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Gerhart has carried a load, and then some

By: MIKE BESACK - For The Californian | Wednesday, December 7, 2005 11:10 PM PST ∞

Norco's Tony Gerhart lived up to his billing as an unstoppable running back often breaking more than one tackle during his runs.
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Little can be said about Norco running back Toby Gerhart that his actions haven't already shouted out. In Friday's SS CIF-Southern Section Division V championship game, Temescal Canyon will face the state's all-time rushing leader, the Gatorade State Player of the Year and the subject of a recruiting street fight between Stanford and UCLA for next year's services.

The game also marks his third-straight attempt at a CIF title after being turned away in the last two championship games. So, he's motivated, too.

If Titans fans aren't already familiar with the most prolific running back in state history, here's an idea of how tonight's game will go: Visiting Temescal Canyon will stack the line of scrimmage with eight or nine bodies on every down to stop Gerhart, and every eye in the stadium will be trained on No. 7, on every Norco offensive play.

Gerhart will get the ball 80 percent of time. And that completes Norco Football 101.

Gerhart became the state's all-time leading rusher in Week 10 this season when he finished the Cougars' 22-15 victory over Corona with 8,632 career yards, wiping out the four-year-old record of 8,495 yards held by Lorenzo Booker of Ventura St. Bonaventure. Going into tonight's game, with three more playoff games to help his total, he's got 9,411.

So far this year, the senior has averaged 230 yards per game, compiled 2,982 total rushing yards and scored 35 touchdowns ---- including a six-touchdown performance against Corona Centennial. He's strong, fast and averages almost 11 yards every time he carries the ball. And the tougher the competition, the more carries he gets.

"I think I've probably held him back a bit," said Norco coach Todd Gerhart ---- Toby's father --- who took over longtime coach Gary Campbell two years ago. "I might have been a little protective of Toby.

"Another coach would have let him go a lot more."

Both Gerharts consider 12-1 Temescal Canyon to be tough competition, so on Friday, dad is going to let his son go a lot more.

"As the season has progressed, I've gotten more carries," said Toby, who averaged 13 carries per game during the season's first five games, and just 21 for the season. "Other teams might have had me go for more. In the big games, I've carried 35 to 40 times. It takes a toll on your body. I'm glad I've been paced throughout the season, and my body has held up so far."

Norco's offensive line has done its part, too. Gerhart runs behind 1,300 pounds of linemen he describes as "big, tall and thick." Among them is his brother, Garth, the center, who weighs just a tad below 300 pounds. The entire line averages 6-foot-2 in height and 260 pounds.

"They're phenomenal," he says. "And they're all fast. Their ability to get off on the linebackers and make blocks downfield is one of their greatest attributes."

Norco (12-1) averages nearly 40 points per game. When Gerhart's number isn't called, the ball goes to quarterback Josh Foley or running back Kirk Philbrook, who has been slowed since getting hurt in the Corona game.

Make no mistake, though ---- everyone's looking at that No. 7.

"It's a challenge, and I like it," Toby said. "It's been a great season and the accolades have been amazing. One thing I don't have, though, is a ring. It would be the best way to end a high school career."

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Pre-Registration Comments[-]Go to Top

Titan Fan wrote on Dec 8, 2005 5:18 AM:No doubt that Toby is an amazing player. All eyes are focused on him and yes...everyone will be looking at #7 Friday night. However, the Titans have come this far because they play with "HEART." The majority of this team has been patience and it's time for the rookie team to "RISE & SHINE!" It would be nice to see the biggest upset of the year. Nobody expected our boys to come this far and they are ready to win.

Titan Fan wrote on Dec 8, 2005 8:01 AM:NUMBER #7...WOW what nice things were written about Toby and I bet well deserved. Yet we must remember it takes a TEAM to win! I have attended several games and noticed one thing a about "THE TITANS" they are like brothers to each other and that speaks volumes on the field and off the field. One must never under estimate the smaller of the two. For it has been known the bigger they are the harder they fall. Norco's average 6'2 amazing you know what comes to mind" David and Goliath" and we all know how that story ends. I can't wait until Friday to see the outcome! GO TITANS!

football fan wrote on Dec 8, 2005 10:09 AM:Nice story on Gerhart. TC's going to have their hands full Friday. I think No. 7 will run for 400 yards on them....All those yards on just 21 carries a game? (or fewer) What a stud.

carmen lambaren wrote on Dec 8, 2005 12:37 PM:Theres no I in team, and theres no doubt that this is Norcos game plan. Handing the ball to Toby Gerhart (#7) 80% of the time will definetly not win the game. Remember it takes a team to win and the TITANS have definetly risen to the top thanks to all the team work. Many have put them down, but in every outcome they have proven to be #1..... and we will see this friday night. GO TITANS

Steve-O wrote on Dec 8, 2005 2:24 PM:Norco deserves credit for being so up front about their plans. They don�t care if the world knows that Gerhart is going to carry 80% of the time. Temescal Canyon still has to stop him and no one has been able to do it so far.

Adam wrote on Dec 8, 2005 2:56 PM:Uh, it looks like Norco can rely on one guy and will. The third time will be the charm for Toby and the Cougars this year.

jerry from temecula wrote on Dec 8, 2005 4:54 PM:I've been in love with this kid's game ever since he destroyed temecula chapparal in a playoff game (2) years ago as sophomore. However, if temescal stacks the line with 8 or 9 guys........ he may have a long nite. Temecula Valley did this and he wasn't his usual dangerous self. Norco must mix it up to keep temescal somewhat honest. ironically, by doing this Toby could run for even more yards than normal. He's quite a spectacle to watch. What's so phenomenal about him is that every time he touches the ball........he could break it wide open. I've never seen a more dangerous runner than him

Johnny G. wrote on Dec 8, 2005 10:52 PM:All I have to say is, if my son was held back a year in Jr. High like Toby was...and my dad was my coach...I am sure I would have a good amount of success...Come on people who are we kidding...yes, he is a great player no doubt about that...but in reality he is a Freshman in College Playing against High School kids..Think about it.

Norco Fan wrote on Dec 9, 2005 11:04 AM:In reponse to all those who have issues with the fact that Toby was held back a year...get over it. Toby has been amazing his ENTIRE high school career, not just as a senior. Aside from his talent, one must recognize that he has benefited from a great offensive line and the best coaching in high school football. Norco isn't just Toby, Norco is a great TEAM. And as one who knows Toby and all of the Gerharts, he is a great kid from a great family. That shows up not only on the field, but in the classroom as well: Toby is scholastically at the top of his class. We should all just lighten up enjoy the moment and Toby for what he is...a great guy that just happens to be the best high school running back California has ever seen.

Santiago Parent wrote on Dec 9, 2005 12:10 PM:I have watched both Norco play last week against La Sierra, and TC Titans play the last two games against Centennial and Santiago. All I can say is that there is no way (I repear NO WAY) that TC will stop Toby on Friday night. Frankly TC had a great game against Centennial (#40 and the QB were awesome) but didn't get the job done very well against Santiago. The Sharks were in that game the whole time and probably should have/could have won and they don't have the weapons that Norco does. Toby goes off for 350 yards minimum tonight and Norco wins 42-17. Also, lets give some kudos to Norco's OL. Toby's brother is huge at center and will continue on and you will hear things about him too. Good luck TC- you'll need it.

Titan Fan wrote on Dec 9, 2005 1:12 PM:Remember we beat Santiago TWICE...and you LOST to Santiago. We also beat Corona Centennial (just wanted to remind you). Keep under estimating the Titans that will work on our advantage. God Bless the TITANS! "WE ARE TC"

outside looking in wrote on Dec 9, 2005 2:13 PM:Santiago! Santiago! Luck is not what the Titans need they need to beleive in themselves and from the sound of it they do. Sounds like everyone has Temescal loosing and yet the boys believe they can WIN. This game is what will makes these BOYS GREAT MEN. To be challenged and shadowed by a rising star WOW this is better then a GOOD BOOK! TITANS always remember when you are the under dogs just keep your eyes focused and your heart pure. Don't listen to the predictions from what I have read in the local papers Temescal is just lucky to be there! NOT ! Keep your humble hearts for GOD loves a humble heart! My game plan for Temescal Titans is "ASK,BELEIVE,HAVE FAITH & TAKE ACTION" There is nothing you guys can not do. Put your heart and soul into everything you do from this day forward and you'll BE WINNERS! Not only on the field but with your kids & grandkids! GO FOR IT! HAVE FUN! GIVE GLORY WHERE GLORY IS DUE.

Another Norco Fan wrote on Dec 9, 2005 2:34 PM:In case we have all forgotten, the Norco-TC Game will not be played in Cyberspace...it will be won or lost on the field. Instead of all of us talking smack, why don't we all hope for great performances by both teams and a great game? And MAY THE BEST TEAM WIN! We will all know who the best team is about 8 hours from now...

Lori wrote on Dec 9, 2005 2:43 PM:I just wanted to say thank you for the nice article. I also would like to say Good Luck to both teams, you should all be very proud of the success you have achieved this year. It is a very long and tough battle to make it to the finals. God Bless to both teams and may all of you have a safe and exciting game! Norco Fan!

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