Gavilan
’s chance as a repeat Coast Conference football champion
evaporated into the Aptos night Saturday in a 16-14 loss to the
host Cabrillo Seahawks. Instead, the Rams (5-4) find themselves in
a precarious position to reach postseason play at all. A loss in
its last regular season game against San Jose
City this Saturday night in Gilroy would cancel any bowl plans
for Gavilan. A win would give the Rams winning pre-conference and
Coast Conference records – to go with a defense likely to be rated
first in the state – to tantalize bowl organizers.
Gavilan’s chance as a repeat Coast Conference football champion evaporated into the Aptos night Saturday in a 16-14 loss to the host Cabrillo Seahawks. Instead, the Rams (5-4) find themselves in a precarious position to reach postseason play at all. A loss in its last regular season game against San Jose City this Saturday night in Gilroy would cancel any bowl plans for Gavilan. A win would give the Rams winning pre-conference and Coast Conference records – to go with a defense likely to be rated first in the state – to tantalize bowl organizers.
Coach John Lango was in familiar territory Saturday, his team derailed by costly turnovers for the third time in four losses.
“Too many turnovers once again,” Lango said about this team’s second consecutive conference setback.
Gavilan was burned by three interceptions and two lost fumbles. Cabrillo was nearly as inept at handling the ball, fumbling once and giving up three interceptions – all three picks by Rams safety Cameron Shutts.
The anticipated duel between Cabrillo’s Loren Jensen and Gavilan’s El Ray Henry, the conference’s top two rushers, played out as expected. Jensen rushed for 108 yards in 34 carries. Henry, the Rams’ bruising halfback, racked up 119 yards on 25 carries. Henry has 1,940 career yards at Gavilan, and needs 83 yards against San Jose City to move past Tee McIntosh into second place in the school’s recordbook.
