FOOTBALL: Sobrato faces Christopher to kick off season

The official record books have the brief two-game series between the Sobrato High School and Christopher High School football teams even at one victory apiece.
However, with last season’s 40-26 Sobrato win later forfeited to Christopher after it was found that the Bulldogs had an ineligible player suited up for the contest, there is a lingering sour taste that both teams are eager to rid off as the 2012 season draws near.
The wait is over.
Two programs that seem to parallel one another are set for the third-consecutive season-opener against each other as Christopher hosts Sobrato tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Gilroy High’s Garcia-Elder Sports Complex.
“We know that we have never beaten them on the field,” CHS head coach Tim Pierleoni said. “It’s not going to be an easy night Friday night. They are really well coached and they have some really good football players.”
Both teams are coming off of league champions seasons and will each participate in the ‘A’ divisions of their respective leagues – Sobrato will call the Blossom Valley Athletic League’s Mount Hamilton Division home and Christopher will play in the Gabilan Division of the new Monterey Bay League.
In the two previous games between the neighboring South County schools, Sobrato has outscored the Cougars 68-36. The Bulldogs spoiled the Cougars first-ever varsity game with a 28-10 victory in 2010.
Entering the new season, Sobrato will bring a new look to the field. Gone is Santa Teresa Division MVP Jerry Jacob along with his 1,467 passing yards and 18 touchdowns. Instead, Sobrato will start quarterback Michael Bocksnick. It’s the first time the game between the two teams will be played without Jacob, who graduated, starting behind center for the Bulldogs.
Bocksnick, a transfer from San Benito High, struggled with injuries a year ago in Hollister, but added a dynamic threat to the Haybaler rushing and throwing attack. Starting Friday, he is expected to do the same for the Bulldogs in 2012.
Christopher, too, has a new quarterback as junior Sterling Montgomery takes over for the departed Brandon Pickens, who started every game for the Cougars his junior and senior season.