Last year, San Benito lost 16-0 against Valley Christian then
went on to the Division 2 championship game.
Last year, San Benito lost 16-0 against Valley Christian then went on to the Division 2 championship game.
But this year in the opener at Valley Christian Saturday, the Haybalers had a little bit bigger wake-up call in a 41-0 loss. Valley Christian handed the Haybalers their worst loss in recent history.
It was just the fifth shutout dating back to 2000. But three of them have come at the hands of the Warriors, including a 38-0 loss two years ago. The last time San Benito has given up 41 points in a game was in the 41-20 loss at Palma Nov. 15, 2002.
San Benito was ranked 23th coming in to the game, while Valley Christian was ranked 12th in Northern California by CalHiSports.
Mistakes haunted the Balers all day Saturday. If it wasn’t a missed assignment, it was a fumble or interception.
“We had some kids who I don’t think played up to their potential,” said Baler coach Chris Cameron. “Everything we worked on in practice just went right out the window. That’s a sign of immaturity.”
San Benito didn’t pick up any first downs in the second half. And the Warriors had more than 400 yards on total offense, while San Benito had less than 100.
The Haybalers’ best chance to score in the game came after Art Esparza kicked a punt that sailed more than 60 yards late in the third quarter.
The Warriors weren’t expecting a kick that deep and were playing way up. The ball was downed on the six-yard line.
