Special to the Town Crier
On a cold Saturday night in Redwood City, the Gunn High football team had its dream of a Central Coast Section title dashed.
Yet, the Titans had a tremendous season that saw them accomplish goals and build a firm foundation for the future.
No. 7 Gunn (7-4), making its first-ever CCS appearance, lost to No. 2 Woodside 24-6 in the opening-round of the Division II playoffs at Sequoia High. Gunn's four losses this season were all to schools ranked in the top-15 of CCS.
"It was a fabulous year and we made the playoffs with the idea we would win," said Gunn coach Jeff Remington, who led the Titans to their best season since 1971. "I didn't think people would have thought we would turn things around in three years. I have a lot of respect for our kids."
The Titans produced one of the best stories in the section by not only making the playoffs, but by beating rival Palo Alto for the first time in 13 years and recording their best record in 28 years.
Although Gunn didn't meet the goal of winning its first league crown in 28 years and a CCS championship, Remington feels that will give his program motivation for next year.
"Gunn will be back in the playoffs next year," Remington said. "We'll keep progressing."
Gunn played even with the heavily favored Wildcats last Saturday, but damaged its upset bid with four turnovers and by never gaining any continuity on offense.
The Titans' defense produced a strong effort, holding Woodside to just 268 yards of offense and 11 points under its season average.
With Woodside leading 3-0 at half, the Wildcats added a pair of third-quarter touchdown passes for a 17-0 advantage.
Gunn tallied its only score on a 58-yard touchdown run from junior Lewis Christian, who tallied 56 of Gunn's 203 yards rushing.
Next season, Gunn will be one of the favorites to win the SCVAL El Camino Division and will no doubt use the 1999 campaign as momentum and a confidence builder in hopes of a return trip to the CCS playoffs.