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In what was supposed to be Hollister High’s first football triple-header at Andy Hardin Stadium on Sept. 17, a collaboration with the tackle and flag football programs, both the Baler varsity flag football and junior varsity tackle squad won their games over visiting Alisal High despite the varsity tackle team’s last moment forfeit.
The San Benito High School District announced just four hours before the varsity tackle matchup against Alisal High that the Balers would forfeit their first Pacific Coast Athletic League game of the season due to the ongoing investigation of the football program.
The forfeit came a week after head coach Thomas Sullivan was placed on paid administrative leave amid the district’s investigation.
The district has been tight-lipped about the investigation and has only reiterated information that is publicly available.
When asked about the game’s forfeiture, Hollister High Principal Kevin Medeiros said, “It’s not something I can talk about.”
The varsity tackle football team was 3-0 before the forfeit.
Hollister High Athletic Director Tod Thatcher said Thursday night’s event was supposed to be the first time the flag and tackle football teams shared the field. Thatcher said he was inspired by a visit to Aptos High a few years ago, where the school held a triple-header.
Although the night did not go as planned, Thatcher said he was still grateful to the Baler cheer and band programs for showing up and supporting the varsity flag football matchup.
“We made the best of an unfortunate situation,” Thatcher said.
The Baler junior varsity tackle team opened the evening with a 62-6 win against the Trojans, improving its season record to 3-0.
And, the Hollister flag football team followed with a 19-13 win over the Trojans, who are currently the Pacific Coast Athletic League Gabilan Division leaders.
Baler head coach Jose Perez said, “I’ve been preaching every single game, every single practice, just one play at a time.”
Hollister started the scoring when junior quarterback Zoey Galvez put the Balers on the board by escaping from the pocket for a rushing touchdown four minutes into the first quarter, giving the Balers a 6-0 lead.
Receiver Elliot Sparling gave the Balers a second touchdown by catching a pass from Rodriguez and running it into the end zone, increasing the lead to 13-0.
The first quarter ended with a defensive interception by junior safety Aleah Ruiz, setting the Balers up with good field position to start the second quarter.
The Balers took advantage of Ruiz’s work at the start of the second quarter. Junior quarterback Isabelle Rodriguez rushed for a touchdown to cap the drive, giving the Balers a 19-0 lead.
Rodriguez completed 16 of 24 passes for 138 yards.
“We know these girls are really athletic, so it’s a lot of pre-snap reading, preparation, and just to see it all come together is a really good feeling,” Rodriguez said.
Playing defensive back, Sparling recorded her first interception of the night when she picked off a pass from the Trojans’ quarterback at about the Alisal 15-yard line, returning it nearly 15 yards and giving the Baler offense good field position.
Sparling picked up her second interception at the end of the second quarter on a last-second pass attempt by the Trojan quarterback.
The Trojans rallied in the second half, scoring their first touchdown and converting the extra point with 33 seconds left in the third quarter to cut the lead to 19-7.
The Baler defense was aggressive in the fourth quarter, making stops to prevent another Trojan touchdown, and Sparling recorded her third interception of the night on a pass to the end zone by the Alisal quarterback, returning it nearly 60 yards.
Alisal tried to rally with a nearly 70-yard touchdown run by running back Samantha Gonzales, cutting the lead to 19-13.
With 20 seconds left in the game, Sparling made her fourth interception of the game to stop the Alisal offense and help the Balers snap an eight-game losing streak with the victory.
Sparling added 38 receiving yards to her four picks.
“I know the games haven’t been really going our way, but we haven’t given up,” Sparling said. “We’ve been working hard and practicing, it’s showing on the field finally.”
Perez said he hopes the game helps lay a foundation for the rest of the season and helps the players grow.
“Enjoy the win, but it’s a long season,” Perez said.
The Balers flag football team returns to Andy Hardin Stadium on Sept. 21 to face the North Monterey County Condors at 5:45 p.m.
There is no word on when the Baler varsity tackle football team will play another game this season. It is scheduled to host Soquel for the Homecoming game on Sept. 25.
BenitoLink thanks our underwriter, Hollister Rotary, for helping expand the sports coverage around San Benito County. Rotary is a nonprofit organization that conducts humanitarian projects, encourages high ethical standards, and works toward world understanding. All editorial decisions are made by BenitoLink.
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