By PETE BANDA
Special to the NEWS
The San Benito Greyhounds saw their miraculous season come to an end last week when the undefeated defending state champion Austin Westlake Chaparrals delivered a 44-7 knockout blow to the Purple and Gold. Despite the loss, San Benito undoubtedly gained respect across the state with their gritty defensive effort that held the Chaps to their third lowest point total of the season while adding a touchdown of their own.
The ’Hounds got a huge confidence boost to start the game when their defense forced the high powered Westlake offense to punt after just three plays. The San Benito offense continued to impress when superstar running back Fabian Garcia managed to push ahead for a first down on his second carry of the game. Ultimately, the size of the Westlake defensive line prevailed and the Greyhounds were forced to punt. The Westlake offense, which came into the game averaging more than 53 points per game, was heading for another three and out before Chaps’ QB Paxton Land completed a bomb downfield that set Westlake up at the 15-yard line. Two plays later, the Chaps punched the ball into the endzone to take a 7-0 lead with five minutes left in the first quarter.
The second quarter started off horribly for San Benito as the Chaps were able to block a Greyhound punt and recover the ball just outside of the red zone. It took Westlake two plays to score their second touchdown of the game, taking a 14-0 lead early in the second period.
Despite having trouble consistently moving the ball, San Benito stuck with the run game in the first half. Garcia fought hard but was unable to get positive yards and the Chaps again took over the ball near midfield. After stuffing their first two runs, Westlake eventually broke a 50-yard touchdown that gave them a comfortable 21-0 lead with the time winding down in the first half. The three time defending state champions added a field goal with thirty second left in the half, sending the Greyhounds to the halftime break with their largest deficit of the last two seasons.
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