The Milpitas Trojans took advantage of two special teams plays
against the San Benito Haybalers on Friday night, capitalizing on a
97-yard punt return and a 90-yard kickoff return en route to a
35-12 opening-night victory.
Hollister – The Milpitas Trojans took advantage of two special teams plays against the San Benito Haybalers on Friday night, capitalizing on a 97-yard punt return and a 90-yard kickoff return en route to a 35-12 opening-night victory.
While it wasn’t exactly the start the ‘Balers (0-1) wanted to begin their 2007 campaign with, it was what Head Coach Chris Cameron called a “measuring-stick game.”
“We knew they had some special kids,” Cameron said. “We’ve been working our butts off on special teams, and tonight, it looked like we’ve never worked on special teams.
“But it’s all about getting better every week.”
Although the game immediately went in San Benito’s favor, as the opening kickoff was recovered by the ‘Balers at the Milpitas 36-yard line, the offense went three-and-out.
While the punt was placed at the 3-yard line in the left corner of the field, Trojan returner Charles Satchell bobbed, weaved and broke one tackle on his way to 97 yards and paydirt less than two minutes into the game.
“There wasn’t that spark. We got off to a slow start,” said junior Robby Sanchez.
Added sophomore linebacker Michael Murphy, “We started off fast. We got that spark on the kickoff. But on the special teams return, we started going flat.”
An interception by ‘Baler defensive back Ryan Shorey to start the second quarter put San Benito in great field position at Milpitas’ 25-yard line. A trio of rushes by back Abel Jacquez for 20 yards set up a 1-yard touchdown for Fhurong, who punched his way in through a dogpile of Trojans.
However, on the ensuing kickoff, Trojan Chris Albright went 90 yards for a touchdown that would eventually put Milpitas up 14-6 midway through the second quarter. Albright ended his night with 107 return yards and a touchdown, as well as four catches for 155 yards and a touchdown.
“We have some good athletes. We try to get them in space and special teams is the way to get them in space,” said Milpitas Head Coach Kelly King. “It was good to come out here and do some good things, especially against a good football program. When you do something against this team, it’s a big accomplishment.”
The Trojans added a late touchdown with one second remaining in the first half when quarterback Angel Arce connected with Satchell for a 4-yard score.
Down 28-6 at the half, the ‘Balers shined in the opening drive of the third quarter. They orchestrated a 74-yard drive that lasted 15 plays and took up seven minutes and 20 seconds to start the third quarter. It started on the ‘Baler 26-yard line, and ended in Milpitas’ end zone when running back Nick Acosta went up the middle on a fourth-and-goal from two yards out.
On the night, Acosta had 13 carries for 49 yards and a touchdown, while Fhurong led the team in rushing with 11 carries for 115 yards and a touchdown. Fhurong also went 9 of 13 passing for 70 yards.
Abel Jacquez had 12 rushes for 54 yards Friday, with 9 rushes and 43 yards coming in the first half. Back Sebastian Cathirell, who came in the second half, had four rushes for 56 yards.
Defensively, while the ‘Balers struggled against the pass, as Trojan quarterback Arce went 11 of 16 for 191 yards and two touchdowns, the run defense stifled Milpitas, holding the Trojans to just nine yards on 15 rushes.
“Tod (Thatcher) always does a great job preparing for a game. He always has,” said King on ‘Baler defensive coordinator Tod Thatcher. “They always prepare for something and they took our run game away.”
Cameron said after the game his team came out intimidated, but the first game is over now, and the ‘Balers will look to rebound next Saturday, Sept. 8, when they travel to San Lorenzo Valley to take on the Cougars.
“We’ll start to find out what we’re made of,” Cameron said. “We have to mature now. Hopefully, it’ll start with the special teams.”
