Hartnell College brings a 2-1 Coast Conference record into
Saturday’s game at Salinas High Stadium against winless Gavilan
College. Kickoff is 6 p.m. The Panthers shook off a 14-3 deficit in
the first quarter in last year’s game against Gavilan in Gilroy,
rallying for a 41-20 decision. Gavilan head coach John Lango sports
a 4-6 mark against Hartnell since he became the Rams head coach in
2000.
GILROY
Hartnell College brings a 2-1 Coast Conference record into Saturday’s game at Salinas High Stadium against winless Gavilan College.
Kickoff is 6 p.m.
The Panthers shook off a 14-3 deficit in the first quarter in last year’s game against Gavilan in Gilroy, rallying for a 41-20 decision. Gavilan head coach John Lango sports a 4-6 mark against Hartnell since he became the Rams head coach in 2000.
“We’ll have to be mistake-free,” Lango said about the Rams chances against the Panthers.
“We did some great things last weekend, but there were mistakes in the second quarter that cost us the football game,” added Lango, referring to last week’s 35-27 loss to Monterey Peninsula College.
“Hartnell’s become more balanced,” Lango continued. “Before, Hartnell really threw the ball around. Rickey Rockwell is a big (6-foot-1, 224 pounds) running back who really pounds out yardage for them.”
When the Panthers do go to the air, coach Matt Collins has utilized both Brad Smet (67 of 133, 785 yards and 7 touchdowns) and Austin Fales (71 of 105, 750, 6).
“We’re concerned about getting better each game,” Collins said. “We didn’t play a good first half last week.”
Nevertheless, the Panthers defeated West Valley 56-21 last week.
“Gavilan has some talented athletes at the perimeter,” Collins cautioned when reviewing the Rams’ offensive strength.
Rockwell has carried the ball 87 times for 461 yards and three touchdowns this season. Rockwell has also caught 28 passes for 216 yards and two touchdowns.
“Rockwell’s more of a power back, while (Alvin) Jelks (108 carries for 575 yards and 8 TDs) is more of a smooth, gliding runner,” Collins said.
While the Rams have middle linebacker Chris Archuleta keying their defense, Hartnell’s defense is paced by Kiero Small (5-foot-9, 260 pounds).
Gavilan, 0-3 in conference and 0-8 overall, concludes the season Nov. 13 at home against Cabrillo College.
