Tonight’s matchup against visiting Palma will be without doubt
the biggest game of the year for the San Benito football team.
Palma, the Tri-County Athletic League front runner, brings in
its record of 7-2 overall and 4-0 in league. But Hollister is right
behind with a 7-1-1 overall record and a 3-0-1 TCAL mark.
There is a lot riding on the outcome. The winner will be the
undisputed TCAL champion and will be in good position going into
the Central Coast Division 1 playoffs.
Tonight’s matchup against visiting Palma will be without doubt the biggest game of the year for the San Benito football team.
Palma, the Tri-County Athletic League front runner, brings in its record of 7-2 overall and 4-0 in league. But Hollister is right behind with a 7-1-1 overall record and a 3-0-1 TCAL mark.
There is a lot riding on the outcome. The winner will be the undisputed TCAL champion and will be in good position going into the Central Coast Division 1 playoffs.
“It is a championship game for us,” said Baler coach Chris Cameron. “We are playing a club that I don’t see any weaknesses in. They are superior to us in size, speed and strength. They are a solid, well-coached football team. We have to play our best game of the year with no turnovers. We can’t give up the big play.”
If the Balers don’t win, they may still remain in Division 1 or they may drop down to Division 2 for the playoffs. The Balers still have a chance to host a first-round playoff game.
“It just depends on several of the games going on this weekend,” Cameron said. “It is a real murky, clouded picture right now.”
The Balers have won the last two of three games against Palma and the last four of seven as well. The Balers are coming in on an eight-game unbeaten streak.
The Chieftains are coming off two 27-0 victories over Gilroy and Live Oak, while the Balers are recovering from a 17-17 tie at Salinas.
Palma has outscored San Benito 255-212, but the defensive numbers are almost even this year.
“I think our kids will come out and play them hard after a second-half offensive letdown last week,” Cameron said. “They have to because we are playing the best team in the league.”
“Our kids are not afraid to play them, that is the only thing we have in terms of edge,” Cameron added.
San Benito will be a little shallow in the back field during the game without a couple seniors. Nick Bailey is out with a shoulder injury, while Manny Hinojos is questionable because of an ankle injury.
