Gilroy’s spring football session revealed a low turnout for the program — but the Mustangs aren’t worried.
Despite having 50 students turn out to the 10-day session, second year coach Brian Boyd said Gilroy still has a lot to be optimistic about.
“Our whole goal is to improve on what we did last year in all aspects — from the administration to the coaching staff — and we are,” Boyd said. “So far we’re ahead of the game. We’re improved and we’re on the field doing what we’re doing now. We’re ahead of what we were doing last year.”
The fall marks the return of running back Brandon Boyd, who led the Monterey Bay League with 1,116 rushing yards his sophomore year. He had a shorted junior season, dislocating his shoulder in the third game.
Experience in the run game will be vital to the Mustangs’ success. They are a young team all around, returning only a four seniors and five juniors to starting roles. Gilroy also has a big question mark in the quarterback position with sophomore David Munoz and senior Jose Salazar vying for the job.
“With Brandon at running back, our run game is going to take a huge amount of pressure off our quarterback,” Brian Boyd said. “That’s a huge part of our game.”
The Gilroy coach said those who will be returning to their starting positions will be relied on heavily to help bring experience to their young team. Returning to the line will be juniors Darius Alexander-Jones and Devin Nguyen as well as senior Julian Carabajal.
Senior Alex Vega will return to play wide receiver, defensive back and kicker. Senior Isaiah Madolora will play safety.
The Mustangs will also see the return of Bubba Lara at wide receiver. Lara hasn’t played football since his sophomore season, but has opted to put on his pads in his final year.
“He’s going to be back with us and we expect huge things from him,” Brian Boyd said. “He’s a huge help for us.”
The rest of the team will be heavily made up of sophomores and incoming freshmen. Brian Boyd said around 50 new Mustangs expressed interest in the sport at a recent freshman orientation. He’s hoping those numbers continue to increase so the program can return to having freshman, junior varsity and varsity teams.
Gilroy has also instituted an off-season weightlifting program and the results have left Brian Boyd optimistic about turning his 2-8 program into one that contend for a playoff berth.
“Our goal is to get in, to get into the playoffs. Last year, I sat there and swore that we were going to be in the playoffs and without injuries and other things I think we would have been OK. But that’s football. Things happen. I think we’ll be alright if the boys take care of business and come to work.”
