LOS GATOS, Calif. - After an embarrassing road loss to league rival Wilcox last week, Los Gatos was looking to rebound with fire and intensity in its home matchup against Santa Clara. The Wildcats did just that, shutting out the Bruins 54-0 and dominating both sides of the ball as they did in their games prior to Wilcox.
Los Gatos (6-1, 2-1 SCVAL-De Anza) put up 38 points in the first half, which earned second and third stringers some playing time in the second half. Quarterback Yost Girvan went 3-of-8 for 153 yards and three touchdowns in just one half. Running back Adam Garwood rushed for 116 yards and two touchdowns on just six carries.
Santa Clara’s (4-3, 1-2 SCVA-De Anza) offense, led by quarterback Rocco Rolih IV, was weighed down with several dropped passes. Although the scoreless Bruins may not indicate it, Rolih IV did his job by putting up catchable balls for his receivers. Kicker Dino Beslagic was also 0/2 on field goals for Santa Clara.
Garwood set the tone for the night with a 68-yard rushing touchdown on the second play of the game. He would later record his second touchdown of the night early in the third on a 16-yard rush, before he was pulled out and rested.
Girvan threw his first passing touchdown late in the first to Andrew Korea. Korea, who is a key component of the defense as a linebacker, got a rare offensive opportunity lined up at tight end. He was left wide open in the endzone for an 18-yard touchdown reception. After a good PAT from Ty Goldsbury, the Wildcats were already up 24-0.
Korea felt that the Wildcats' domination was fueled by last week’s loss.
“We tried to make a statement,” he said after the game. “We knew we had to bounce back hard after last week. We needed this.”
Girvan threw his other two touchdowns in the second. First, Girvan dished one to Kyle Pinkham on a screen pass for a 54-yard touchdown. On their next drive, the Wildcats ran a very similar play to Mason Holbrook, who took one to the house for 80 yards, recording his second touchdown of the night.
Overall, Los Gatos looked sharp, energized, and hungry for a big win. Unfortunately for Santa Clara, the Bruins were on the receiving end of their fury.
“During the week, everybody was uptight and angry,” reflected Los Gatos head coach Mark Krail. “But I told the guys to put last week behind us and just go out and have fun.”
Los Gatos will look to carry this energy into their away matchup against Fremont (1-5) next friday. Santa Clara will take on Mountain View (5-1) at home, who just took their first loss to Wilcox last night.
