The Chabot Gladiators kicked off their season with a tough Week 1 loss at Hartnell, falling 21–14. Despite solid special teams play and a late interception, the offense struggled to finish drives, setting the tone for a challenging start.
Week 2: “They Can’t Mess With Us” Chabot Bounces Back in Thriller Over Cabrillo
On a hot Saturday afternoon, the Glads came out swinging and found redemption in a gritty 20–15 win over Cabrillo. Running back Tariq Ford exploded for 183 yards and two touchdowns, including a 25-yard burst that put Chabot up 20–0. The defense came alive with three interceptions from Kali Moa, Shukoku Seida, and Leki Vaka, holding Cabrillo to just 49 rushing yards. Chabot dominated time of possession and racked up 287 rushing yards, with Isaiah Limcolioc adding 67 yards and a score. Special teams contributed with a blocked kick and strategic punts from Jacob Lewis. Cabrillo made a late push, but Chabot’s defense sealed the win.
Week 3: Chabot Falls to Merced, Eyes Week Four Bounce Back
Chabot suffered a 37–18 loss to Merced. The game opened with a 99-yard pick-six by Diego Ulteras, stunning the crowd. Elijah Ferrell-Ayers returned a kickoff 89 yards for a touchdown, and Tariq Ford added 93 rushing yards and two scores. Quarterback Christian Rapis threw for 125 yards but was intercepted and sacked twice. Jamir Collier had a 40-yard reception, but the offense converted only 3 of 11 third downs. Isaiah Limcolioc emphasized the need for more offensive energy and execution, looking ahead to Week 4 against Coalinga.
Week 4: Gladiators Fall Short in Coalinga 28–7
Chabot hit the road hoping, to rebound, but fell 28–7 to Coalinga. Isaiah Limcolioc sparked life with a 68-yard touchdown run, finishing with 73 yards on two carries. The offense struggled again, converting just 2 of 13 third downs. Rapis and Daniel Parsons combined for 102 passing yards, with Jalen Frenchwood leading the receivers. Tariq Ford rushed for 63 yards on 21 attempts. Defensively, Salesi Moala and Gerardo Zavala Rangel led with 9 and 8 tackles, while Vavao and Sporleder recorded sacks, and Moa snagged another pick. Special teams had moments, but field position wasn’t enough.
Week 5: Gladiators Blown Out by De Anza 44–10
Chabot fell hard to the undefeated De Anza Mountain Lions. Chris Butler opened the game with an 80-yard kickoff return touchdown. Tariq Ford responded with a 57-yard score, but De Anza took control. Quarterback Yan Arias stepped in but faced relentless pressure, throwing two interceptions and getting sacked multiple times. Ian Kirby led De Anza with 213 passing yards and three touchdowns. Chabot had nearly 36 minutes of possession but couldn’t convert in the red zone. Trevaughn Bailey had an interception return, but the defense was on the field too long. Nine punts told the story, and despite Ford’s 90 rushing yards, execution was lacking.
Midseason Outlook,
Through five weeks, Tariq Ford has been the offensive heartbeat. Defensive standouts like Moa, Seida, Vaka, and Bailey have kept the fight alive. Wide receiver Jamir Collier, reflecting on the season, he acknowledged the big growing pains of a mainly freshman squad and coaching staff but remained optimistic, “We’re going to go out and get those mistakes taken care of so we can go ball.” He praised Yan Arias for stepping up at quarterback and expressed confidence in the rotation. On working with Ford, Collier said, “It’s great to have somebody like that. Offensively, it opens up the field for the rest of us.” He also emphasized the importance of line development and team chemistry to unlock more opportunities for receivers like himself.
To the fans, Collier had one message: “Just stay with us, these conference games coming up right now matter the most. We still have plenty of bowl game opportunities.”
As Chabot is getting off their bye week at 1–4, the team faces a critical juncture. The quarterback situation remains unsettled, and the offensive line must improve protection to give playmakers like Ford and Arias the chance to succeed. The defense’s resilience is clear, but sustained offensive execution will be key to turning the season around. The heart and grit are there. Now it’s time for results. GO GLADS!!!!!!
