APTOS — Cabrillo College used a balanced attack on offense and timely playmaking on defense to secure its first victory of the season Saturday night, defeating nonconference opponent Gavilan 20-13.

The Seahawks (1-2) had to come from behind early, as Gavilan put together a 16-play, 73-yard drive that culminated in a 1-yard touchdown pass from Nick Kalantari to Victor Sapp. But the Seahawks answered back by scoring on three of their first four possessions.

Dimarco Haskins rushed for 51 yards on 12 carries for Cabrillo as the ’Hawks’ running backs combined for 140 yards on the ground. Quarterback Nick Wanner rushed for two 1-yard touchdowns, and kicker Phillip Bliss connected on field goals from 22 and 42 yards out.

Wanner finished 13-of-23 passing for 125 yards, and didn’t throw any interceptions. Nick Johnson led Cabrillo’s receivers with 41 yards on six receptions.

The Rams (1-2) threatened late, but the Cabrillo defense, led by linebacker Scott Pavlina, snuffed out two fourth-quarter drives. First, he came up with a 7-yard sack on 3rd-and-11, and later found the quarterback again for an 11-yard sack on a Gavilan 3rd-and-11 at the Cabrillo 45-yard line. The Rams were unable to convert on the ensuing 4th-and-22, and turned the ball over on downs, enabling Wanner and the offense to run out the remaining 1:24 on the clock.

The Seahawks’ defense was also led by hard-hitting defensive back Taylor West, who led the team 17 tackles, including 12 solo tackles.

Cabrillo was coming off back-to-back loses to defending state juco champion San Francisco City College and rival Monterey Peninsula College. The Seahawks hope to keep the momentum going Saturday, when they will face nonleague rival Hartnell College in Salinas at 7 p.m.



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(Published on Sept. 22, 2008)

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