The San Benito Haybalers have put up 41 points in their last
five quarters of play, and it may be safe to say they’re entering
tonight’s game at Salinas with the most momentum they’ve enjoyed
all season.
HOLLISTER
The San Benito Haybalers have put up 41 points in their last five quarters of play, and it may be safe to say they’re entering tonight’s game at Salinas with the most momentum they’ve enjoyed all season.
The ‘Balers (2-2 TCAL, 3-5 overall) handed Alisal a convincing 27-14 loss last week, and with a win over the host Cowboys tonight, San Benito will go above .500 for the first time since they won their league opener against Everett Alvarez on Sept. 29.
Coach Chris Cameron is expecting a tough, physical football game, as the Cowboys are big up front. And if the ‘Balers have a chance at a postseason berth, they cannot look past a Salinas squad who has lost four of their last five games.
“If we’re looking at possibly having a shot at the postseason, we need to win this game,” Cameron said. “There is no looking past this week.”
With a 40-17 win over Everett Alvarez being the only highlight to the Cowboys’ season the last five weeks, Salinas may be deceived as an easier opponent.
But, if anything, that is quite the contrary, as defensive coordinator Tod Thatcher points out the Cowboys can run the ball efficiently and pass when needed.
Salinas (1-3, 4-4) is led at quarterback by Michael Sisson, who’s thrown for 1,022 yards on 66 of 132 passing. He’s thrown for seven scores, nine picks, and also rushed for three touchdowns as well.
Daniel Rincon is their leader in the backfield, as the senior back has gone for 521 yards on 96 carries and four touchdowns. He’s also a target on the receiving end (20-287), while Anthony Scholl will likely receive some looks as well (67-217).
“We need to take care of the three-and-outs,” Thatcher said. “We’ve got to get the guys off the field. That just kills the defense.”
Looking back to last week’s game at Alisal, the ‘Balers know they’ll have to minimize the penalties as well. Last Friday San Benito was called for 16 penalties, and coaches feel that if they’re in that position again tonight, it’ll be more difficult to rebound from against a better opponent in Salinas.
“They’re big in size and stature,” said offensive coordinator Bryan Smith, “but if we commit 16 penalties, the score will likely be in their favor. Those really kill us as an offense.”
Added Cameron, “We’re trying to limit the penalties, play a cleaner game and play a more disciplined game – that’s what it comes down to.”
The ‘Baler offense will also be looking to score early again, after they scored on their opening drive last week at Alisal for the first time this season.
Cameron said the ‘Balers are used to playing catch-up, as they’ve done so in every game this season except for last week against Alisal.
Of course, San Benito would love to be controlling the momentum tonight at 7:30 p.m. With the recent roll the team has been on, San Benito has the opportunity to do just that.
“We’ll counter their size with speed and misdirection,” Smith said. “It comes down to our kids executing. We need to outmaneuver them, be quicker than them and be smarter football players.”
