Sobrato opens WV play strong; looks to keep going

If the first two weeks put doubts in Sobrato’s ability to compete, the last two games have shown what a clinking Bulldogs team can do.
After running past Monterey to close out the non league season, Sobrato ended Hill’s three-game winning streak with a decisive 39-7 win.
“We were tired of getting bullied. We wanted to be on that side of the stick,” said coach Tony Holmes.
The Bulldogs controlled the clock early, extended drives, scored points and kept the Hill offense off the field and took care of business on third down.
Jared Jones ran for 123 yards while John Bell threw for 216 yards with two touchdowns.
Ryan Monahan caught five passes for 141 yards and a touchdown to lead the team.
“The run game definitely helped set up the pass for John Bell,” Holmes said. “It gave us a lot of opportunities to throw the ball down field and gave us an opportunity to find balance as play callers. It gave an opportunity for everyone to touch ball.”
Holmes said there was a maturity on the field that had been lacking in previous games and it was good to see it manifest to set a tone at the start of league play.
“Out first three possessions said a lot about the maturity of team,” Holmes said. “There’s a lot of maturity in the play call selection. We were able to throw ball on play action. We scored on first three drives and it wasn’t big plays. We’d gain 10 yards, 15 yards, 10 yards and kept going.”
And in between, Sobrato forced turnovers in those first three possessions to get the ball back and help keep Hill’s offense off the field.
The only score Sobrato gave up was late in the contest when the game was already well decided.
Holmes said he was particularly proud that the team had an answer for Hill quarterback James Bankston.
To that point, Bankston had led the charge for a rejuvenated Hill team that was coming off of a winless season a year ago.
Holmes said it came down to his players understanding their assignments and making a point to not allow Bankston to beat them.
“That young man is a great athlete,” Holmes said. “He’s the reason we worked so hard going into that game. We knew he could be a threat at any point in time. We knew we had to play disciplined football because we knew he could break loose at any time and he’s not going to be easy to catch.”
Despite the touchdown in the fourth quarter, the Bulldogs’ defense held Hill to -48 yards rushing and just 37 total yards of offense.
Jones by himself out gained the Hill offense.
“I think we have the best runningback in league. I believe that in my heart,” Holmes said. “Jones will lead league in rushing yards. I really think so.”
Now Sobrato has to take to the road one more time to face an 0-4 Yerba Buena.
The Aztec Warriors are winless, but have been in all but one game.
They most recently lost to Evergreen Valley 37-31 in what has been a recurring theme this season: The six point loss.
The lone exception was a 40-0 loss to San Lorenzo Valley in the second week.
The Aztec Warriors are led by quarterback Paul Heng Phravixay, leads the team with 291 yards passing and 538 yards on the ground.
“They’re going to be hungry. That’s something can’t underestimate is the bite of a cornered dog,” Holmes said.
Holmes said he wants to see two things out of his boys in the game: First to stay disciplined against a shifty quarterback and second to continue to establish their will in every game.
“I feel we’re very confident and very focused and you’re going to see some of the same things. You’ll see a strong run game with play actions. Our defense is very stingy. The kids continue to build up confidence as they establish themselves and you’re going to see a lot of negative plays on defense and lot breakaway plays on offense.”
Holmes said he wants his boys to continue to focus on what they do well on offense.
“That’s going to be focus this week,” Holmes said. “We’re going to control the tempo of the game through the run and through our defense.”
Holmes said the proof will be in how well his linemen control the game. He said he believes his Bulldogs are better prepared up front and it will show.
“I think line is better overall as unit than others in league,” Holmes said. “I know what these young men go through to get ready for Friday evenings. I also know our maturity level and seniority level.”
Kickoff against Yerba Buena is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday in San Jose.