The San Benito High offensive line has opened up many
possibilities for the attack this year. Much of the trademark Baler
trickery has come from the strong line play.
”
I don’t care what you are running – wing-T, I-back, wishbone –
if you don’t have people up front doing the job, nothing else
goes,
”
said Baler coach Chris Cameron.
”
You can’t pass protect, throw the ball, run block or run the
ball. Our backs have performed pretty well this year and have been
consistent.
”
The San Benito High offensive line has opened up many possibilities for the attack this year. Much of the trademark Baler trickery has come from the strong line play.
“I don’t care what you are running – wing-T, I-back, wishbone – if you don’t have people up front doing the job, nothing else goes,” said Baler coach Chris Cameron. “You can’t pass protect, throw the ball, run block or run the ball. Our backs have performed pretty well this year and have been consistent.”
Last season, center Nick Kostielney, played behind Clay Peer, who was the league’s most valuable offensive lineman of the year.
“I learned a lot from him last season,” Kostielney said. “It has been exciting this year. I have been trying to listen to the coaches and take the encouragement from the team. There is always something to improve on.”
Returning starter Ty Doty hurt his knee last year and didn’t play the final three games, but the guard has made a big impact this season.
“It’s been great being one of the leaders on the team,” Doty said. “We have a good connection going. It’s fun playing with Phil (Leonard) on the left side together. We have played together since we were kids.”
Leonard, a three-year varsity player who has anchored the left tackle spot for the Balers, is looking forward to the game against Palma.
“We just have to get in the game and stay mentally sharp,” Leonard said. “If we do, we will win.”
Many of the players have lost weight and toned up during the offseason, Cameron said.
“Guys like Phil, Nick and Ty have all dropped a good 25 pounds,” Cameron said. “They have gotten stronger and faster as a result, and it has helped the entire team.”
Jon Lopez is the returning starter at right guard.
“He has probably the quickest first step of all the linemen – getting off the ball and being able to unload on the guys from the get-go.” Cameron said. “Jon and Ty run real well when we are running our sweep.”
Right tackle Cameron Murray had the chance to start a few games toward the end of last season and has given the Balers a good effort this year.
Oscar Correa has been battling with a re-occurring shoulder injury and has been out for several games this year. But he is back in the lineup for the Balers alternating between tight end and tackle.
“He is a solid performer,” Cameron said. “It would have been nice having him all this season and getting him some more game experience.”
Adam Ruvalcaba, at tight end, didn’t come out for football last season, but is another player who has worked his way into the lineup. Ruvalcaba did have to miss a game because of injury earlier this year.
“He has been working his butt off with the rest of these guys and has emerged as the starting tight end from about the third game on,” Cameron said.
A couple other players have also helped to fill in on the line this year.
Sophomore Ryan Dunn started a couple games at right tackle and also played at center against Valley Christian when Kostielney was out with an ankle injury.
“He is a great kid, and I expect great things out of him the next two years. He can play on either the offensive or defensive line.”
Vince Sardam, another sophomore on the team, has started a couple games at right guard this year.
“He has been pretty solid the last several weeks,” Cameron said. “He might be our starting nose guard next year. Both of them have come in as sophomores and done fine jobs. They have played hard and haven’t backed down from anyone.”
