Quarterback Michael Bocksnick, who last season led San Benito High School to its first Tri-County Athletic League championship in six years, is moving to Morgan Hill and will transfer to Live Oak or Sobrato for his final year of high school, according to his father, Herb, a former SBHS freshman football coach.
Bocksnick was elected to the All-TCAL second team in 2011 after passing for 751 yards and four touchdowns. The 6-foot, 175-pound junior made a greater impact on the ground, rushing for 587 yards and 10 scores. His 14 touchdowns led the team.
Bocknsick, who was 4-2-1 as a starter last year, made his varsity debut as a sophomore in 2010. Playing sparingly, he ran for 247 yards and seven touchdowns on 37 carries. He also threw for 130 yards on 9-of-13 passing.
San Benito coach Chris Cameron and athletic director Tod Thatcher did not return phone calls before press time. Live Oak coach Mike Gemo and Sobrato coach Nick Borello declined to comment.
The loss of Bocksnick, who suffered two different injuries last year, is a huge hole that will likely be filled by Josh George.
As a sophomore, George did an admirable job filling in after Bocksnick suffered two leg injuries. In four games, George completed 8 of 20 for 174 and three touchdowns to four interceptions.
More importantly, George led the Haybalers to a 3-1 record, including a 13-12 win over Palma to clinch the league title, when Bocksnick was injured on the game’s second series.
George’s lone loss came in the first round of the Central Coast Section Open Division playoffs against Archbishop Mitty.
But when he was healthy, Bocksnick was a difference maker for the Balers.
He would be a key addition at Live Oak or Sobrato, both run-first teams.
The Bulldogs are replacing league MVP Jerry Jacob, who threw for 1,467 yards and 18 touchdowns as a senior in the same wing-T used by the Balers. The Acorns will return 2011 starting quarterback Taylor Turnipseed but are set to graduate 12 skill players.
