Gavilan Coast Conference North champions?
Gilroy – Gavilan Coast Conference North champions?
No way! Yes, there is a way. Admittedly, it’s a long shot. But if the Rams defeat Cabrillo College and De Anza knocks off Monterey Peninsula, Gavilan goes to the playoffs as the first-place team.
Just the fact that the Rams have something to play for in their last week of the regular season is remarkable enough. Remember, this is a team that started 0-4 and 1-5. Despite a 3-6 record, Gavilan has taken care of business in the league where it is 2-1 after last Saturday’s come-from-behind 17-14 win at De Anza.
Two long second-half drives brought the Rams back. The first drive consumed 8 1/2 minutes. The second was a 92-yard drive. For the game, Gavilan controlled the ball for 36 1/2 minutes.
“We kept the defense off the field,” coach John Lango said, “so they were fresh. We made adjustments at halftime. The kids told us things that would work. Our communication was awesome.”
The Rams are Team Resiliency, a team that has been counted out by everyone but the 30, 32 players who suit up every week. They are a team that loses one week 47-7 to Monterey Peninsula, then spots De Anza a 14-0 lead before coming back from the dead.
“For us to start off where we were and to be where we are now says something about this team,” coach John Lango said. “Talk about finishing strong. The nice thing is we are 3-6 and still have something to play for.”
Every week it seems like there is a new hero. Last week it was Erik Cifuentes and Anthony Francis in overtime. Brad Cintas and Dennis Bolz came up big against San Jose City College. Will Kilday and Ellis Krout were huge against Hartnell.
The point is Gavilan is not a team of stars, but many interchangeable parts as Sam Moultrie proved last week when he moved to linebacker against De Anza and even had a sack.
“Cabrillo is a really good team that does all three facets (offense, defense, special teams) well,” Lango said. “It’s no different than it was last week for us. Nobody expects us to win. We’ll go at it and battle.
“It’s all or nothing for us. Win and we’re no worse than tri-champs. Lose and we’re in third place.”
