The San Benito Haybalers can now officially look toward next
week’s Prune Bowl matchup against Gilroy.
The San Benito Haybalers can now officially look toward next week’s Prune Bowl matchup against Gilroy.
Hanging on ever so slightly to a possible playoff berth, the ‘Balers needed to defeat the Cowboys to remain in contention, and all week coaches told their players not to look past the host Cowboys.
If Friday night’s game in Salinas was any indicator, the ‘Balers most certainly didn’t.
Quarterback Ronnie Fhurong threw for 223 yards and two touchdowns and ran for another score as the ‘Balers trounced Salinas at The Pit 24-7.
San Benito compiled 348 yards of offense, and put 24 points up on the scoreboard before the Cowboys found pay dirt with less than two minutes in the game.
Afterward, both players and coaches said they were well prepared for what Salinas brought Friday night.
“This game was crucial. If we lost, we were out,” Fhurong said. “It was a win-lose situation, and we were well prepared for this game.”
Coach Chris Cameron said the ‘Baler offense executed better and the line gave Fhurong protection, despite pressure from Salinas’ strong safety throughout the game.
“We played our best football game of the season, kind of like what I was hoping for early in the season, but better late than never,” Cameron said. “We got what we expected out of [Salinas] … Basically, what we were practicing all week.”
The protection the offensive line supplied was good enough that Fhurong completed his first eight passes of the game, and finished 8 of 10 in the first half.
After a scoreless first quarter, Fhurong scrambled left on the first play of the second quarter and found a streaking Zach Canez, who hauled in a 39-yard touchdown pass in double coverage. Canez had his strongest receiving game of the season, catching five balls for 125 yards.
“For the last however many weeks, we haven’t been putting up that many points,” Canez said. “It’s a challenge. Ronnie says, ‘I want 24 points,’ and we got it today. He basically challenged our offense.”
The point after from Gus Silva was blocked after the spot of the ball was brought back due to a celebration penalty on the ‘Balers.
Later in the second, Fhurong turned a broken play into gold, after scrambling right and seeing a slew of Salinas players only to scramble left and find the end zone from three yards out. The ‘Balers went for two and Fhurong hit Canez, who tippy-toed in the back of the end zone for the conversion.
“We’ve been working all week – getting down our timing, getting down our routes,” Canez said. “[Fhurong] has been checking down all the receivers and sharing the wealth.”
After Canez’ five-catch night, Miles Sanchez caught three passes for 40 yards, Anthony Padilla caught one ball for 14 yards and Evan McFadden snagged three passes for 44 yards.
At the start of the third quarter, McFadden caught a 26-yard touchdown pass as well, and Silva split the uprights to put San Benito up 21-0.
After the game, McFadden commented on the passing attack the ‘Balers brought Friday night.
“The line was blocking real good, and Ronnie Fhurong was on target and just the atmosphere was a lot better,” McFadden said.
Silva would add a 35-yard field goal to put San Benito up 24-0, while Salinas scored their lone touchdown when quarterback Michael Sisson hit Nick Magdaleno on a 1-yard pass.
Not to be outdone, the ‘Baler defense allowed just 183 yards, and forced three turnovers, all interceptions. In fact, the three interceptions – picked off by Christian Maravilla, Marty Bueno and McFadden – came on three consecutive passes from Sisson.
“We played another good game again defensively and we didn’t give up anything on special teams,” Cameron said. “We kept them off the field.”
San Benito raises its record to 3-2 in the Tri-County Athletic League, the first time they’ve been above .500 since their league-opening victory at Everett Alvarez.
According to McFadden, the team’s motto is “four more weeks,” weeks that include next Friday’s matchup at home to Gilroy, as well as three addition weeks of playoffs. With a win in the Prune Bowl, the ‘Balers will certainly make it interesting.
“If we can win this game, we have a chance to go to the playoffs,” McFadded added.
The ‘Balers have owned the Prune Bowl trophy for five years now, but they’ll have to defend it against the Mustangs who will own at least a share of the TCAL crown after their 35-14 win against North Salinas Friday.
With a win over San Benito, Gilroy will claim the TCAL outright for the first time since 1981.
“Everyone wants to keep the trophy at home,” Canez said.
Added Cameron, “It’s the only thing left on the radar right now.”
JV Note: The San Benito junior varsity squad fell to the Salinas Cowboys Friday 26-16. More details will be printed in Tuesday’s edition of the Free Lance.
Frosh Note: The San Benito freshmen football team fell to undefeated Salinas on Thursday night 28-12.
The frosh Cowboys hold a 9-0 record, and coach Randy Logue said they are likely the top freshmen team in the area.
“But the kids played hard,” Logue said. “We were battling them at the end, so I was proud of the way the kids played. We ran into a superior opponent.”
Logue described the length of some of Salinas’ players, describing the Cowboys’ tight end and outside linebacker to be close to 6-foot-8 and 6-foot-4, respectively.
“They were tough,” the coach added. “I can see why they’ve beaten everyone so far.”
The Haybalers didn’t go quietly, however, as quarterback Tyler Decker hit Eric Elayda for a 25-yard touchdown pass. The two-point conversion failed, though.
Later, Nathan Castro found the end zone on a 3-yard rushing touchdown, but the two-point failed again.
Logue also commented on four “beautiful” catches made by Isaac Navarette, who even made a diving effort on one grab.
“So I was impressed with our kids,” Logue said. “We battled hard and I have no complaints.”
San Benito will host Gilroy next Thursday at 6 p.m. in the Prune Bowl.
