The Coast Conference does not begin football play for another month, yet Saturday's 7 p.m. meeting between the host Cabrillo Seahawks and the Gavilan Rams will seem just like another typical league showdown.
Cabrillo was moved into the Golden Gate Conference this year following a Coast Conference title in 2007. Fortunately for the long-time rivals, the Rams were slotted to play Cabrillo as one of the school's five non-conference opponents.
"It's a great rivalry," said Gavilan coach John Lango.
The teams have split the eight meetings involving Lango as head coach.
"Cabrillo is traditionally a very physical team," the Rams' coach added. "Offensively, they give you a lot of different looks.
Nick Wanner has passed for 324 yards in the Seahawks' 0-2 start.
On offense, Gavilan (1-1) will need to avoid Seahawks safety Taylor West. The sophomore had two interceptions in a 13-9 loss to Monterey Peninsula College and leads the team in tackles.
Cabrillo coach Bill Garrison said his team will have its own hands full on defense.
"Gavilan is an extremely physical team with great speed on the edges," said the third-year Seahawks coach.
"Gavilan has two or three quality running backs who can control the game, yet they can use play action to stretch the defense," added Garrison.
After losing 21-14 to American River last week, Lango is looking for a greater sense of urgency from his club.
"We need to be more disciplined, finish and focus," he said.
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