There isn’t too much about tonight’s 53rd annual rivalry run-in
between the Gilroy and San Benito football teams that can be
exaggerated.
Some
”
big games
”
tend to be over-hyped and worn out even before the teams take
the field.
No such things can be done in this instance.
There isn’t too much about tonight’s 53rd annual rivalry run-in between the Gilroy and San Benito football teams that can be exaggerated.
Some “big games” tend to be over-hyped and worn out even before the teams take the field.
No such things can be done in this instance.
For the Mustangs (3-5-1, 2-2-1 TCAL), a berth in the Central Coast Section playoffs hinge on this game alone. Sure, they could gain valuable points if Mitty and Palo Alto win their respective leagues, but beating San Benito is the No. 1 priority. At what point their season ends is up to them, and a loss leaves Gilroy’s chances at slim and none.
For the Haybalers (8-1, 4-1 TCAL), the playoffs are already a given, but at least a share of the Tri-County Athletic League crown is still up for grabs — despite a 24-23 loss to Palma last week.
Plus, the VFW Memorial Trophy, given to the winner of tonight’s Prune Bowl to keep until the next installment, is up for grabs. While the Balers look to bury the memories of last year’s 47-0 defeat for good and take back the coveted hardware, GHS surely doesn’t want to relinquish the trophy as it goes for its third consecutive Prune Bowl victory.
The scenarios are perfect and the incentives for both teams should make for an all-out physical, smash-mouth football game.
Fresh off a gritty performance over a talented North Salinas team, the Mustangs put up big numbers on offense and surrendered little on defense in arguably their best game of the year.
There was a sense of urgency that was nowhere to be found in the three games leading up to the win over the Vikings, a string that included drubbings to league opponents Salinas and Palma, and a less-than-desirable tie against Alisal, which could actually end up helping the Mustangs.
Whether the Mustangs can ride that new-found momentum into the hostile environment of Andy Hardin Stadium remains to be seen.
This game has completely different intangibles in relation to recent years. Unlike the previous two meetings, the Mustangs find themselves in the midst of a down year and face the daunting task of defeating one of the TCALs elite squads. The Haybalers were the ones playing spoiler two years in a row, but this year, they want to prevent the Mustangs from dirtying-up their season heading into CCS.
The Balers have the league’s stingiest defense, allowing a meager 69 points in nine games. They have allowed 10 points or less in seven of those nine games, including three shutouts.
Slow starts have been the Mustangs’ Achilles heel this year. If they can shed that deficiency and put up points early against the Balers, they could possibly dictate how many snaps the Balers’ offense takes. A challenge to that is that the Balers have yet to allow a first-quarter point.
The Mustangs were successful in keeping the Vikings off balance last week, simplifying its offense with direct handoffs, while still implementing crafty passing routes.
Balance and ball control will be the key for Gilroy in order to keep the rugged, time-swallowing rush attack of the Balers off the field.
Storylines galore and bragging rights for an entire year; this is going to be good.
——
This is the final match-up between the two schools this decade, with San Benito holding a 6-3 advantage heading into tonight’s clash.
The Balers hold a 29-22-1 edge over the Mustangs since 1956, when the trophy was first awarded.
