SAN BENITO — The San Benito Greyhounds kick off their season against the Laredo United Longhorns in the Valley Morning Star’s Game of the Week. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. at Bobby Morrow Stadium.
The Hounds were fortunate to play a scrimmage against Corpus Christi Carroll two weeks ago, however they saw their scrimmage against McAllen High get cancelled due to Hurricane Harvey.
“We had a practice last Saturday the day after our scrimmage was cancelled and we got after it,” said San Benito coach Dan Gomez. “We look at what we do in practice and hope that intensity carries over into our games. Anytime you can get more reps at something you’re going to get better and we had that extra practice to get more reps, and our expectation is to execute much better than in our first scrimmage.”
Last season the Hounds picked apart the Longhorns en route to a 47-21 win. Tonight, San Benito will see a different Horns squad from 2016. United has turned to sophomore QB Wayo Huerta, who is entering his first year as a starter. Meanwhile, top rusher Isaac Velasquez, who rushed for 1,900 yards last season, returns to the Longhorn back field.
San Benito’s quick-tempo offense will be led by senior quarterback Erick Retta. Last season Retta played with mastery, going 18 for 26 through the air for 219 yards and three scores. Isaiah Trevino and Tyler Solis will provide Retta with soft hands and crisp route running come game time, not to mention running back Tyrone Harper, who leads the backfield.
Defensively, San Benito will face an offense that is in a transition year not only at the QB position but also scheme wise. United has been known to produce spread-like attacks with quarterbacks that like to sling it around the yard. This year, however, the Longhorns aim to be a run-first offense.
“It’s a great measuring stick to see where you stand as a football team,” Gomez said. “It gives you a chance to adjust as the season rolls on. United has a tradition-rich program, and they have a great coaching staff and athletes. It’s a great opportunity for us and we’re ready to get out there and play football.”
