They don’t get much bigger than this.
For the second week in a row, the San Benito High football team
will have to try to figure out sumo-sized linemen.
Hollister – They don’t get much bigger than this.
For the second week in a row, the San Benito High football team will have to try to figure out sumo-sized linemen.
When the Haybalers and Bells meet tonight at San Benito High, both teams will be trying to rebound from disappointing games.
Bellarmine Prep, which plays its home games at San Jose City College, lost 9-7 to visiting Bartlett, a public school from Alaska that was was looking for a game to play in the Bay Area.
Although the Bells line was strong in the previous games, Bartlett found several holes and was able to get to the quarterback.
“We are kind of a young team, and we made some young-team mistakes last week,” said Bellarmine coach Mike Janda, who is beginning his 21st year coaching the team. “This is one of the biggest offensive lines that we have ever had, but it is also one of the youngest teams we have ever had.”
In the previous two games, Bellarmine (2-1-1) outscored North Monterey County and Piedmont Hills 77-7.
San Benito (1-1-1), on other the hand, appeared to have its game wrapped up against Wilcox last week after scoring three third-quarter touchdowns to go up 28-7.
But Wilcox came back with two touchdowns of its own in the third and one in the fourth as the Haybaler kicking game faltered.
“Last year, we started out with a 1-1-1 record also,” said Baler linebacker Alex Diaz, who had seven tackles last week. “We responded last year, and we will do that again this year.”
Bellarmine is the second West Catholic Athletic League team San Benito has seen in the preseason.
Things didn’t go so well for the Balers against a WCAL team in the season opener, which they lost 41-0 at Valley Christian.
The Bells come in with a strong offensive line. Offensive guard John Gill (6-4, 290) does more than anchor the line. As a Second-Team All-League player, he is one of two offensive and three defensive starters returning from last year.
Also on the line are players like offensive tackles Tyler Anthony (6-3, 270) and Tim Danser (6-3, 270), and tight end Anthony Arch (6-5, 235).
“Just because they are big doesn’t mean they are quick players,” Janda said. “They are good players and are working real hard but still have a ways to go yet.”
Defensively, some of the key players are linebacker David Abraham (5-7, 185) and returning starter Steve McGovern (6-1, 185).
The team is led by a first-year varsity quarterback, junior Matt Juniga (5-11, 170).
“They’re a lot like Wilcox,” said San Benito defensive coordinator Tod Thatcher. “The line is more athletic, but the backfield is not as explosive.”
San Benito also has some added depth to its line this week with center Nick Kostielney returning from Injury. Junior Ryan Dunn, who had been filling in at center this year, is moving back to tackle.
Also returning from injury is junior Breyon Canez, who adds depth both as a defensive back and a receiver.
“Hollister is a very good team, and is big and strong also,” Janda said. “They are very aggressive. They had some early-season injuries like everyone else. But they are getting better and better every week. I expect them to be even better this week.”
