The Rams host Cabrillo College at 7 p.m.
GILROY — The Gavilan football team welcomes a familiar foe to Garcia-Elder Sports Complex at 7 p.m. Saturday to open the home portion of the Rams’ season.
Cabrillo College is the only opponent to have faced the Rams each season in the 46-year history of the program. Cabrillo holds a 24-22 edge after winning the last two games of the series.
The Seahawks are members of the Golden Gate Conference. Coach Bill Garrison’s team went 2-8 last season, 0-5 in conference play. One of the victories was a 20-13 decision over the Rams in Aptos.
“Last week’s game saw us show marked improvement,” Garrison said of the 29-20 win over Coast Conference member Monterey Peninsula College.
“We’ll need to minimize their big-play capability, yet be able to turn around and be ready for a ball-control offense.”
Gavilan coach John Lango brings a 31-62 career mark in his 10th season on campus.
“We’ll need to be smart on offense, play what they give us,” Lango said of the potential difficulties of playing against an experienced Cabrillo defense. “They are pretty physical up front. Cabrillo’s offensive line is real stout, very athletic.”
Cabrillo returns All-Golden Gate Conference middle linebacker TJ Swezelius to anchor the defensive unit.
The offense centers around quarterback Ian McGinnis, a San Lorenzo Valley High alumnus, and all-conference receiver Nick Johnson.
“We’re happy with our offensive progress, although we’d like to execute better,” added Garrison.
Lango and his staff and players spent one afternoon reviewing tape of the American River game.
“We saw where a mistake here and there made a different ballgame,” Lango said. “Now it’s time to execute, to shore up the mistakes. Cabrillo knows we’ll be a better team Saturday.”
