SALINAS — Over the years, the San Benito High football team has been defined as a program that finishes strong.
On Friday night, however, the Haybalers simply couldn’t will themselves to victory as they’ve done so many times in the past. Playing against a Salinas squad that was every bit as resilient, San Benito dropped an excruciating 20-14 decision at the Pit.
The host Cowboys scored on their final two possessions in a game they trailed the entire way — until the very end.
“Bottom line, we simply got outplayed in the second half,” Balers coach Chris Cameron said. “We were so close to winning, yet so far. Just inches short a lot of times on plays, drives, or getting stops. It’s a tough one to lose.”
Indeed, the Balers (2-3 overall, 0-1 Monterey Bay Gabilan Division) let golden opportunities slip away, none more glaring than on their second to last drive of the game.
Salinas (4-2, 2-0) had just tied the game at 14 with 5:57 remaining when San Benito ran a nifty reverse to Cody Freitas, who made his only carry of the game a memorable one, as he went around right end for a 37-yard gain to the Cowboys 19-yard line.
But after runs of four, three and zero yards, the Balers were forced to settle for a 29-yard field goal attempt from John Canes with 2:56 left. Canes’ kick was blocked, giving Salinas the ball at its own 17 with 2:51 to go.
The Cowboys methodically went down the field, covering 83 yards on 10 plays, capped by Zach McDermott’s 10-yard touchdown pass to Elijah Kirkland for the game-winner with 26.8 seconds left.
Needing someone — anyone — to make a play, the Balers couldn’t deliver.
“I thought we held on as long as we could,” Cameron said. “They were just a little better up front, and sooner or later they were going to connect on some passes because they had missed some wide open ones earlier.”
No kidding. After misfiring on 10 of his first 12 attempts, McDermott completed his final five passes and six of his last seven, one of which was a 30-yard touchdown pass to Jon Santos.
Even though Salinas’ passing game was nothing to shout about, San Benito would take anything to establish production through the air.
Once again, the Balers’ passing game was non-existent. David Stanton did a nice job of running the offense, finishing with 59 yards on 10 carries. But Stanton and his receivers simply couldn’t connect, as he went just 3 of 12 for 35 yards, including two interceptions.
“We’re just not there yet in terms of passing the ball,” Cameron said. “It’s a bit frustrating.”
San Benito’s two scores came on a 16-yard run from Stanton and a 4-yarder from Zak Hicks, who led the team with 74 yards on 10 carries. Salinas outgained San Benito, 312-249.
