’Hound power — The Weslaco Panthers narrowly defeated the Greyhounds, 10-7, at Bobby Morrow Stadium as San Benito’s season record dropped to 0-5. (Courtesy photo/Hector Avila)
By ALBERT VILLEGAS
Special to the NEWS
Win or lose, the goal of the San Benito Greyhounds’ coaching staff is to develop their players and learn from the game of football.
As the season has progressed, progress has been made despite a narrow 10-7 loss to the explosive Weslaco Panthers at Bobby Morrow Stadium last Friday.
San Benito is still seeking its first win of the season, holding a 0-5 record; however, the margin of defeat has decreased significantly, mainly due to the Greyhounds’ strong defense.
“Every week, it’s about us growing as a team, about our young guys gaining experience, and making sure we are in a position we want to be in,” San Benito Head Varsity Football Coach Dan Gomez said.
Against Weslaco (2-3 record), the ‘Hounds hosted a team that had consistently scored well against its opponents this season.
The Panthers scored in the 30s and 40s in their wins against Harlingen and McAllen Memorial. However, they entered their San Benito game after consecutive losses to Laredo teams but still managed to score at least 20 points.
It was the first time this season the ‘Hounds faced foes playing well into the fourth quarter to secure a victory.
The San Benito defense was crucial in that.
Every game and week serves as an evaluation of our team. From the first day of summer practices to now, halfway through our season, the message hasn’t changed, “Gomez said.” “Whether we’re winning ballgames or losing, we want to keep striving to improve each weekend.”
San Benito defender Anthony Garcia intercepted Weslaco quarterback Chris Luna, who threw for just over 100 yards on only 12 completions.
With the game tied late in the fourth quarter, Victor Rodriguez recovered a fumble. Teammate Henry Quiroz also made a fumble recovery during the game to halt a Panthers’ offensive drive.
Weslaco had five players with the ball and gained 186 yards.
The game was tied at 7-7 going into the third quarter. Weslaco managed to advance into San Benito’s red zone but couldn’t score a touchdown. After facing a third-and-goal at San Benito’s seven-yard line, the defense held the Panthers.
Weslaco led 10-7, however, following a 22-yard field goal.
The ‘Hounds’ only score came on their first offensive drive of the game.
Four plays were all it took for San Benito to take a 7-0 lead after a reception from quarterback Albert Gonzalez to wide receiver Kian Jones, who caught the pass on the run down the right side of the field. The Panthers’ defense wasn’t able to catch up to the speedy Jones.
Kicker Francisco Barrientos nailed the point after the attempt. The score came at the 10:58 mark of the first quarter.
Weslaco responded, but it took the team 10 plays to score and tie the game following a PAT.
San Benito plays against Carthage at a neutral site in Bay City on Friday.
District 32-6A play follows with a road game against the Brownsville Hanna Eagles on Oct. 10. Brownsville Veterans Memorial and Los Fresnos so far have 5-0 records. Hanna is 2-3, and Harlingen is at 1-4.
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