When Gavilan football coach John Lango perused the 2007 schedule
in August, he noted that the College of Sequoias team would likely
be the toughest test the Rams would face in pre-Coast Conference
competition.
Gilroy – When Gavilan football coach John Lango perused the 2007 schedule in August, he noted that the College of Sequoias team would likely be the toughest test the Rams would face in pre-Coast Conference competition.
Nothing since that comment has made the coach change his mind. The Rams face a talent-laden College of Sequoias Giants squad Saturday at 7pm at Garcia-Elder Sports Complex.
“This is a typical COS team,” said Lango before a recent practice. “They have lots of talent, are as big as any team we’ll face and have lots of speed.”
The Giants typically produce several four-year college players and this year’s team is no exception, according to COS coach Curtis Allen.
“We have the number one cornerback in the country” in #15 Trey Simmons, a 5-11, 175-pound speedster. Strongside defensive end Brandon SeSay, 6-6, 275, verbally committed to Texas Tech this week.
“We are a very young team,” said Allen. “We have two offensive starters and three defensive starters back. We do have a good sophomore quarterback (Arkelan Hall) and two good running backs (sophs Seth Smith and Jamar Curry).
“This is going to be a tough game,” Allen said of the Saturday showdown. “Gavilan’s a hard team to play. Coach Lango always has his team ready to play us. They’re physical. I like their running back (Tim Lango) and tall receiver (Ellis Krout).”
Lango tops the Rams with 249 yards in five games. Krout has pulled down 26 passes for 361 yards. The sophomore is 13th all-time in Gavilan history with 67 catches and has a chance to become only the third Ram receiver to finish with 100 catches.
Lango cautioned that if the Rams are able to stay with the Giants, the improved running game will have to take another step forward.
“We’re not making as many mental mistakes,” Lango said of the upgrade in rushing because of the offensive line’s adjustments. “The backs are hitting the line harder.”
Smith, coming back this week from an ankle injury, has covered 238 yards and five touchdowns in only 36 carries in limited play for COS. Curry has handled much of the rushing load, gong for 228 yards on 63 assignments. Hall has completed 75-of-146 passes for 62 yards and four scores. Gavilan’s starter at quarterback, Nick Kalantari, has managed 590 yards and five TDs in a 51-of-103 effort.
The Giants have won each game in the series with the Rams beginning in 2002. Gavilan dropped a 35-0 decision last fall.
