Fast start key for Mustang gridmen in Friday’s homecoming game
against Alvarez
GILROY – The undefeated Mustang gridmen return to Friday Night Football this week as they strive for five in a row with Everett Alvarez High stepping up to the plate for Gilroy’s annual homecoming game.
Senior quarterback Ben Hemeon is coming off a five-touchdown performance – where he threw for three touchdowns and ran for two more in the third quarter of Gilroy’s 35-0 shutout over Monte Vista Christian.
“I think it’s important that Ben starts fast. As Ben goes, we all kinda go,” said Yafai of Hemeon. “He’s a team leader. He learned a lot last year and overcame a lot from last year as all of our seniors have.”
The Mustangs (4-0) are prepping for a stronger start than their first four games. Last week, Hemeon tossed two interceptions in the first quarter before leading a 35-point charge in the second quarter. Gilroy trailed 7-3 at the break against Santa Cruz in week-two and were even at 0-0 against SLV before a 16-point second quarter.
“We need to start fast. We started slow in all four games. We don’t get going until the second quarter,” Yafai said. “That’s been something we’ve talked about. We need to start fast.”
In contrast, Alvarez has started strong – going up 7-0 against Salinas and 9-0 against Hollister before letting the lead slip away late.
“Alvarez is a fast starting team,” Yafai said. “We have to reverse both of those trends. We have to set the tone in the first quarter.”
Alvarez’s four losses have come against some tough competition – falling to Riordan (a top 10 team in the section); Hollister (ranked in the top 15); Valley Christian (one of the best in the section); and Salinas (the defending T-CAL Champions that shocked Archbishop Mitty last week).
“If they played a weaker schedule, they could be 4-0,” Yafai said. “Alvarez and SLV are the best 0-4 teams in CCS. They could be 3-1 with a different schedule.”
The Eagles’ top two threats are fullback/linebacker Anthony Gonzalez and quarterback Jo Jo Velasquez, a returning starter.
“He’s a big kid. He’s like a tailback in a fullback’s body. He’s about six foot, 200. He’s a good runner. He’s got quick feet. He’s one of their biggest weapons,” said Yafai of Gonzalez. “He’s even a better linebacker.”
The Mustangs are up against the most athletic team they’ve faced so far – asking their defense to once again adjust to another style of play.
“Each week poses a different test. SLV was a physical test… Last week against Monte Vista Christian our test was being able to made adjustments,” Yafai said. “This week against Alvarez, the test is being able to match up athletically with them, offensively and defensively. I think we do.”
Gilroy is not taking any team lightly.
“Obvioulsy, we had to do our homework. We’re preparing like we’re facing a championship-type team. I don’t think I’ve ever seen an 0-4 team as skilled and talented as Alvarez.”
