By PETE BANDA
Special to the NEWS
LOS FRESNOS, TX—After efficiently disposing of another contender, the San Benito Greyhounds gridiron warriors are one victory away from completing the second undefeated regular season under Dan Gomez and just their third in the last 30 years.
Last week’s 38-14 shellacking of the 6-3 Los Fresnos Falcons pushed the ’Hounds record to 9-0 and set up a winner-take-all season finale against the Weslaco Panthers. With dominating wins over the number three and four ranked teams in District 32-6A during the last two weeks, San Benito hopes to keep its hot streak going against the only other undefeated 6A Valley team.
The Greyhounds got their usual quick start against the Falcons, forcing Los Fresnos to punt after just six plays and then watching Fabian Garcia bust a 61-yard touchdown three plays later. The Falcon offense struggled on their second possession, punting again after three plays and no yards. Penalties on San Benito’s next drive killed any momentum the Purple and Gold had, and the ’Hounds were forced to punt from midfield, opening the door for Los Fresnos to gain some ground against the number one defense in the Valley.
With the first quarter winding down, Falcons superstar quarterback Robert Pineda broke a potential game-altering 82-yard touchdown run on third and 10 to tie the game at seven. Seeing their chance to build their own momentum, the Falcons went for a surprise onside kick immediately after their first score of the game, but San Benito easily recovered and could start the second quarter with the ball at midfield. Unfortunately, more penalties pushed the ’Hounds back and forced another punt, but quarterback Aaron Corona was beginning to heat up.
Los Fresnos again punted after only three plays, and the Greyhounds began their onslaught on the next drive. A pair of perfectly placed passes by Corona, and some hard running by Garcia netted San Benito a quick touchdown, giving the visiting team a 14-7 lead with just over five minutes in the first half. Despite finally picking up a first down, Los Fresnos was again forced to punt to the red-hot Greyhound offense. With less than a minute in the half, Corona continued his career night with a pinpoint 25-yard touchdown toss to Gabriel Covarrubias for San Benito’s second score in four minutes.
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