Hollister – If you play with fire, eventually you’re going to get burned. The San Benito football team dipped its hands into the flames in a turnover-marred contest against San Lorenzo Valley last week, but nevertheless coasted to a remarkably easy victory in its home opener.
Despite their two-game winning streak to start the season, the ‘Balers know they have little margin for error when they oppose Wilcox at Andy Hardin Stadium tonight.
“We have a breakdown in responsibilities somewhere and it’s seven points for Wilcox,” San Benito defensive coordinator Tod Thatcher said. “I expect it to be a much tougher game.”
The Chargers (1-0) traditionally have both the size and athleticism to pose match-up problems for their opponents. And give them any sort of advantage and they’re very difficult to beat.
Just ask Terra Nova, the Chargers’ first opponent. After its defense stuffed Terra Nova’s opening drive last week, Wilcox returned a punt for a touchdown, and never looked back, winning 14-7.
Not that veteran ‘Balers and their coaches don’t know. San Benito (2-0) fell behind the Chargers in Santa Clara last year at the hands of two turnovers to eventually suffer a 27-19 loss.
No wonder those six fumbles and four turnovers against SLV last week are weighing heavily on the ‘Balers’ minds. Asked the recipe to a win over Wilcox, offensive coordinator Rick Dukes was succinct. “No mistakes,” he said. “No turnovers. And move the chains – finish drives.”
San Benito downed SLV 30-20 largely because its defense produced six takeaways, including two interceptions in its own end zone and two other takeaways in ‘Baler territory. But head coach Chris Cameron said those nights are few and far between. “I’m not banking on stuff like that,” he said. “Most of the time, that’s points for the other team.”
Nevertheless, inside linebacker Ricky Correa said the ‘Balers’ defense relishes the task of throttling opposing offenses. “All 11 helmets on the football,” Correa said in describing his unit’s philosophy. “Turnovers. Just ‘Baler football. Go out and hit somebody.”
After the ‘Balers gave up two long touchdowns to Aptos in their season opener, and then surrendered a 50-yard gain and a 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown (nullified by a penalty) to SLV, Thatcher said his team must be especially wary against the Chargers. “Their style of offense is unforgiving,” the defensive coordinator said. “They just have the types of kids to make you pay, hit that 50-yard touchdown.”
As the ‘Balers attempt to open up 3-0 for the first time since 2000, they are buoyed by improving chemistry across the offense – on the young line, as well as between junior quarterback Ronnie Fhurong and his receivers. Wideout Carlos Ramos, who hauled in a 32-yard touchdown pass from Fhurong against SLV, said the team’s passing game is fast becoming a viable weapon. “As the season’s going on, we’re developing a better relationship,” Ramos said. “We’re only two weeks into the season, so it’s only going to get better.”
