After an unexpected bye week when last week’s game with Los Altos was canceled, the Balers (1-2) return to the field Friday against a familiar foe – Salinas.
After years inside the Tri-County Athletic League, the rivalry game will see its first incarnation inside the Monterey Bay League at 7:30 p.m. in Hollister.
Salinas will bring its strong running game and a 2-2 record to Hollister. The Cowboys, who have three runners with more than 100 yards rushing this year, are coming off a 54-7 thumping of Gilroy last week.
San Benito, which has battled with injuries this year, will need to find ways to slow down runners Everett Ball and Jackson Duda, who have combined for nearly 800 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground.
The Balers will look to get its running game going with only two runners – Damien Botelho and Zak Hicks – with more than 100 yards rushing. Junior David Stanton will remain at quarterback as starter Josh George is still nursing a shoulder injury.
The game will also be the Balers’ first “pink-out game.” The school is asking attendees to wear pink. Donations can be made at the game. Proceeds will go to Hope for Cure.
AHS Football
The Hawks again will aim for its first win at home Friday, when they take on Trinity Christian at 6 p.m. at Barragan Field in San Juan Bautista.
Anzar enters the game with a 0-3 record after losing 54-22 to Stuart Hall last week. To get their first win, the Hawks will have to protect the ball better after turning it over six times against the Knights
Seniors Jeremy Cedeno and Gabriel Hatcher will need big offensive games for the Hawks.
So for this year, Trinity Christian’s (2-2) offense has been explosive, averaging more than 50 points per game. The Warriors, though, are coming off a 52-28 loss to Stuart Hall two weeks ago.
The Warriors are led by a dynamic passing game. Quarterback Andrew Ducusin has thrown for 18 touchdowns and 819 yards in four games this year. Receiver Dre Perez is his favorite target, catching with 26 passes for 552 yards and 13 touchdowns.
