserve a 22-22 tie against Tri County Athletic League opponent Alisal in Salinas on Friday night.
In a game that had both teams on an up-and-down emotional roller coaster, neither defense gave in as both squads had opportunities in the waning minutes of the contest to take the lead.
After Holler’s 3-yard touchdown and a successful Nick Marra-to-Jordan Mitchell 2-point conversion tied the game with 8:50 left to play, the Trojans marched down the field on an 11-play drive, setting up a potential game-winning field goal attempt with 2:21 remaining. Senior Nico Sandoval quickly dissolved that threat, squeezing through the line to come away with the block.
The Mustangs (2-4-1) took over on their own 25 yard line, but after a 1-yard Holler run, bookended by two Marra incomplete passes, head coach Greg Garcia was faced with a big decision on fourth-and-nine with 1:43 showing on the clock and the ball on their own 26.
“My mentality is that we are not going for a tie,” Garcia said. “It’s one of those things where you see where the ball is at, and you know what, it’s take a shot. If the game is down to the wire and you’re tied, I will probably go for it because we want to win. I think it’s big to the kids to understand that. We are winners and we have to finish.”
The gamble paid off as Marra hit Mitchell on an 11-yard out pattern to move the chains.
“During the game it’s all instinctive,” Mitchell said. “When the time comes it’s just execution. That’s why you practice all week. Catch the ball.”
However the drive stalled a few plays later at the Mustangs 41 with 26 seconds left.
The Trojans (1-6-1) had four downs to make something happen, but strong play in the secondary by Sandoval and Jordan Soures prevented the big play.
One final heave with five seconds to go from Marra connected with Tommy Silvas but well short of the goal line as time expired.
The Mustangs displayed a new look offense, that had its moments of effectiveness. It was clear from Gilroy’s first drive they wanted to run the ball – and run it consistently.
On their first possession, the Mustangs drove 67 yards in just four plays – all runs – capped by Holler’s first score of the game. The senior tailback/safety stiff-armed a would-be tackler in the backfield, cut back left and scampered 24 yards for the score.
“It worked out pretty good,” Garcia said of his team’s offensive adjustment. “I think we moved the ball well. It’s just completing what we need to do and finish strong.”
The Trojans did what they do best on their initial drive of the game – running the ball. They dipped and dodged their way down to the Mustangs’ 20 yard line, but the defense stood firm there forcing a field goal try. The kick never lifted more than three feet off the turf as it deflected off the pile and right to Holler who went untouched 87 yards for the score and a 14-0 advantage.
As quickly as the Mustangs built their lead they watched it evaporate even faster as the Trojans went right back to pounding the ball using a trio of running backs right at the teeth of the Mustangs defense.
“They came out with something we didn’t prepare for,” said defensive coordinator Chris Vasseur. “We expected two backs and one tight end. They came out with two tight ends.”
The Trojans rattled off 22 unanswered points and took a 22-14 lead into the locker room.
“They came out with a fire and played a good game,” Garcia said.
For the first time this season the Mustangs had more rushing attempts (29) than passing (20) as they piled up 157 yards on the ground. Sandoval led the way with 54 and Holler churned out 49 yards on eight carries. Marra hit 10-of-20 for 117 yards. Mitchell pulled down five receptions for 64 yards.
“We picked it up in the second half,” Mitchell said. “The whole game was a step forward. We have to come out even harder next week and produce a win.”
