Special to the Town Crier
The football programs at Los Altos and Gunn highs have virtually traveled the same path the last decade. After years of misery, both schools have turned things around the past few seasons with the effective use of the Wing-T offense, solid coaching and a lot of heart.
Last Saturday night, the two teams had zero in common as Gunn drilled Los Altos 41-6 in an SCVAL El Camino Division match-up at Foothill College. The win keeps Gunn (2-0, 4-2) atop the El Camino standings with Santa Clara (3-0, 6-0) and Mountain View (3-0, 4-2), while the loss virtually eliminates Los Altos (0-2, 1-5) from defending its El Camino Division title and returning to the playoffs.
"All you can ask for is to control your own destiny and we're in the driver's seat," said Gunn coach Jeff Remington on his team's position for its first league crown since 1971. "I'm pleased with our defense and happy with the way our offensive line is coming along."
Gunn's biggest obstacle on Saturday was its focus. The Titans had a problem last season of looking ahead to opponents, which cost them their first-ever Central Coast Section playoff appearance. Gunn was also coming off a historic and emotional win over cross-town rival Palo Alto.
After beating Paly for the first time since 1986 on Oct. 8, Gunn showed no signs of a letdown against Los Altos, scoring on its first four possessions en route to a commanding 27-0 halftime lead. Los Altos, which has been hurt by injuries, moved the ball on the Titans, but could never gain any continuity on offense and was pushed off the line of scrimmage defensively.
Gunn senior halfback Curtis Walker scored three first-half touchdowns on runs of 9, 13 and 35 yards and senior fullback Lei Likio added a 4-yard scoring run as Gunn out-gained the Eagles 231 yard to 127 in the first half.
Walker led all rushers in the game with 126 yards and Likio garnered 75 yards on 13 carries.
Los Altos, without its top rusher Verdine Baker (broken collarbone), fell behind early for the fourth time this season and tried to play catch-up through the air. Junior receiver Joe Lucky had an outstanding night for the Eagles, hauling in eight passes for 110 yards.
Gunn plays its homecoming game Friday at 3:15 p.m. against visiting Cupertino (1-2, 1-5). Cupertino dashed Gunn's shot at the postseason a year ago by upsetting the Titans 21-20.
"We owe them one," Remington said.
Los Altos faces Lynbrook (0-3, 1-5) at 7:30 p.m., Friday at Cupertino High.