San Benito defense well represented with four first-team
picks
The San Benito Haybalers didn’t corral any of the heavy
hardware, but earning 10 all-league nods is a decent consolation
prize.
After compiling a 4-2 record in the Tri-County Athletic League,
6-5 overall, the San Benito football team was awarded 10 times when
the league announced its year-end awards, with six Balers earning
first-team selections.
Senior fullback Cody Hendricks and senior offensive lineman Paul
Cardinalli were named first-team offense, while senior defensive
backs Matt Vallejo and Conner Stevens, junior defensive back
Garrett Avina, and senior defensive lineman Marcos Silva were named
first-team defense.
San Benito defense well represented with four first-team picks
The San Benito Haybalers didn’t corral any of the heavy hardware, but earning 10 all-league nods is a decent consolation prize.
After compiling a 4-2 record in the Tri-County Athletic League, 6-5 overall, the San Benito football team was awarded 10 times when the league announced its year-end awards, with six Balers earning first-team selections.
Senior fullback Cody Hendricks and senior offensive lineman Paul Cardinalli were named first-team offense, while senior defensive backs Matt Vallejo and Conner Stevens, junior defensive back Garrett Avina, and senior defensive lineman Marcos Silva were named first-team defense.
The Balers also received four second-team selections, including senior offensive lineman Jon Ribera, junior linebackers Jon Huaracha and Ryan Di Salvo, and senior defensive lineman Adrian Enriquez.
It was Hendricks who led the offense’s ground attack, though. With first-teamer Cardinalli and second-teamer Ribera opening up holes in the line, the senior fullback compiled 946 yards and 10 touchdowns on 149 carries.
Hendricks’ total yards and touchdowns were both fourth most in the TCAL.
Meanwhile, on the defensive side, the Baler secondary was well represented on the first team. Matt Vallejo recorded 53 total tackles and a team-high five interceptions and 13 passes defended, Conner Stevens had one pick, two sacks and 85 total tackles — third most on the team — and Garrett Avina led all Balers with 100 total tackles, and also added one interception.
Vallejo also posted impressive numbers on special teams as well. The senior defensive back returned 28 punts for 147 yards, and also had eight kickoff returns for a team-high 149 yards — or 18.63 yards per return.
Marcos Silva, who was a first-team selection last year on defense, earned another first-team nod this year after compiling 50 total tackles and two sacks for San Benito.
He also had one recorded touchdown when he hauled in a blocked punt in the end zone against Gilroy, leading to San Benito’s improbable victory over the Mustangs.
Also on defense, second-team linebackers Jon Huaracha compiled 89 total tackles, 2.5 sacks and two passes defended this season, while Ryan Di Salvo added 40 total tackles, 2.5 sacks and two passes defended.
Second-team lineman Adrian Enriquez, meanwhile, had 54 total tackles and 1.5 sacks for the Balers this season.
The TCALs Most Valuable Player award was handed out to players on both sides of the football this year. Palma running back Jack Baird and Alvarez defensive lineman Anthony McKay both earned the honor, while the league also awarded dual MVP awards on offense and defense.
On offense, Salinas running back Josh Estassi and Alisal running back Johnny Morales each earned the award, while Palma’s Robert Foy and Alisal’s Ivan Ramos corralled the defensive MVP honors.
Salinas’ Tyler Isbill was named Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman, while Palma’s Brandon Pulealii earned the same honor for defensive linemen.
Alisal quarterback Michael Barron and Alvarez running back Manuel Melano split the honors for Junior of the Year, while Palma’s Jack Powers was named Sophomore of the Year.
After losing several key members from last year’s team, which went to the Central Coast Section Division I Championship, the Balers still managed to garner a 4-2 record in the TCAL this season and advance to the postseason for the second year in a row.
However, San Benito’s playoff run was short-lived, as it was upset in the first round by Independence, 22-14.
Go online to www.freelancenews.com/sports for a complete list of this year’s all-league teams.
