GILROY >> If there had been any lingering concerns for Monterey Peninsula College in its run at perfection, it’s been a lack of urgency on the road.

The Lobos have had to come from behind in each of their three previous road games this season — twice in the second half. That wasn’t the case Saturday, as MPC dominated from the start in its 64-13 win over Gavilan at Gilroy High.

“It was fun to see us come together and have some big explosive plays early,” MPC coach Ronnie Palmer said. “It’s been a challenge on the road. Today we started off very fast.”

Palmer doesn’t show a lot of emotion and is cautious with his words. Yet, the bus ride home Saturday was relaxing. The Lobos, who have a bye, will now have a week off to recharge.

Saturday, MPC used four touchdowns from Devin Ellison to help improve its record to 7-0. Owners of three straight American Golden Coast Conference titles, the Lobos are 18-1 over the past four years in conference play.

MPC, which went into the game ranked No. 5 in the state in scoring, will likely climb a spot or two in the state rankings after producing 60 plus points for the second time this year — 72 in a win over Chabot.

“We had some great moments in all three phases of the game,” Palmer said. “We scored on all three phases, which is always fun.”

The Lobos, who suited up just 48 players, will use the bye week to heal up for their final three games, starting with Hartnell in two weeks for the Presidents Cup.

“The top thing on our list during the bye is to get healthy,” Palmer said. “I like our 48. But it would be nice to get closer to 50. We’ve got some guys we hope to have back soon.”

Dating back to last year, MPC has won 12 straight regular-season games and nine straight conference battles.

Ellison, who came into the game leading the state in touchdown catches with six, now has nine on the season after hauling in three against Gavilan.

“Devin had a day,” Palmer said. “He didn’t get many chances. But he did something with the ball when he had it in his hands.”

That includes an 88-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, his second of the season for MPC, which is averaging 39.2 points a game.

Eric Gibson tossed three touchdowns for MPC, while Miekael Brooker had a scoring toss and rushed for a touchdown.

As explosive as the passing game has been, tailback Kieryus Boone quietly leads the state in rushing yards per game for MPC, going over the century mark for the sixth time this season.

“There are some phases of our game that we’re on point with our expectations,” Palmer said. “I think we have stayed true for the most part. I like our quality. But the attrition part concerns me. I never thought I’d have an active roster of just 48 kids.”

And while the Lobos depth is being tested, there’s been little dropoff with production either on offense or defense.

That was evident up front where Seaside graduate Taylor Rice made his first start, recording a sack in the first half.

For the fourth time this year, MPC held an opponent under 20 points, as Monterey grad Jaki Thomas returned an interception for a touchdown.

The Lobos, who came into the game with 22 turnovers, have 18 interceptions this season.

As Maurice Mathis had his second pick in as many weeks adding to a great season.

Complacency is not a concern for Palmer, whose final three opponents are a combined 4-16 this season.

“These last three games are not tune-ups for a bowl game,” Palmer said. “Every game is the next big game. That starts with our rival down Highway 68. I don’t put any stock into their (Hartnell’s) record.

I will miss seeing Matt Collins (retired Hartnell coach) screaming across the other side.”

Cabrillo 38, Hartnell 7

The Panthers are still seeking an idenity on offense, falling to 1-6 on the season after succumbing to rival Cabrillo.

Hartnell has failed to score 18 or more points in all six losses this year, with the seven points being a season-low.

Rancho San Juan graduate Peyton Hatten went over 300 yards rushing on 34 carries for the second straight year for Cabrillo, scoring two touchdowns.

Qaiyon Prioleau’s 78-yard touchdown run with 1:25 left in the game kept the Panthers from being shutout.

Dominic Chavez threw for 237 yards for Hartnell, while former Soledad teammate Victor Ruano caught seven passes and Isiah Hernandez four.

Elijah Perkins, who had four interceptions in his last two games, led the Panthers with eight tackles.

Christopher Phillips finished with six tackles.

Hartnell, which has a bye next week, will travel to rival MPC on Nov. 9.