Rams open league schedule with 21-17 win at Hartnell
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Gavilan (2-3) | 7 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 21 |
|
Hartnell (0-4) | 10 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 17 |
SALINAS – Quarterback Mason Pound threw a touchdown and ran for another while Mateo Mexican-Rodriguez' interception return for a TD proved to be the game-winner in Gavilan College's 21-17 victory at Hartnell College on Saturday.
The Rams are 1-0 to open their American Golden Coast League schedule and improved to 2-3 overall. The victory marked Gavilan's first over Hartnell since 2010.
Gavilan actual trailed early in the contest, falling behind 10-0 in the first quarter after a Hartnell field goal and 25-yard interception return for a touchdown.
But Pound and the Rams responded, getting on the scoreboard thanks to a 19-yard touchdown pass to Mohamed Diallo with 2:58 to go in the first.
Gavilan went ahead late in the second quarter after Pound snuck in from a yard out with 17 seconds left to take the Rams into halftime with a 14-10 advantage.
The Rams added to the lead in the third when Mexicano-Rodriguez intercepted Hartnell quarterback Dominic Chavez' pass and brought it back 15 yards for the pick-6 touchdown. With the PAT kick, Gavilan built a 21-10 lead.
Hartnell would find the end zone one final time early in the fourth quarter, getting a 2-yard rushing TD from Justin Pascone with 11:43 left to play. But the Rams' defense was able to hold them off the rest of the way to secure the win.
The Rams' defense totaled 4 sacks in the contest. Taku Diamond was in on a sack and had a team-high 10 tackles. Mexican-Rodriguez had a solid game, getting 8 tackles, a sack, as well as the big interception.
Chase Davis, Owen Graham, and Felipe Romero also were credited with sacks. The defense also forced a pair of fumbles.
Pound had an efficient game, completing 12 of 17 passes for 138 yards and a TD. He also ran 16 times for 11 yards and a score. Houstyn Lee-Perry led Gavilan on the ground with 20 carries for 80 yards.
Ja'Roi Hardwick has 5 receptions for 89 yards while Diallo totaled 4 catches for 41 yards and a TD.
Gavilan is back in action next Saturday (Oct. 12) when the Rams host Merced College in a Golden Coast League game. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Christopher High School in Gilroy.