FORD RANKED SIXTH IN STATE

Tariq Ford, a freshman out of Stellar Prep in Hayward, continued his stellar early season with 93 yards rushing and two touchdowns in Saturday's 37-18 loss to visiting Merced.

Ford was a big positive for Chabot at Mt. Eden High, the Gladiators' temporary home. He also had a reception for 32 yards.

He ranks sixth in the state in rushing with 321 yards, averaging 107.0 per game. He is also tied for sixth in the state in scoring with 30 points on five touchdowns.

The young Glads (1-2) were led on defense by Leki Vaka (8 tackles, 3 assists), Salesi Moana (7 tackles, 2 assists), Esaia Vavao (5 tackles, 2 assists, sack), and Gerardo Zavala-Rangel (6 tackles, 1 assist).

Elijah Ferrell-Ayers sparked the Glads with an 89-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the second quarter, cutting the deficit to 13-6. During a crushing early sequence, Merced's Diego Ulteras returned an interception 99 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter in what amounted to a 14-point swing.

Ford had touchdown runs of 9 yards and 2 yards in the second half.

Chabot will travel to Coalinga (1-2) on Saturday, Sept. 20. Kickoff is 1 p.m. Coalinga is coming off its first win of the season over San Joaquin Delta, 28-21. QB Justin Delzeit keyed the effort, completing 18 of 29 passes for 273 yards and 3 TDs.