Gavilan, De Anza cancelled two meetings this week
GILROY — John Lango had an eventful 24 hours earlier this week and the circumstances did not help the Gavilan football coach any to prepare for Saturday night’s 7 p.m. showdown with the San Jose City College Jaguars.
Gavilan’s Coast Conference opener against De Anza was cancelled last week when two of the six banks of lights at Garcia-Elder Sports Complex failed to function. By early Monday, Lango and his staff and players were informed that the De Anza game had been rescheduled for 2 p.m. Tuesday on the Dons’ field. Lango had that day to revise the Rams’ strategy for De Anza and spend Monday’s practice gearing for Tuesday’s game. The buses were ordered for an 11:30 a.m. departure Tuesday. Less than 90 minutes before leaving for De Anza, Lango was notified that, due to the unavailability of a doctor to staff the game, cancellation was again announced. Lango then spent Tuesday’s practice regrouping for the rematch with San Jose City on the Jaguars’ field.
Ron Hannon, athletic director at Gavilan, has filed an appeal seeking a new date for the game with De Anza; a response to that appeal should be received next week.
While Gavilan remained at 1-4 for the season, San Jose City was upset by Hartnell 32-29 last week. It was Hartnell’s first conference win since 2005.
“Typical Coast Conference,” Lango said of San Jose City’s stumble to 4-2. “Anyone can be beaten any week. This looks like a very balanced season.”
Gavilan dropped a 20-10 decision to San Jose City on Sept. 26 in Gilroy.
“San Jose was mainly a running team that game,” said Lango. “They’ve been working on the passing part of their game since then.”
San Jose City looks to wideouts Chris Albright (27 catches for 472 yards and four touchdowns) and Gilroy High product Dante Fullard (18-245-3) to stretch the Gavilan defense.
“We need to eliminate turnovers,” Lango said. “Last game with San Jose, we gave up the ball four times. San Jose only once; they blocked a punt. We’ve become better on special teams and we’ve improved controlling the ball.”
The other conference result last weekend was Monterey Peninsula College’s 23-13 victory over winless West Valley.
Gavilan continues Coast Conference action at 6 p.m. Oct. 31 at Monterey Peninsula College. The Rams host Hartnell on Saturday, Nov. 7.
