Two years removed from a spot in the Central Coast Section
championship game and a year after a heartbreaking defeat to
Independence in the first round of the CCS playoffs, the San Benito
football team has vastly changed — moving from a team full of
experience to the exact opposite. Despite the inexperience — and
the replacement of 33 players, including the starting quarterback,
running back, receivers, lineman and defensive backs from last
year’s team — expectations are as high as they always are
San Benito Haybalers
Coach: Chris Cameron
League: Tri County
2010 record: 6-5, 4-2 (third)
Two years removed from a spot in the Central Coast Section championship game and a year after a heartbreaking defeat to Independence in the first round of the CCS playoffs, the San Benito football team has vastly changed — moving from a team full of experience to the exact opposite.
Despite the inexperience — and the replacement of 33 players, including the starting quarterback, running back, receivers, lineman and defensive backs from last year’s team — expectations are as high as they always are.
“We still have the same goals,” coach Chris Cameron said. “We want to win every game. We want to win the (Tri County Athletic League). We want to win state.”
But he doesn’t necessarily expect that from his young team.
“Honestly, I don’t know what to expect this year,” Cameron said.
A week before the season is scheduled to begin against the reigning Division I state champs Palo Alto, the team’s starting lineup is still in flux.
“We don’t know who will start for us,” Cameron said Thursday, one day before the Balers participated in a jamboree at Gilroy High.
That decision was made Sunday — after print deadline — but the Balers expect to replace most of their starters from last year’s offensive line, at starting quarterback and a majority of other skill positions due to graduation. Younger players and returning juniors will be called upon to meet those goals — including quarterback Michael Bocksnick. It’s one of the largest single-season turnovers Cameron can remember.
“There are a lot of things we just don’t know yet,” he said. “But we haven’t played a game yet.”
And gaining that experience is the big key to the season, Cameron said.
“We need to get better every week,” he said.
With a tough early schedule that includes Oak Grove, Willow Glen and Palo Alto, the team will have to improve quickly.
With inexperience, though, comes opportunity.
“I think this year we are kind of not expected to do so well because we are kind of a younger team. But I think we are going to come out and do really well,” junior linebacker Damon Perez said. “I think if we try our hardest, we are going to have a successful season.”
Perez, who was a sophomore on last year’s team, is one of many players expected to fill a void from last year’s graduates.
He will have some help from all-league selection Ryan Di Salvo and team leader in tackles Garrett Avina.
Other key players include Anthony Cervantes, who played sparingly last year behind leading rusher Cody Hendricks, and linebacker Jon Huaracha.
But with the team’s reliance on running, it all starts with the offensive line.
“We need them to do well this year,” Cameron said.
On the defensive side, the team will need to find replacements for former captain Marcos Silva and Conner Stevens.
But with all the change, Cameron has one ultimate goal — make the last game count.
“We want the last game to mean something,” he said.
WHO TO WATCH
Michael Bocksnick: The starting quarterback scored seven touchdowns in only a few appearances last year. The Balers could use his speed to open up new dynamics in their run-first offense.
Ryan Di Salvo and Jon Huaracha: The pair od linebackers was awarded second team all-league last year and are expected to be the anchors of a young front seven for the Balers. Last year Huaracha had 89 total tackles and 2.5 sacks. Di Salvo added 40 tackles and 2.5 sacks.
Garret Avina: The defensive back was a tackling machine for the Balers last year, compiling a team-high 100 tackles. He also added an interception to his efforts. The 2010 first team all-league selection is expected to be the defensive leader for the Balers during the new year.
Offensive line: It is no secret, the Balers like to run. But with the loss of six linemen from last year — all of whom played in 2010 — the Balers face an uphill battle replacing those cogs. The team will rely on players without a lot of experience, Cameron said. A week before the first game, the Balers do not have the starting five set.
Friday at Palo Alto
In a rematch of last year’s 23-6 loss to the eventual Division I state champs, the Balers have a chance to enact revenge and start their season with a bang.
Nov. 4 vs. Gilroy
The return of the Prune Bowl finds the Balers as the defending champions in this annual matchup of regional rivals. Expect the unexpected.
2011 SCHEDULE
Friday: At Palo Alto, 7:30
Sept. 9: Oak Grove, 7:30
Sept. 16: At Saratoga, 7:30
Sept. 23: Willow Glen, 7
*Sept. 30: Alisal, 7:30
*Oct. 7: At Salinas, 7:30
*Oct. 22: At North Salinas, 6:30
*Oct. 28: Alvarez, 7:30
*Nov. 4: Gilroy, 7:30
Home games in bold
(*) league games
*Nov. 11: At Palma, 7:30
