Get use to it.
The Padres don't have the size to match up against programs that are more physical. And that is the Gabilan Division.
So it turned last Friday's 69-61 non-league loss at Templeton into a track meet -- arguably the most entertaining game in the state.
Will that be a recipe for success in the Gabilan Division?
Templeton was coming off a 3-7 season -- and three consecutive losing seasons. Granted it's a better program this spring by its 2-0 start.
However, let's not pretend this is a surprise. Those on the board who forced Carmel into the Gabilan Division this fall strictly based on its past maybe didn't do their homework.
Because where is the equity when a team with 51 players in its entire program will be facing teams in a league with 50 plus players on their varsity roster?
The deficiencies Carmel displayed on defense start with its depth. Templeton wore them down with 541 of their 722 offensive yards coming on the ground.
No question there are playmakers on the Padres offense. Quarterback Kai Lee doesn't always get the attention he deserves, accounting for over 500 yards and five touchdowns last week.
That being said, I just don't see this type of game plan working in the Gabilan Division. Then again, what other option does an undermanned, yet prideful program have?
John Devine has been writing about high school sports in Monterey County since, well, practically since he was an athlete at King City in the days just after leather helmets. In PrepNation, John has even more in-depth analysis of the latest results and news he's brought to you in The Herald and in his weekly videos.
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4 comments:
Couldn't agree more with Divine's assessment of what the Padres are in for. The team CHS fielded last year was more competitive on defense, and had the depth and overall numbers to compete with most local High Schools, regardless of the Division. That does not happen very often in Carmel. CHS has 850 students, half of which are girls. That puts the program at a serious dis-advantage with most all of the Gabilan Division High Schools, with enrollments ranging from 1600 to upwards of 3,000 students (Palma being the exception). Skill position players on offense are one thing....but there is no answer for Big Lineman on both sides of the ball. Size, and the other critical factor is Depth. Those players coming off of the bench are critical to giving the starters a rest. Many of them are not far behind the starting lineup in terms of talent, and are ready and fresh.
An argument can be made that the Padres are getting what they deserve. They have been dominant for some time in a conference that has not matched up well with CHS. My concern is that, given the disparity of size and depth, there is a high probability that someone will get hurt....with few on board to back up the position. CHS is not the only team that may be mis-placed in the equity league. Scores are one thing. School size is another. With participation numbers in high School football declining due to serious injury probability, we need to continue to find a solution that addresses program success...but also includes the potential for injury in the equation. High School enrollment data (with the exception of Private Schools) is a significant factor
Gilroy has the biggest gripe at being forced to be in Gabilan, not Carmel. If you want to complain about something complain about the fact that the Gabilan has 8 schools when it should have 6. Singling out Carmel as If them being put in the Gabilan is any more of a travesty then Any other school outside the “big 4” is just dumb.
Gilroy High- 1600+ enrollment. I think you missed the point...
@some guy.... Your comment about Gilroy compared to Carmel is so unbelievable laughable... I'm hesitant to even leave this comment in regards to your trash....
But I will anyway...
Hey some guy... GILROYS SENIOR CLASS IS BIGGER THAN ALL OF THE MALE STUDENTS AT VARMEL HIGH SCHOOL COMBINED... let alone just the ones that play football...
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