Hollister’s sports editor and I considered making a friendly
wager similar to last year’s sports guys (Remember them? Me
neither), but when I realized how heavily favored Gilroy is I
immediately called off the bet.
Hollister’s sports editor and I considered making a friendly wager similar to last year’s sports guys (Remember them? Me neither), but when I realized how heavily favored Gilroy is I immediately called off the bet.
A sports writer’s salary simply can’t cover the amount of garlic equivalent to a bale of hay with the odds I’d be giving.
OK, seriously, I’m supposed to tell you why Gilroy will defeat San Benito in the 51st edition of the Prune Bowl tonight.
Let’s start with the obvious reason: Gilroy is a much better team.
Aside from having a better record than the Haybalers (7-2 to 4-5), the Mustangs have not only beaten, but dominated teams in the Tri-County Athletic League this season. Six games have equaled six wins by an average margin of victory of 22.5 points. Take away a 47-0 laugher over Alvarez, and Gilroy has still coasted over the remaining five teams it has played by more than three scores on average (17.5).
Focusing on tonight’s game alone, this is why the ‘Balers won’t win, and consequently won’t be in the playoffs.
San Benito doesn’t have the horses to keep up with the Mustangs.
The Hollister-based squad’s highest point-total of the season was 29 over TCAL-whipping boy Alvarez, and the ‘Balers have only topped 20 points three times this season. Gilroy on the other hand has been in the end zone so often it’s almost like the team has a gravitational force pulling it over the goal line. The Mustangs haven’t scored less than 21 in a game all year.
Here are five other reasons why I’m picking Gilroy to win:
1. Defense. No one would have said this when teams were steamrolling Gilroy with the running game, but since changing the scheme from a 50 (3-4 base) to a Nickel package that puts more athletes on the field (an extra defensive back), the Mustangs have been stingy about giving up yards on the ground. Just last week the team held the TCAL’s leading rusher, DevIn Camel form North Salinas, to a paltry 24 yards. He was averaging 117 per game coming into the contest.
2. The Deep Ball. My sources in Hollister (and I have oh so many) tell me that the ‘Balers are good up front against the run but don’t defend the vertical threat with consistency. All season teams have thrown new schemes at Gilroy to slow the passing attack. Early on opponents dropped into coverage and gave up stuff underneath, allowing GHS quarterback Jamie Jensen to pick people apart 10-15 yards at a time – with an occasional curl or drag going the distance. Now teams have started to bump receivers at the line which has resulted in even more opportunities to showcase speed on the outside.
3. A TCAL title. Sharing is for wimps. Gilroy needs to win or tie to edge Palma for the outright title. As nice as it is to get at least a share of the crown for the first time in 21 years, the Mustangs don’t want its spoiled by having Hollister chirping in their ear.
4. The pupil becomes the master. I might get junk for this one, but GHS’ Rich Hammond learned to be a coach for four years under San Benito’s Chris Cameron and Tod Thatcher. Hammond knows what they like to do. He also knows what they don’t like to do. Both teams have great coaches, but Gilroy knows a little more about the other side.
5. I work in Gilroy. I have to see these people every day. You think I’m crazy?
