Rams coming off record-setting first win
GILROY — Gavilan College’s pre-Coast Conference football schedule concludes Saturday at 7 p.m. when the Sacramento City College Panthers invade Garcia-Elder Sports Complex to play the Rams.
A 73-point explosion over Contra Costa last weekend gave future opponents proof that Gavilan, though 1-3, has sufficient offensive strength to go along with its stellar defensive unit.
Sacramento, a member of the Mid-Empire Conference, has a 2-0 edge in the head-to-head series with Gavilan. The Panthers came to Gilroy in 1987 and stopped Gavilan 44-21 in the Garlic Bowl. In the 2008 contest, the host Panthers fashioned a 26-21 victory against the Rams.
“I hope this game is similar to last year’s,” Gavilan head coach John Lango said of the 47 total points in 2008. “I don’t think it’s going to be a high-scoring game,” the coach added. “We’ve been playing better defensively and as long as we stay with our assignments, we should do well.”
While Gavilan’s school-record effort against the Comets might deter other teams, Sacramento City has shown an exceptional offense this fall as well. The Panthers have recorded at least 26 points in all five games this season, including a 56-37 victory over Shasta College.
The Panthers (1-4) are primarily a passing team, averaging more than 36 passes per game.
“Last year, Sacramento City mostly ran the ball,” Lango said. “Their quarterback has been very versatile and averages 300 yards per game.”
Cody Allen calls the signals for Sacramento City, completing 104-of-183 passing for 13 touchdowns and 1,497 yards this season. Victor Spencer is their top receiver, having caught 40 balls for 670 yards and five touchdowns. When the Panthers stay on the ground, Steve Tazanos-Pinto is the primary ballcarrier with 31 attempts for 229 yards and two touchdowns.
Gavilan rushed for 419 yards in the victory over Contra Costa, but Lango does not expect a similar total on the ground Saturday.
“Our goal is to rush for 125 yards, pass for at least 225 and score 30 points,” Lango said. “Scoring that many points against Sacramento City would be pretty good.”
Gavilan’s Coast Conference season opens Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. against the De Anza Dons.
