Hollister will look to go 2-0 in TCAL play this Friday when
North Salinas comes to town for homecoming
Hollister – The San Benito High football team accomplished a lot in its 50-20 drubbing of the Gilroy Mustangs in the 2005 Prune Bowl last Friday night at Hollister’s Andy Hardin Field.
First and foremost, the Haybalers were able to start off the Tri-County Athletic League season with a convincing win over their fiercest rival. The win also marked the first time this season that the ‘Balers have put together back-to-back victories.
But it was the way in which the Haybalers went about dismantling the Mustangs that has to have Hollister fans feeling even more optimistic about the rest of the season.
On Friday night, the Haybalers were firing on all cylinders. For the first time this season, it was all working for Hollister. The running game was strong, as was the passing game, the blocking was good, the tackling was text book, special teams played well and the senseless penalties that seemed to plague the team in earlier games this season were kept to a minimum.
“We’ve won two games in a row now so things are positive,” said SBHS head coach Chris Cameron. “The team really came together tonight and good things are happening. But the fact that this was a total team win was what really struck me.”
Play of the game: Even the trick plays were working for the Haybalers on Friday night. After taking a16-14 lead in the third quarter on a Dru Blake field goal, the ‘Baler defense held the Mustangs to a three-and-out drive. Eddie Gutierrez’s nice return of the ensuing punt, coupled with a Gilroy penalty, landed Hollister on the Mustang 43-yard line. On First down, quarterback Karson Klauer threw a quick pass to Ronnie Fhurong, the team’s backup quarterback, in the flat. With the defense now taking aim at him, Fhurong launched another pass down the field to Art Esparza, who powered his way down the field for a touchdown.
Drive of the game: After falling behind 0-14 halfway through the first quarter, the Haybalers had to have a productive drive.
A productive drive is what they got.
Jeff Weltz started things off for the ‘Balers with a short gain on the ground before Anthony Francis made a tremendous catch on the sideline the set Hollister up at Gilroy’s 25-yard line.
On second down, Abel Jacquez eluded the Gilroy defense for a 14-yard pickup on the ground, followed by a 10-yard scramble by Weltz on the next play to get Hollister on the scoreboard.
Defensive highlights: Hollister’s defensive unit as a whole played a very solid game in the league opener. Johnny Sanchez, Ryan Dunn, Vinnie Sardam and Nate Mendoza were a big factor in holding Gilroy running back Justin Sweeney to just 78 yards on 20 carries. Mark Sullivan and Francis frustrated the Mustangs’ receivers and Breyon Canez managed to get an interception off quarterback Nick Tovar despite playing with a cast on his broken hand.
