‘Balers Defense is a Big Reason for Team’s Playoff Run
By John Coscia, Staff Writer
Hollister – They’re the Rodney Dangerfield’s of nearly every football squad. They’re often referred to as the no-name defense.
But not here in Hollister.
The players on the defensive side of the ball may be the biggest reason why the San Benito ‘Balers are playing in Saturday’s CCS Large Division championship game.
Their names are as recognizable throughout the community as they are on campus and while they may not always fill the headlines this group of warriors has been on fire in recent weeks.
In fact over the past 10 quarters they’ve held their opponents to a total of just 19 points. When you consider the breakdown of those games the numbers become that much more impressive.
For example, trailing 21-13 to Palma in the final regular season game, the ‘Balers defense held the Chieftains, who will be playing tonight in the CCS Open Division championship game, to just three points, giving the ‘Balers offense the chance to score.
Then there was the Alisal contest where San Benito held their opponent to just 10 points in the entire game. And the ‘Balers turned in their most dynamic performance this past Saturday, holding the high-powered Independence offense to just six points after the 76ers had put 31 points up against Live Oak the previous week.
Johnny Sanchez, Vinnie Sardam, Chase Wood and Ryan Dunn are just the beginning of a solid core at defense that has carried this team on its back in recent weeks.
Tod Thatcher, the ‘Balers defensive coordinator admonished the whole team following Saturday’s convincing win.
“Let’s rededicate ourselves for one more week,” he said. “I’m tired of going to the big dance and someone else taking home the girl. It’s our turn to bring home the trophy.”
And they will . . . if this ‘Balers defense has anything to say about it.
“We’ve got to have a hunger in our belly,” ‘Balers head coach Chris Cameron encouraged his players. “You gotta believe that finishing second last year left a bad taste in our mouth. This year we want to walk away winners.”
