Hollister – A sign of a successful team can be earning a win even when everything doesn’t go its way.
That can be said about the San Benito High football team’s performance against Salinas on Friday, when if it weren’t for a epic defensive effort, the ‘Balers likely would have suffered their third loss of the season.
“I think if (the defense) didn’t hold them at certain points in the game, we would’ve lost,” said senior running back Tim Lango, who spearheaded the offensive effort with 122 yards on 20 carries.
San Benito was averaging more than 25 points per game entering its battle with Salinas and its lowest offensive output up to that point had come in its 10-7 win over Wilcox.
“The kids got backed up a lot,” head coach Chris Cameron said. “To me, (the win) shows a lot of resiliency. We got some big turnovers. When you get turnovers like that, it really spurs you on.”
The ‘Balers, who won the low-scoring defensive battle 6-3, forced five turnovers, with three coming inside their own 20-yard line.
Salinas marched down to the San Benito 24 on its opening possession before senior linebacker Nate Mendoza intercepted a pass at the 12.
The biggest takeaway came early in the second half. An interception set up the Cowboys at the ‘Balers’ 21 and four straight run plays moved the ball to the 2.
The exchange was fumbled by quarterback Michael Sisson and senior linebacker Johnny Sanchez jumped on it to give the ball back to San Benito.
While the ‘Balers ensuing drive ended in another interception to give the Cowboys good field position, Salinas had to settle for a field goal and it never found the end zone the rest of the night.
“This is what we’re made for,” Sanchez said. “We win games and we win championships. We never threw in the towel and never gave up.”
The fifth and final turnover – a fumble recovered at the 19 by Mendoza – proved to be too much for Salinas, which battled well the entire game.
While the offensive output was disappointing, the defense had no problems delivering to keep the ‘Balers in sole possession of second place in the Tri-County Athletic League at 4-1 and 7-2 overall.
“That’s what we pride ourselves in,” Mendoza said. “We didn’t know if the offense was going to get it done so we tried to take the game into our own hands.”
Junior Varsity: San Benito’s JV team dropped to 4-5 overall and 1-4 in TCAL play with a 13-8 loss to Salinas on Friday.
Jeff Bernaldes scored the ‘Balers lone touchdown on a 8-yard run and he also added the two-point conversion, but the Cowboys scored a pair of late touchdowns, including one in the final minute of the game to earn the win.
“The guys played their hearts out,” head coach Luis Espinoza said. “I’ve got to give it to the offensive line.”
Freshman: The ‘Balers freshman team continued its strong play with a 30-16 win over Salinas on Thursday.
San Benito improved to 6-2-1 with the victory.
