’Hounds look to continue winning ways against Lopez

(Photo by Edward Cruz) Running back Gabriel Vasquez of the San Benito Greyhounds is seen carrying the ball in Brownsville on Friday, when the team defeated the Veterans Memorial Chargers by a score of 67-57.

(Photo by Edward Cruz)
Running back Gabriel Vasquez of the San Benito Greyhounds is seen carrying the ball in Brownsville on Friday, when the team defeated the Veterans Memorial Chargers by a score of 67-57.

By ARMANDO GARZA
Special to the NEWS

With four straight wins in district, things are looking great for the San Benito Greyhounds.

The accolades, interviews and attention levels have been rising for three weeks as the Valley began to take notice of the good things happening with the War Dog boys.

However, there is still plenty of work to be done.

After a wild, 67-57 win over Brownsville Veterans on Saturday night to gain sole possession of first place in District 32-6A, the ’Hounds return home Friday to host Brownsville Lopez in this year’s Homecoming game.

In the win over the Chargers, San Benito (5-2 overall, 4-0 district) rolled up 883 yards offensively, which is believed to possibly be a school record. The win was the third straight week of a flair for the dramatic.

In the shootout, running back Gabriel Vasquez rushed his way to San Benito News Player of the Week honors with 337 yards and two touchdowns and is closing in on 1,000 yards. He needs 32 yards against the Lobos to hit the mark.

’Hounds QB Cristian Sierra went over the 1,000-yard passing threshold with his 366 yards through the air at Veterans. Sierra now has 1,364 yards passing with 10 touchdowns. Rushing-wise, Sierra is second on the team with 645 yards and five TDs.

Also, junior wideout Mando Medrano continued his torrid pace with six grabs for 165 yards and two scores on Saturday night. It was the second-straight 100-plus yard game for no. 4, who leads the ’Hounds in receiving (30 catches, 431 yards, 4 TDs on the season).

Up front, the San Benito offensive line deserves props for clearing the way for the ground game and holding up blocks to allow the pass game to flourish.

While it was a banner game for the offense, the defensive side of the ball will look to avenge a disappointing performance.

The Chargers amassed nearly 700 total yards against the ’Hounds in the shootout. Vets RB/QB Derrik Rodriguez went for 390 yards and five touchdowns in a tremendous individual performance.

The Lobos (0-7, 0-4) certainly don’t possess a caliber of weapon like Rodriguez and the ’Hounds will look to bounce back and keep them corralled.

Lopez has struggled mightily this season and is out to play the role of spoiler. Coach Jason Starkey’s bunch was hit by injuries and their inexperience has shown. The Lobos fell to Hanna last week, 34-15, have been shut out twice and average just 9.7 points per contest.

Looming for San Benito after the Lopez game are dates at Harlingen South (10/31) and the regular season finale at home against Brownsville Rivera (11/7).

 

Permanent link to this article: https://www.sbnewspaper.com/2014/10/21/hounds-look-to-continue-winning-ways-against-lopez/

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