Sobrato has a bad taste in its mouth and it’s ready to get it out.
The Bulldogs are smarting after a 52-12 thrashing by Christopher to open the season Saturday at home.
Now they have a chance to get into the win column and do it against a familiar team and a familiar coach.
“After the boys a chance to see the film, they really understood it was the small things that hurt us. It wasn’t the big things,” said coach Tony Holmes. “… We knew that all we had to do was go back and focus on our fundamentals we’ll be solid. We’ll be just fine.”
Gilroy—also smarting from a beating at the hands of Live Oak—might have a little more to prove Friday night. The Mustangs’ coach was an assistant for Sobrato and run much the same offense the Bulldogs ran.
“I think that this group understands the importance of what is coming due to the fact they know the coaches, they know the personnel there and they know they formations and style offensively,” Holmes said. “… For Gilroy, I would expect they would do something to throw them off a little bit. If they don’t, then we’re going to go in with the same game plan as anyone else would.”
Holmes said that means staying gap disciplined and to get out to a fast start.
He said the slow start against Christopher hurt them and it is important to get out to a quick start to set the tempo.
“And be physical. We have to be physical up front,” Holmes said.
Gilroy did show it can be dangerous if teams let their guards down.
The Mustangs’ best drive went for 76 yards and a touchdown from Noe Garcia.
“I think defensively, we have a really good run support up front,” Holmes said.
But it was too little too late as Live Oak steam rolled Gilroy in the first half, leading to a running clock for the second half.
Meanwhile, Sobrato is trying to get healthy, as two key linemen went down with injuries early in the game.
“We have some really good back ups and second string who are really effective up front,” Holmes said. “I know that run support will still be there.”
At the same time, sickness took its toll on the Bulldogs already limited numbers, keeping key weapons out of rotation late in the game
against Christopher.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Christopher High School.
