{{tncms-asset app=”editorial” id=”c26e50a8-25c8-11e1-b9a9-001a4bcf6878″}}
CHRISTOPHER COUGARS
Record: 4-1 overall; 1-0 in Monterey Bay League-Pacific Division
Last week: Christopher crushed Watsonville 41-7.
Next up: Christopher hosts Monte Vista Christian (5-1; 2-0) at 7:30 p.m. tonight. The Mustangs beat Pajaro Valley 39-0 last week. Christopher and MVC are the Pacific Division’s two top teams and the fight for the league title could be decided in this game. The Cougars have never beaten Monte Vista.
Coach Tim Pierleoni’s comment: “I truly believe that we’re both where we should be and where we’re expected to be and now we’re just going to find out who’s the better team.”
On offense: The Cougars need to keep doing what they’re doing. Junior QB Matt Adamkiewicz had another stellar outing, going 18 for 22 for 210 yards and four touchdowns. Christopher has kept teams on their toes by delivering a strong passing attack to multiple receivers. Four different receivers reached the endzone against Watsonville, including Anthony Sammut who pulled down seven balls for 67 yards and a TD. If the Cougars continue spreading the ball on offense, they should find success against the Mustangs.
On defense: Christopher has been solid on this side of the ball all season. The defense is led by big Jacob Moen, who delivered 16 tackles—five of which were for a loss—a half sack and a pass breakup against Watsonville. The Cougars have held their opponents to 14 or less points in all but one game this season—the only one being it’s 34-31 nailbitting loss to Carmel in Week 3. The Mustangs like to run an overload offense among other exotic fronts and Pierleoni said his defenses’ focus this week is on formation recognition and situational strategy.
“We’re going to have keep on toes to make sure we match up with their formations,” he said.
Keys to the game: This game will be decided by who shows the most discipline. Every yard, every inch counts, so penalties and turnovers will be the difference in this game.
“I think it’s going to come right down to the wire,” Pierleoni said. “I think it’s going to be a great game and it’s going to come right down to the end of the game. I think whoever has the ball last, might have a chance to win.”
{{tncms-asset app=”editorial” id=”52bd4752-d38f-11e2-8f93-0019bb30f31a”}}
GILROY MUSTANGS
Record: 2-4 overall, 1-2 in Monterey Bay League-Pacific Division
Last week: Gilroy shutdown Alisal 27-0 for its second straight win.
Next up: The Mustangs host North Monterey County (2-3; 0-1) at 7:30 p.m. tonight. The Condors fell 42-13 to Monte Vista Christian last week.
Coach Brian Boyd’s comment: “It’s turning into the Gilroy team of last year, if we can be consistent. …The run game will make our passing game go.”
On offense: The return of running back David Montes from his injury has led to a resurgence in Gilroy’s offense. Montes accounted for 124 of the team’s 179 rushing yards. Boyd said Montes has inspired the O-line to work harder and with other RBs such as Anthony Bollendorf (six carries, 54 yards) numbers going up, the proof is in the pudding.
“The boys are excited,” Boyd said. “We’re a different football team than we were in Weeks 1 through 4. It’s fun, the boys have bought in, it’s really fun right now.”
On defense: Gilroy was stellar on defense and saw production improve from all players, especially Jasper Jauregi and Azriel Avila each pick up two sacks in addition to three and four tackles, respectively. Darius Alexander-Jones was moved from center to nose guard, which has clogged up the middle. The Mustangs will see their first pass-first offense since facing Piedmont Hills in Week 4. The Condors are led by Andrew Ducusin, a 6-2, 196 lb. senior quarterback. Boyd said pass defense is the focus of practice this week as it will help them prepare for not only NMC, but for other pass friendly league opponents like Christopher, Monte Vista Christian and Pajaro Valley who it’ll face in the next coming weeks.
Keys to the game: Gilroy needs both facets of its offense to show up as it has the past two weeks. The Mustangs have showed when their run game thrives, so does their passing game. Boyd said if they can get at least 100 yards rushing—which they have in the last two games—they should come out on top. Defense will be crucial in combating the pass. If Gilroy can contain Ducusin, it should improve to 3-0 in league.
