Thirteen San Benito athletes are representing the Central Coast
Section Division II runner-up on the All-TCAL team.
”
It is a great thing to have that many guys selected,
”
said Baler coach Chris Cameron.
”
It is a great testament to how hard they work over the offseason
with the camps and training we had. There are always a couple
others that could be added to the team, but I am happy with the
guys selected.
”
Whenever the Balers needed the clutch big play, they usually
went to No. 17 – Ken Romero.
Thirteen San Benito athletes are representing the Central Coast Section Division II runner-up on the All-TCAL team.
“It is a great thing to have that many guys selected,” said Baler coach Chris Cameron. “It is a great testament to how hard they work over the offseason with the camps and training we had. There are always a couple others that could be added to the team, but I am happy with the guys selected.”
Whenever the Balers needed the clutch big play, they usually went to No. 17 – Ken Romero.
“He really came into his own and blossomed into a fine player,” Cameron said. “He put on 15 to 20 pounds from last season and made numerous big plays for us.”
Linebacker Anthony Vasquez was sent down to the JV team last year and then was recalled after about the fifth game, Cameron said.
“He started for us from then on,” Cameron said. “He had a good year this year, picking up where he left off last year. We knew he was going to have a good year this year because of the hard work he put in at the camps.”
Phil Leonard and Ty Doty, who play side by side at left tackle and left guard, and Jon Lopez were the three Baler offensive linemen selected.
Leonard was also voted as the most valuable lineman in the league.
Doty has been a starter the past two years.
“He has been a real solid football player for us,” Cameron said. “He is a leader on the team and has been very dominating. Those guys played hard every single down they were on the field.”
Lopez, a two-year starter, was selected to the Second Team on offense for his guard work.
“With the linemen we had, we were able to open up some sizeable holes for our backs,” Cameron said. “We ran the sweep a lot this year. Those guys really got that going.”
One of those backs who is able to turn it up quickly is Nick Bailey.
“Of all the guys, he probably came the farthest of any of them,” Cameron said. “He came a long ways and became a complete football player. He was able to run the ball and block extremely well at the point of attack. Not only did he do his job, but he understood the entire offensive package and was able to do some stuff without being told.”
Another running back the Balers relied on heavily was Chris Brigantino.
Brigantino, a fullback, was with the Balers as a sophomore last year and worked himself into the starting lineup.
“We really saw him mature a lot this year,” Cameron said. “He decided to assert himself. He could run the ball well and did a good job picking up the blitzes.”
John Lango made the most of his dad John’s football expertise as the Gavilan College coach. Lango was selected to the First Team on defense and was also nominated to the All-Mercury News First Team as well.
“He decided he would be a team leader,” Cameron said. “He worked hard in the offseason and got serious about what was going on. He had a great season for us with about 60 tackles and six sacks. To be able to do those types of things at nose guard when you are always being doubled up isn’t easy.”
Jake Buzzetta anchored the secondary for the Balers. He received the team most valuable defensive award for his efforts and was selected to the All-Mercury News Second Team also.
“He had to make a lot of the calls and had to get us in the right formations,” Cameron said. “On top of those things, he was one of the leading tacklers on the team.”
Chris Uribe was selected to the second team on defense for his versatility.
“He plays in the secondary. He plays receiver and runs back kicks,” Cameron said. “He has been a strong leader for us.”
Defensive lineman Tony Hernandez was selected to the Second Team for his hard work.
“In addition to his workout, one thing that helped him out was the experience he received in the summer camps,” Cameron said. “He got a whole lot better at seeing things and reacting to things.”
Jeff Hawks, who is attending his oldest brother Mike’s wedding in Utah, led the team in interceptions.
“He is extremely intelligent and is a hard worker,” Cameron said. “He is not the biggest guy on the field, but he plays pretty big. Of the three Hawks to play for the team, he has probably made the biggest impact in his junior year.”
Hawks, Vasquez, Diaz and Brigantino are the only four All-TCAL picks who will be back next year for the Balers. The team will have a tough task replacing the seniors for another run at the CCS title.
