GONZALES — After starting the season with four straight road games, the Gonzales Spartans will finally be able to show off their new scoreboard this Friday when they host the Harbor Pirates.
The Pirates started their season 2-0, but since then, they have dropped their last two games.
So far, this season hasn’t been kind to the Spartans, as they are 0-4 to start.
If you’re looking for a moral victory, Gonzales has been competitive in three of their four games. The last time the Spartans won a game was back on Nov. 8, 2019, when they beat North Monterey County.
The good news for the Spartans is that the second half of their season starts Friday when league play begins, and Santa Lucia Division is wide open. The last Spartans team that played in the Santa Lucia Division were the champions.
Friday, Sept. 23
Harbor Pirates (2-2) vs. Gonzales Spartans (0-4)
7:30 p.m. at Gonzales High
HARBOR PIRATES
What We Know: In their first game of the season against Harker, the Pirates scored 44 points. So when they are running the ball, this offense can put up some points. The defense in three of their four games have given up 21 points or more. In their last game against North Monterey County, they gave up a season high 34 points.
Players to Watch: Jeovany Linares, in two of their wins, has been Harbor’s main running back. In the win against James Lick, he rushed for 100 yards.
GONZALES SPARTANS
What We Know: When watching the Spartans this year, you can see the weapons that they have can play with anyone. But one of the main concerns is that the offense only scored 14 points in back-to-back games. The defense played way better last week against Soledad. They played physically and were able to hold down the Aztecs passing game.
Players to Watch: Jose Viorato leads Gonzales in sacks with three. Champ Flores, who is one of the top backs in the PCAL, has rushed for 526 yards this season. Eli Cisneros is one of the team leaders in tackles this season, and Ferris Vitali has two interceptions this season.
Prediction (5-0): If Gonzales is going to be a title contender, Friday is a must win. They have lost 13 straight games, and on Friday that streak stops. The Spartans have a great shot to hang a banner and they will show why on Friday. Gonzales beats Harbor — 34-14.
