The 2-0 Gavilan Rams will have a No. 24 ranking in California
but not running back El Ray Henry in tonight
’s 7 p.m. clash with host College of Sequoias in Visalia.
The 2-0 Gavilan Rams will have a No. 24 ranking in California but not running back El Ray Henry in tonight’s 7 p.m. clash with host College of Sequoias in Visalia.
Coach John Lango will keep Henry, the returning Coast Conference Offensive Player of the Year, on the sideline to rest a knee injury. Henry is expected to return to the line-up next week against Diablo Valley. In addition, Ram defensive lineman Leonard Pinon will miss a second consecutive game due to injury.
The Giants defeated the Rams 6-3 last year and are “a little better team” this year, according to COS head coach Roger Kelley. While Gavilan is tabbed 10th among Northern California squads, the Giants trail at 14 after a 1-1 start.
The Rams are first among the state’s teams in total defense, allowing just 85.5 yards per game (and seven total first downs allowed).
“COS is big and fast, like West Valley with more speed,” Lango said. “They spread it out on offense. If we play good defense, we can keep in the game. We’ll need good punting to play the field position game.”
Kelley lauded the play of offensive sparkplugs De Monte Johnson, quarterback, and David Robinson, running back.
“De Monte’s a 6-2, 210-pound prototype quarterback with good wheels. David’s a little guy, a slasher.”
Johnson has thrown for three touchdowns and rushed for 78 yards in a 57-18 win over San Jose City and a 28-14 loss to San Mateo. Robinson has covered 166 yards.
Kelley, in his 16th campaign leading the Giants, tabbed linebackers Chris Maloney and Daris Glenn has leaders of the defense.
“Gavilan has a very good defense,” said Kelley. “John Lango and his staff have done a heckuva job this year.”
Lango expects to use Daniel Salinas and Melvin Bryant in place of Henry. Quarterback Will Kilday has had games of 126 and 260 yards, keying on wide-outs Guy Blightman and Shane Butcher for the bulk of the aerial yardage.
“This is a real good test for us,” said Lango. “The team may have played down to the level of play of Marin last week, but I’m confident we can respond with better play against COS.”
