Gators look to bounce back against rival Wolves
No team wants to be blown out right before the start of league play.
But for Green Valley’s football team, the timing might not have been that bad, because the Gators (2-3) should have no problem getting motivated for today’s 7 p.m. home game against rival Basic (4-1).
“Last week was rough,” Green Valley coach Brian Castro said of his team’s 51-17 loss to Liberty. “But it’s a new week and a new challenge. And our kids have got to get excited. If they can’t get excited for the Henderson Bowl, I don’t know what they can get excited for.”
The Henderson Bowl may not be the area’s oldest rivalry, but it’s become one of the most intense and most competitive. Six of the past 10 meetings have been decided by seven points or fewer.
“Hopefully our kids realize the opportunity they have,” Castro said. “It is a big game and an important rivalry, and it’s been close games every year. It’s certainly fun to be a part of.”
Castro’s players seem like they’re ready for the challenge.
“It’s really exciting just because they’re such a big rival,” Green Valley senior wide receiver Brayon Williams said. “The whole week is just full of a lot of energy.”
That energy might be multiplied as Green Valley celebrates its 25th year of existence. It also is homecoming for the Gators, who have a 15-9 edge in the series with Basic.
“It’s league play, it’s homecoming, there’s a lot of things going on,” Castro said. “It’s a big anniversary of the school and things like that. There’s a lot going on, but at the end of the day, we’ve got to focus on what’s going on on the field.”
Green Valley junior linebacker Chance Faitau is happy to be a part of the rivalry on the Green Valley side after transferring from Basic.
“It’s very exciting going up against my former teammates from last year,” Faitau said. “It’s going to be a good game. They’re a good football team; we’re a good football team. Let’s just make the best man win.”
The sixth-ranked Wolves should offer a big test for a Green Valley defense that is reeling after giving up 51 first-half points against Liberty last week. Basic has scored 31 or more points in four of its five games, and the Wolves aren’t easy to defend. Ten players have rushed for a touchdown this season for Basic, and three have caught TD passes.
“They make you cover the whole field, and you can’t fall asleep on one guy, because they’ll find him and they’ll make you pay for it,” Castro said.
Williams said the loss to Liberty might have been a wake-up call for the ninth-ranked Gators.
“I honestly think we needed that, because a lot of people got a little cocky and overconfident,” Williams said. “It’s time to bounce back.”
And a win over Basic to start Southeast League play could signal a turnaround for the Gators.
“It’s very important, especially with our record right now,” Williams said. “If we get the win, I think it could set us on the right track.”
— Contact prep sports editor Damon Seiters at 702-380-4587 or dseiters@reviewjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter: @DamonSeiters.
