Figure this: Would you rather the Haybalers dominate a pushover
in their first game of the season, winning by a FIBA-like scoring
differential similar to USA over the Virgin Islands in the World
Championships?
Figure this: Would you rather the Haybalers dominate a pushover in their first game of the season, winning by a FIBA-like scoring differential similar to USA over the Virgin Islands in the World Championships? Or would you rather the ‘Balers lose to one of the best teams in the state, a defending Central Coast Section champion, and a team that had two players (Steven Fanua and Charles Satchell) that most have pinned for a D-I college next year?
My vote is for the latter, and that should be your choice as well.
The ‘Balers lost on Friday 35-12 to the Milpitas Trojans on opening night at Andy Hardin Stadium. It wasn’t the prettiest game, by any means, but therein lies the beauty of it all.
While last year’s season began with a 24-20 win over Aptos, it marked the first season-opening win the ‘Balers had in five years, as the squad usually battled powerhouse Valley Christian in its opener. With that being said, an opening-night loss is not exactly a tell-tale sign of things to come.
The game did, however, feature a pair of 90-yard-plus special teams touchdowns – a 97-yard punt return from Satchell and a 90-yard kickoff return from Trojan Chris Albright – that will most likely figure into the ‘Balers practice schedule this week as they prepare to rebound at San Lorenzo Valley on Saturday.
But being the first game of the season, the ‘Balers were given a good idea of what needs to be worked on, what needs to be tweaked, and what, if anything, just flat-out doesn’t work and needs to be re-written.
San Benito had been practicing a little more on special teams this off-season, as Head Coach Chris Cameron said three special teams plays last season likely cost them two games against Palma and Bellarmine.
Friday after the game, Cameron said the players were like “magnets” on special teams, running practically together and leaving holes for the Milpitas returners to utilize.
“We’ve been working our butts off on special teams, and tonight, it looked like we’ve never worked on special teams,” Cameron said Friday.
Of course, Satchell and Albright won’t be on the returning end of every punt and kickoff, but nonetheless, special teams will remain an area for improvement.
The bar is set high at San Benito, and while everybody wants to win, sometimes you need to pay your dues early if you want to cash in later in the season. In the loss for the ‘Balers, it was clear the team came out with some first-game jitters, especially when you look at the opening drive by the ‘Balers to start the second half.
Down 28-6, the ‘Balers orchestrated a 74-yard drive that ate up 7:20 off the clock. It began at the ‘Baler 26-yard line, went 15 plays downfield, and ended when running back Nick Acosta took it up the middle from two yards out on a fourth-and-goal.
On the ensuing kickoff, Milpitas’ Albright was stopped at the 30-yard line on the return.
Interestingly enough, San Benito’s run defense held Milpitas in check, allowing a lowly nine yards on 15 carries. Additionally, the ‘Balers forced four turnovers, while the Trojans had one interception and one turnover on downs late in the game.
However, despite the turnover battle and running game both in San Benito’s favor, Milpitas capitalized on the big play. In the first half, a half in which they put 28 points up on the scoreboard, the Trojans had 16 offensive plays, not including special teams or penalized plays.
In comparison, the ‘Balers had 38.
Milpitas’ longest stretch lasted six offensive plays, and it ended in a turnover when ‘Baler Evan McFadden recovered a fumble.
Two special teams touchdowns. Two passes – a 63- and a 64-yard pass – that resulted in touchdowns. In a nutshell, that’s what separated the ‘Balers from the Trojans.
As the saying goes, sports don’t build character, they reveal it. It’ll be interesting to see how San Benito bounces back from this loss.
Said junior defensive back Robby Sanchez, “We need to come out next week and put this game behind us.”
