Gilroy-Soledad football

Central Coast Section Division IV Semifinals
Friday's game
Gilroy (8-3) at Soledad (8-3), 7 p.m.
 There is no place like home, which is where Soledad has been for the last five weeks.
 So when Soledad football coach Frankie Berlanga says it feels like another week, he's sincere as the Aztecs gear up for Gilroy.
 Nevermind that Soledad has never been in this position before. Or the fact that it has never faced the Mustangs in its 18 year existence.
 Bottom line, the Aztecs are home, where they've won seven straight games and are 10-1 over the last two years.
 "I don't think we're overwhelmed by the expectations,'' Berlanga said. "It's just another week. I don't see why anything should change.''
 That mindset catapulted Soledad to its first postseason win last Friday, avenging last year's playoff loss to Silver Creek with a 37-13 decision.
 "Expectations are naturally there,'' Berlanga said. "But we have a lot of confidence in what we are doing. We don't have to talk about it anymore. It kind of speaks for itself.''
 Soledad, who tied the single-season school record for wins last week, has caught fire offensively in its last four games, averaging over 400 yards a game.
 Some of that has to do with quarterback Robbie Santa Ana, who Berlanga inserted into the starting lineup four weeks ago. Last week three of his five completions went for touchdowns.
 "He doesn't make a lot of mistakes,'' Berlanga said. "Offensively, we've come together at a good time of the year.''
 That would include 1,400 plus yard tailback Emmanuel Ortega, who has rushed for over 200 yards in each of his last three games, scoring six touchdowns.
 Still the strength of Soledad is its defense, which has allowed just 102 points through three quarters this year, including a mere nine in the third quarter.
 Daniel Contawe and Andrew Hernandez have put up fantasy type numbers on defense, combining for 27 1/2 sacks and 263 tackles.
 It doesn't hurt having a surrounding cast that includes Luis Nevarrete and his 11 sacks, while Aaron Rodriguez, Kevin Martinez and Angel Olivas all have four interceptions.
 "I don't think we feel a lot of pressure,'' Berlanga said. "We're confident that we're going to perform well.''
 Arguably the best front seven in the Division IV playoffs, Soledad will be tested as Gilroy's Wing-T offense has produced over 3,000 rushing yards. Sophomore Joseph Barnes has nearly 1,500 yards and 22 touchdowns.
 "They run heavy,'' Berlanga said. "They have a quarterback that's a good athlete. The running backs will touch the ball 20 times apiece.''
 Last week Gilroy -- who has won five straight games -- built a 40-0 halftime lead on Gunderson to advance to the semifinals for the first time since 2007.
 "What we pride ourselves on is remaining grounded and humble,'' Berlanga said. "I don't want to magnify the week. It speaks for itself. The only thing I want to magnify is our preparation.''