Ken Romero can do it all for the Balers. The San Benito senior
who has started every game this year came up with his best
all-around game last week in the 40-21 win over Los Gatos.
When he isn’t making miraculous catches along the sideline or
touchdown catches in the end zone, Romero stays busy returning
kicks, running reverses and even throwing the occasional pass.
Ken Romero can do it all for the Balers. The San Benito senior who has started every game this year came up with his best all-around game last week in the 40-21 win over Los Gatos.
When he isn’t making miraculous catches along the sideline or touchdown catches in the end zone, Romero stays busy returning kicks, running reverses and even throwing the occasional pass.
“I like being involved in everything and working hard and doing my best to help the team,” Romero said. “There is nothing better than working hard all week and then having a good game under the lights.”
This season has been a special year for the Balers, and Romero has enjoyed every minute.
“It has been great this year because in the past I haven’t been on too many successful clubs,” Romero said. “We went 1-9 during my freshman and sophomore years. And last year we just couldn’t get it together.”
Romero doesn’t see much of the sideline during games. His work ethic makes him the go-to guy during the game, said Baler coach Chris Cameron.
“He’s meant a lot to the team,” Cameron said. “He has done some really special things for us. He has been the real big play performer all season. He’s worked his butt off in the weight room. He probably put on 20 pounds over the offseason.”
Although Romero can play both offense and defense well, he prefers playing as a receiver.
“I know what I have to do there,” Romero said. “I don’t really have to react to anything. I just have to catch the ball.”
Romero and the rest of the receiving crew have been the beneficiaries of the precision of sophomore quarterback Karson Klauer. Although the Balers have been primarily a running team, they are not afraid to go deep.
“Karson’s got a great arm, and he knows where to put it,” Romero said. “We have kind of a relationship going. I know where he’s going to put it, and he knows where I am going be.”
Whenever a big catch is needed, Romero has been the go-to guy this year. Even with tight coverage, he can haul in the Klauer passes, which most times have been almost perfect.
“His yards after the catch are good,” Cameron said. “He is strong. He has got a lot of lower body strength. He is able to run through tacklers. He worked real hard and pushed himself, and it has paid off.”
Romero has also been on the sending end of touchdowns this year. He makes the old flee flicker play look easy. His most recent touchdown pass was to Manny Hinojos for 46 yards.
Romero also does the little things that make the plays work. Like most good professional receivers, Romero knows how to block.
“It is pretty important with the stuff we do like the outside veer or the option,” Romero said.
Romero hasn’t made a college choice yet, but he is looking into Fresno State or Long Beach State.
San Benito will face Aptos in the Division II championship game Friday, and Romero likes the Balers’ chances.
“I don’t want to sound overconfident,” Romero said. “We’re practicing hard. We know what have to do. It is just a matter of going out there and doing it.”
