’Hounds explode in 52-0 rout of PSJA

San Benito Greyhound running back Arturo Coronado is seen here gaining positive yardage against the PSJA Bears defense Thursday in Pharr. Members of the ’Hounds’ “D” are also shown putting a stop to any Bears momentum. (Photos by Rodrigo Davila)

By PETE BANDA
Special to the NEWS

PHARR – It was as if all the frustration of a squandered season came pouring out in one game for the San Benito Greyhounds on Thursday night.

The ’Hounds nearly broke their side of the scoreboard at PSJA Stadium as they bombed the Bears by a score of 52-0. The offensive explosion was due in part to Dylan Castillo and Jesse Jimenez working in perfect unison to quarterback the San Benito attack as well as usual workhorse running back Arturo Coronado having his way with the Bear defense.

San Benito wasted little time getting points up as Castillo scampered into the end-zone from 31-yards out on the team’s first drive. The seven point lead alone would be enough to take the victory, but it was obvious the Greyhounds were out to make a statement rather than just take a victory. After two games in, which the San Benito offense came up a combined six points short of victories, the ’Hounds were determined to prove they should still be considered an offensive juggernaut.

After Castillo punched in the first score, Coronado put up one of his own from yards out still early in the first quarter. Of course, with the offense scoring almost at will, the defense put on a show of its own as Nate Mireles stripped the ball out of an opposing running back’s hands near midfield.

After the two scoring drives San Benito already put up, Jimenez got his two shots at leading a scoring drive of his own. He didn’t disappoint. With the defense still smothering PSJA, Jimenez added yet another touchdown, running it in from 20 yards out and making the score 21-0 before halftime. After two long completions by Jimenez, Coronado punched in yet another score from 13 yards out.

The Bears seemed content to go into the break down by four touchdowns, but another turnover forced by the purple and gold led to one last touchdown before the half. The 35 halftime points were more than San Benito had scored in any full game all season, something Head Coach Spencer Gantt attributed to the new offensive scheme.

“We wanted to try giving both Dylan and Jesse two series each to see if one would get the hot hand,” said Gantt. “Turns out they both led us to scores, so we have two very viable options now.”

A short field goal in the third and a couple of late touchdowns in the fourth gave the Greyhounds their biggest win of the year, score wise at least.

The shutout was one the San Benito D had been chasing all year and finally got it in this obvious must win.

“We came up just three points short of a shutout against Harlingen and getting that shutout was definitely a goal we had been chasing all year,” said Gantt. “This is a good win going into a bye week and although we have a lot to work on, at least we have the taste of a victory in our mouth this week.”

Read this story in the Oct. 28 edition of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.