SAN BENITO — The Greyhounds are back in the playoffs and are clicking on all cylinders.
San Benito’s 2017 playoff journey begins tonight as they welcome in Edinburg North to Bobby Morrow Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7.
“It’s something we have done before, playing on a Thursday is nothing new for us,” said San Benito coach Dan Gomez. “We know the routine and at this point in the season it doesn’t take much to get the kids ready for a playoff game. They’re excited to be back in the playoffs,”
Edinburg North has had an up-and-down season, but has found its stride as of late. The Cougars are back in the playoffs for a second straight year, but this time there are some new faces leading the offense.
Junior running back Cristian Flores has had a solid season, leading the Cougars rushing attack with 1,177 yards rushing on 230 carries and 13 touchdowns.
The Cougars, who have won two in a row, clinched a playoff berth with a 28-10 win against PSJA in the final week of the regular season that saw Flores rush for 269 yards. Edinburg North finished the season as the No. 4 seed with a 5-5 record.
“They run the ball well and they do a good job up front with their offensive line,” Gomez said of the Cougars. “Defensively, they have some strong linebackers and they run to the ball well, and they cover well. Their defense does a great job on stopping the run.”
The Hounds’ offense will look to keep its up-tempo offense in sync with senior quarterback Erick Retta leading the way.
San Benito’s offense has scored more than 40 points in eight games this season and over the past three games the Hounds have outscored their opponents 168-41.
Senior running back Tyrone Harper capped off a strong regular season with 1,240 yards on 159 carries and 18 touchdowns. Receiver Isaiah Trevino, who is Retta’s go-to target, has also checked in a solid senior season with 35 receptions for 689 yards and eight scores.
Defensively, San Benito prides itself on being the hardest-hitting team on the field and will look to its pass rush led by Ryan Reza and their leading tackler Pedro Gomez.
“I have seen the kids more focused this week and we are hoping that carries into tonight,” Gomez said. “The kids are in tune, their minds are sharp and their bodies are ready. They’re ready to get on the field and play.”
