Unlike in previous games, the San Benito Haybalers didn’t let
their inconsistencies plague them Friday night.
Unlike in previous games, the San Benito Haybalers didn’t let their inconsistencies plague them Friday night.
The ‘Balers have been battling with penalties and turnovers from week to week, and although they committed 16 penalties and a pair of turnovers at Alisal Friday, San Benito prevented any Trojan attacks for a 27-14 win.
“I wish we’d play a cleaner game,” head coach Chris Cameron said. “I’m not sure why we have so many false starts. We practice every day. Stuff like that just kills us, but we got the win tonight.”
The ‘Balers have certainly seen their faire share of strong offensive drives ruined by penalties this season, and while San Benito committed 11 of its 16 penalties in the first half alone, they were also supplied with the big plays to put 27 points up on the scoreboard.
For instance, after San Benito started the game with two penalties in three plays, ‘Baler running back Jeff Bernaldez broke for 47 yards and didn’t stop until Alisal’s 3-yard line.
In another case, after the ‘Balers fumbled the kickoff to start the second half and forced the Trojans to go three-and-out, running back Mitchell Cook found 80 yards of daylight, and wasn’t tackled until he reached Alisal’s 6-yard line.
“We did good. It was one of our best executed games of the year,” quarterback Ronnie Fhurong said. Fhurong threw for 100 yards on 5 of 9 passing, and also ran eight times for 91 yards and a touchdown Friday. “Our offense is coming together. I think the line is a little too anxious.”
After Bernaldez’ 47-yard run on the opening drive for the ‘Balers, Fhurong was able to pound it in on a third-and-goal keeper from one yard out.
The touchdown for San Benito was not only the first time this season they’ve scored on their opening drive, but also the first time they’ve scored in the first quarter as well.
In the second, a lateral pass by Alisal quarterback David Melena was incomplete, and ‘Baler Ricky Canes was able to recover the loose football near midfield.
The Alisal turnover would cost them even more after running back Levi Sutton found a wide-open left side for a 14-yard touchdown.
“We’ve been going up and down all year, so it’s great to finally get some points on the scoreboard,” Sutton said. “We were hoping to get more points on the board, but you do what you can.”
Placekicker Gus Silva, who was 3-for-3 on extra points, added a 22-yard field goal late in the second to send San Benito to the half with a 17-0 lead.
After the fumble on the second half kickoff, Mitchell Cook was able to finish the job after his 80-yard sprint put San Benito inside the Trojans 10-yard line. Two plays later, Cook found the end zone from two yards out.
Cook finished with eight carries for 97 yards.
Trailing 24-0, the Trojans were able to get on the scoreboard when Jesus Romero found pay dirt from five yards out. Romero, Alisal’s leading rusher, finished with 16 carries for just 34 yards.
“I think our defense played real well,” defensive coordinator Tod Thatcher said. After the ‘Balers compiled a comfortable lead against Alisal, many of San Benito’s starters were taken out of the game.
“If we left our [starters] in the entire time, it would have been a different story,” Thatcher added. “Anytime you win a ball game going into next week, that’s going to cure some ills. Winning helps with everything in football.”
Silva would add a 27-yard field goal later in the game, while Alisal’s Romero added a late 3-yard touchdown in the waning minutes of the fourth quarter.
Alisal senior David Alejo, last season’s co-junior of the year and the Trojans leading passer, did not suit up for his team Friday.
Alisal could have used Alejo, as the Trojans were held to just 144 yards of offense, including four turnovers, three of which were interceptions.
The win puts the ‘Balers at .500 in the Tri-County Athletic League with a 2-2 record, 3-5 overall. More importantly, San Benito has scored 41 points in its last five quarters.
“That’s a gigantic boost,” Cameron said. “Next week, we’re going to play a better football team. This is an opportunity for us.”
The ‘Balers will ride their momentum into next week’s TCAL matchup at Salinas, who lost on Thursday 18-13 to North Salinas. The final game of the season will be the annual Prune Bowl against Gilroy. Gilroy defeated Palma Friday 35-14.
“The next two games are crucial,” Fhurong said. “If we lose one, we’re out. If we win both, we’re playoff-bound.”
