At least on paper, Palma comes into tonight’s TCAL final game
the clear favorite. But the Haybalers aren’t going to let being the
underdog affect them.
Hollister – At least on paper, Palma comes into tonight’s TCAL final game the clear favorite. But the Haybalers aren’t going to let being the underdog affect them.
After all, they played the cream of crop in the preseason. They lost their last two games against Salinas and Live Oak by seven points total.
But despite narrow defeats, the ‘Balers may have found a streak of luck. Earlier this week, Salinas had to forfeit all of its games because of an ineligible player, not good news for Gilroy, who beat Salinas, but a blessing for San Benito.
“We got a gift this week at the expense of a good football team and its something we are going to take and run with,” said Chris Cameron, San Benito head football coach.
Instead of sitting at 4-5 and 2-2 in TCAL and hoping for an outside shot at the playoffs, now the Haybalers are at 5-4 and 3-1 in TCAL and can control their destiny with a victory.
Palma (8-1, 4-0) had a league title locked up until the Salinas forfeit. Now San Benito can tie Palma for the title. But a loss would put San Benito in second or third place depending on the result of the Live Oak/Gilroy game.
But the ‘Balers have history on their side. The games somehow always manage to come down to the wire. Last year, San Benito lost 27-23 and the year before lost 7-6.
And the game is always played at the end of the year when the most is riding on the game. This year will be no different.
“We need to establish a ground game. We haven’t had much of a running game all year. That will help keep our defense off the field,” Cameron said. “Palma’s a really good football team. The weather could play a factor so we have to hold onto the ball.”
