SAN BENITO — The San Benito Greyhounds have passed every test they have faced this season.
Tonight’s Battle of the Arroyo will conclude a regular season that Hounds fans won’t forget as they have seen their home team tear through District 32-6A and are the cusp of an outright district title.
The Hounds’ up-tempo offense has been flawless this season. Built with a strong offense line and a bevy of weapons, the offense has averaged 267 yards on the ground and 159 yards through the air.
Senior signal caller Erick Retta orchestrates the offense with mastery and has posted solid numbers over the regular season. He’s thrown for 1,391 yards and has 18 touchdowns to just one interception. Moreover, he has a strong 132.9 QB rating and is looking forward to playing in his final Battle.
“I have to start by thanking my offensive line, they’re amazing,” said Retta. “They’re a veteran group and I’m thankful to have them blocking for Tyrone (Harper) and I. Without them we wouldn’t be here. Coach (Dan) Gomez has done a good job of keeping us healthy and it’s important that we’re all healthy. Our big game experience is a key for us; we have been here before. We know what’s at stake and we are confident that we can get the job done.”
In his second year as a Greyhound running back, Tyrone Harper has made San Benito his home and has had a breakout senior season.
“I’m from San Antonio and I have seen some big teams, but there is nothing like San Benito football. The fans and the community here is amazing,” Harper said. “I have really enjoyed my time here. It’s going to be a great feeling being able to take the field for the Battle one last time with my brothers. I’m ready to play my heart out.”
Harper leads the district with 1,391 yards on 141 carries and has reached pay dirt 18 times. The most impressive stat is yards per carry where he is averaging 7.9 yards a carry.
Senior wide receiver Isaiah Trevino has served as Retta’s go-to target and has hauled in 33 passes for 670 yards and eight touchdowns this year. He has also provided the offense with the ability to run the ball with 20 carries for 229 yards and two touchdowns.
“I feel like we’re ready,” Trevino said. “We have had a great week of practice and everyone is focused on Friday night. This is what you remember and this is how you get remembered. It’s our senior year and we tell the younger guys to keep focused and to not get distracted by any outside noise, and to remember what we have worked hard for.”
