The first quarter couldn’t have played out more perfectly for
San Benito on Friday against Saratoga in the third game of the 2011
season.
The first quarter couldn’t have played out more perfectly for San Benito on Friday against Saratoga in the third game of the 2011 season.
The Balers used an intense pass rush and a swarming defense to shell shock the Falcons in the first few moments of the game, racing out to a 14-0 lead and an eventual 28-14 win.
The victory was the Balers’ first in the young season.
In what was called a must win by San Benito coaches throughout the week, the Balers were finally able to establish their run game and capitalize on Saratoga mistakes.
And it started early for the Balers.
After losing the coin flip, the Balers forced a Saratoga fumble on the Falcons’ 34-yard line just three plays into the Falcons’ drive.
After picking up a first down on two quick passes from quarterback Michal Bocksnick to tight end Ryan Di Salvo, Bocksnick used his superior speed to put the Balers on top.
On an option play, the quarterback faked a pitch and bolted up the left side of the line to score an easy, untouched 18-yard touchdown.
With a 7-0 lead, the Balers’ defense again struck quickly.
Saratoga quarterback Mitchell Cases tried to push the Falcons down the field, but on the second play of the drive the Balers’ Lionel Munguia stepped in front of a 10-yard pass to give the Balers the ball again.
Eight plays later, Bocksnick was able to lunge in from the one-yard line to give the Balers a commanding 14-0 lead in the first quarter.
On the kickoff, Munguia again forced a turnover – causing and recovering a fumble to give the Balers excellent field position again.
San Benito couldn’t score, however, as the Balers turned the ball over themselves, but as the first quarter expired neither team spent time on San Benito’s side of the field.
The Balers would extend their lead to 28-0 in the third quarter thanks to hard running from Anthony Cervantes and sophomore Damien Botelho, who rushed for a touchdown on 28 yards on eight carries.
Nine players carried the ball for San Benito, combining for 227 yards on the ground.
Through the air, Bocksnick went 9-14 for 115 yards and an interception – most of his damage coming in the first half.
Look for a more complete breakdown of Friday’s game soon
