Live Oak Stuns San Benito; Still Alive in Playoff Hunt
Morgan Hill – Kevin Abbott rushed for three touchdowns Friday night, and Live Oak stunned San Benito 28-25 to move back into contention in the Tri-County Athletic League.
Live Oak took the lead right off the bat after Dustin Muhn returned the opening kickoff about 90 yards before everyone had completely settled in, but San Benito answered right back. Quarterback Karson Klauer found Anthony Francis down the left sideline for a 76-yard touchdown.
After the first minute of action, the defenses intensified and both teams had trouble picking up the first down.
With 2:50 left before halftime, Abbott found a hole in the defense for an 84-yard touchdown that put Live Oak up 14-7. The drive started on the 1-yard line but a penalty gave the Acorns some breathing room.
After that it was all Acorns. Live Oak continually shut down San Benito’s offense, forcing several three-and-outs.
Live Oak took a 21-7 lead with 9:04 left in the third quarter on a 74-yard run by Abbott.
San Benito mounted a little of a comeback late in the game by going to the air, but by then it was too late.
The Haybalers got within 21-13 after a one-yard run by Abel Jacquez with 4:23 left in the third. But Live Oak answered in the first minute of the fourth quarter with a 27-yard handoff to Muhn.
San Benito put together nine consecutive pass plays to move the ball 77 yards down the field, capped by a six-yard pass to Jeremy Burns to get within 28-19 with 4:45 left.
The Balers also connected for a four-yard touchdown pass to Art Esparza. But by then there was only 1:17 left in the game.
San Benito missed two PATs late in the game that forced them to get two scores instead of one. One PAT was blocked, and one was wide right.
Live Oak will play its final game to the year against visiting Gilroy this week. The game was moved from Friday to Thursday because of the holiday. The JVs will play first, while the freshman play Wednesday.
