Consider it a clean slate. The preseason is over, and despite
compiling a 1-3 record, the San Benito Haybalers will be given a
fresh start today when they battle Everett Alvarez (0-4) in their
Tri-County Athletic League opener.
Hollister – Consider it a clean slate.
The preseason is over, and despite compiling a 1-3 record, the San Benito Haybalers will be given a fresh start today when they battle Everett Alvarez (0-4) in their Tri-County Athletic League opener.
The squad’s overall record is definitely not what they had hoped for, but starting today, the ‘Balers are 0-0 while the remaining games count toward a league title.
Planning for Milpitas, San Lorenzo Valley, Wilcox and Bellarmine are in the past. Now, as defensive coordinator Tod Thatcher said, the “second season” will begin. Although the ‘Balers will be up against an Alvarez team that hasn’t posted a score in the win column this season, it may just be San Benito’s most important game of the season to date.
“We take that preseason, we learn from it, and we move on to our second season,” Thatcher said. “We’re gonna look at it as the next step in the process to getting better each week. This week it’s Alvarez, and we’re gonna bring our best game to Alvarez.”
The ‘Balers have a chance to make a statement after a rough preseason that saw losses coming to Milpitas (35-12), San Lorenzo Valley (25-8) and Bellarmine (26-0). The team’s lone win came at Wilcox in a 13-6 triumph two weeks ago.
But it’s been business as usual for the ‘Balers this week. Despite having an extra day of practice with the game being played today instead of Friday night, the team has gone about their usual routine. And although they recognize the league opener as the start to the second half of the year, in the end, it doesn’t change a thing.
“It’s just like any other game. We’re approaching this on a game-by-game basis, and we need to establish some momentum,” said Shawn Tennenbaum, special teams coach. “If this were North Salinas or Salinas or Palma, it’d be the same situation. We need to go out and establish a little fire right now. And they just happen to be the first one in the TCAL and it’s the next game.”
Alvarez, on the other hand, may perhaps view San Benito’s record as a chance for them to get their first win.
The host Eagles, who’ve been outscored 47-146 this season, wrapped up their preseason last week with a 55-6 loss to Santa Cruz. Prior to that, Alvarez fell to Live Oak 31-21, Carmel 44-20, and in the first game of the season, the Eagles were shut out 16-0 at the hands of North Monterey County.
“They had a tough preseason as well, and they’re probably looking at it as if we’re down and it’s an opportunity to get one on Hollister,” Thatcher said. “I think they’re gonna bring their best game.
“They’re not going to be pushovers. They’re going to come out and play.”
The Eagles will be led in the backfield by running back Esau Merino, who’s compiled 199 yards on 38 carries and three touchdowns. Jacob Jones will also likely see action, as the sophomore back has rushed for 80 yards on 22 carries this season.
Alvarez quarterback Matt Baker has racked up 207 yards of passing on 22 completions, but hasn’t found the end zone yet. Nevertheless, the ‘Balers are still preparing for a hungry Eagle team.
“It’d be nice to get a win. That’s a big statement right there,” head coach Chris Cameron said. “If we do a lot of little things right, I know we’ll come out on the positive side of the scoreboard.”
Offensively, Alvarez runs the shotgun offense, as well as the spread offense, which the ‘Balers have seen throughout the season. Said Cameron, “We’re gonna keep doing what we’re doing (defensively).”
On the other side of the ball, Alvarez uses an eight-man front, and will look to put pressure on the ‘Baler offense.
“If we can get up there and show that we can win, it’ll put more pressure on North Salinas and Palma and Gilroy,” said defensive back Ryan Shorey, “and it’d be better off for us, knowing that we can do that.”
Alvarez has not won a game in its last 19 contests dating over a three-year span. The ‘Balers will look to make it 20.
“Now we’re in league, so this is a real important game,” Cameron said. “It’s kind of a re-birth … It’s a new chance. A new beginning.”
