Each year, Homecomings tend to give high school coaches
nightmares.
This week is no exception.
Each year, Homecomings tend to give high school coaches nightmares.
This week is no exception.
San Benito coach Chris Cameron has been flustrated this week by what he calls a lack of focus during practice.
“We didn’t really have good crisp practices Monday and today (Thursday),” Cameron said. “I don’t know what it is. Maybe their egos are too high. It comes down to the mental approach. I’ve been around long enough to know that when you don’t pay attention to details and aren’t focused, your chances aren’t good.”
San Benito (6-1-1, 3-0 TCAL) is coming off a 27-21 victory in the final seconds over Salinas.
Live Oak, on the other hand, suffered its first loss of the season to Palma in a 33-14 contest.
In that game, Live Oak was hurt by five turnovers.
“The kids haven’t had to deal with adversity the entire year,” said Live Oak coach Glen Webb. “They are going to learn from this. No body who wins this league will be undefeated. This league will probably end in a two or three-way championship.”
But in order for that to happen, Live Oak will need a win against San Benito or Gilroy.
“They have there backs up against the wall and are dangerous,” Cameron said. They will be extemely well prepared and will be fired up. I think they will come off that bus more focused than we will be without a doubt.”
San Benito’s defense has been made some big stops recently. The Haybalers will have the services of linebacker Alex Diaz. Diaz was ejected last game for punching a player. But the suspension was overturned after league officials watched the film and determined that a punch was not thrown.
Live Oak has been running the option well and also throwing well. Even through two years of futility, Live Oak always made things interesting with a deep playbook full of tricks.
But this year, they have have the skills and players to back it.
“They are much more well-rounded and don’t have to get by on gimics,” Cameron said. “You can’t survve off of that type of stuff. But they are sound this year, and that makes them more dangerous.”
