By Leann Shea Staff Writer
Hollister – The No. 2 seeded San Benito Haybalers will have a target on their backs when they host the No. 7 seeded Alisal Trojans tonight to kick off the Central Coast Sections playoffs.
The ‘Balers have history on their side, having won their last five consecutive playoff openers and are projected to defeat the Trojans, but it is always dangerous to count the underdog out.
All 11 of San Benito’s defensive players will be key to making sure the Trojans don’t get into a rhythm on offense.
“We can’t afford to have any mental breakdowns,” said San Benito’s head coach Chris Cameron. “It has to be a complete group effort. Defensively I think we’re well prepared.”
‘Balers defensive tackles Chase Wood and Ryan Dunn will be a big factor. Dunn finished the season with 44 tackles and three sacks, while Wood had 41 tackles and three sacks. Free safety Johnny Sanchez, who lead the team with 78 tackles on the season and two fumble recoveries, will try to disrupt Alisal’s passing game.
“We’ve seen them play in person and scouted them on film,” said San Benito’s head coach Chris Cameron. “They have good skill players at the running back and quarterback positions. Defensively we have to stop their running game. Running off-tackle is a big part of their game, so we’ll provide them with a number of looks. Recognizing the formation and executing the game plan will be important for the defense.”
Alisal received an at-large berth into the CCS playoffs with a 7-3 overall record. The seven wins are a school record for a team that has only reached the playoffs once before in its 40-year history. Since hiring head coach Sunil Smith three years ago the Trojans have reached the playoffs twice and are hungry for their first win.
The ‘Balers offense will have to keep their eyes on the Trojans talented linebacker Jason Taylor. Taylor leads an Alisal defense that forced three turnovers in its 27-8 win over Alvarez last week. The Trojans run a 4-3 defense that San Benito hasn’t seen much of.
“Our offensive line is going to have to step up,” said Cameron, “Making sure assignments are correct is key. We need to be real physical and establishing our running game is crucial.”
Defensively San Benito will have to stop Trojan running backs Andrew Suarez-Lopez, Jose Romero and Anthony Mose, as well as quarterback Reynaldo Mendoza, who completed seven of 12 passes for 115 yards against Alvarez.
“The sense of urgency to win is a bit greater because one loss and you’re out with the single elimination,” said Cameron.
San Benito will try to benefit from having the home field advantage like it has been able to in past post-seasons. Out of the 11 times the ‘Balers reached the playoffs in Cameron’s 12 years the eight times they played at home they came away with the victory.
