Manny Sanchez, wide receiver of the San Benito Greyhounds, is shown reeling in a catch during Friday night action against Los Fresnos. Also pictured running the ball is Raul Luna, who was filling in for an ailing Arturo Coronado. (Photos by Vince Galvan)
By PETE BANDA
Special to the NEWS
LOS FRESNOS – Besides the normal overabundance of penalties usually seen in a season opener, the San Benito Greyhounds looked to be in firm control of their game against the Los Fresnos Falcons Friday night at Leo Aguilar Memorial Stadium.
The ’Hounds won by a final of 16-7 in a game they never trailed. Not a bad start for San Benito in this the first game of the 2012 season.
Led by quarterback Jesse Jimenez and running back Raul Luna, who got the start in place of star running back Arturo Coronado who was out with an ailment, the Greyhounds controlled the run game and imposed their will on the Falcons.
It was the defense, anchored by linebacker Rene Chavez, Jr., that set the tone early in the first quarter, not allowing the Falcons to get to mid field on any of their first three drives. After a quick stop from the Greyhound D to start the game, San Benito took their first drive to the endzone via a one-yard touchdown run by Luna. A few other big plays were brought back on holding penalties and offsides, a problem head coach Spencer Gantt believes is redeemable.
“That really just reflects the fact that we didn’t even get a full scrimmage in last week,” said Gantt. “It’s something that is still very fixable this early in the year, it will be fixed.”
Following a 35-yard field goal by Edson Ybarra that put San Benito up 10-0, Los Fresnos took advantage of a mix up on special teams and put up their first score of the game right before the first half ended.
After one half of football, San Benito held a 10-7 lead, and despite the late score by the Falcons, the Greyhounds still had all the momentum. The second half opened up with Luna adding another touchdown, this one from 15 yards out, a missed extra point brought the score to 16-7.
With just over five minutes left in the game, San Benito’s Adrian Zuniga broke off his blocker and pulled down Los Fresnos QB Javier Cruz for his first sack of the season on a key third down, which forced a punt.
San Benito tried running out the clock but the Falcons were able to force a punt with two minutes left. Los Fresnos looked like it might be able to pull out a late score but Eric Gonzalez was able to ice the game for San Benito with a interception with less than a minute left in the game.
San Benito improves to 1-0 going into next week’s matchup against Harlingen in San Benito. Gantt was happy with the win but still has his eye on the bigger picture. “Our goal is to go 10-0 and win a district title, we have our goals out there still, but this is a great way to start off our season,” said Gantt.
To read this story in print, pick up a copy of the September 2 edition of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.
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WHY IS IT THAT EVERY YEAR JUST ONE PLAYER IN A CHAMPIONSHIP FOOTBALL GAME WINS THE GAME? EITHER THEY CAN’NT STOP HIM OR IF IT’S IN PASSING THEY CAN’NT KEEP UP WITH HIM?
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The hounds needs to go into friday’s game
mistake free if they want to defeat harlingen I hope the greyhounds can
achieve their goal and bring home the crystal ball
Hounds made some mistakes on offense that really kept this game from being a blowout. But San Benitos defense did a great job and the offense should come in better next week with some actual playing time under their belts and hopefully with the return of Arturo Coronado!
Go Hounds!! Beat the Cardinals!!!!
Way to go Greyhounds! Thank you for bringing joy back to San Benito. One game at a time, boys. Next up, beat them Cardinals! Gooooo Hounds!