Baler football rebuilds in busy offseason

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Coming off of a 3-7 season, second-year Hollister High varsity head football coach Thomas Sullivan is leading the team’s offseason rebuild ahead of the start of the 2026 season in August.

“We’ve spent a lot of time as a coaching staff in the offseason developing best practices for drills and schemes,” Sullivan said. “We brought out coach Kenny Simpson from Arkansas, one of the most renowned offensive coordinators in the country for high school football.”

Sullivan said the coaching staff has attended clinics for offensive, defensive and special teams training.

He said the offseason consists of weightlifting, conditioning, speed and football IQ. Practice begins at 6 a.m. on the field and finishes around 8 a.m. in the weightroom.

On June 20, the team traveled to Cabrillo College in Aptos to compete in a 7v7 tournament, alongside Alisal, Alvarez, Rancho San Juan, Santa Cruz, Monte Vista Christian, San Lorenzo Valley and Pajaro Valley high schools. The tournament was put together by the Cabrillo College football staff and led by Seahawks head coach Anthony Romero.

“Our emphasis was on the pursuit of the football, communication and getting lined up correctly,” Sullivan said. 

He said the team performed well defensively in the four games the Balers played in and made it to the tourney semifinals, where they lost on the last play. 

Beyond the game, the coaching staff works with players to develop academic plans throughout the year. Sullivan said last year’s senior class saw nine Haybalers playing football on the collegiate level.

“Players are able to make goals, and then we’re able to measure those goals and how effective they are at meeting those goals,” he said. 

Senior quarterback Elijah Lovejoy, who is the favorite to start at the position, said he is optimistic about the team’s offseason development. 

“Last year was a great learning point for everyone,” Lovejoy said. “We learned what we need to work on as a team and as individuals. This year we’re going to be able to prove ourselves and everyone working has done a great job in trying to achieve that.”

Senior safety Benjamin Candelaria, also in line for a starting role, reflected on last season and said he is looking forward to the fall.

“We have a very structured schedule, the coaches know what they’re doing and we know what we’re doing,” Candelaria said. “We are learning a lot in the offseason, staying more focused and getting prepared for the upcoming season.”

Outside of team practices, both players said they continue to train in the gym and on the field with teammates to improve their strength, footwork, speed and agility.

According to Sullivan, the team’s non-negotiables—commitment, effort and respect—are the driving force behind their strong chemistry.

“When you have that within a team, there’s some lasting bonds that’ll be there,” he said. “We’re really seeing some great chemistry out of them right now. They’ve got each other’s back.”

Lovejoy added, “Right now, the energy in the locker room is something I have not seen in my four years here. We are really excited to see where this keeps going.”

Candelaria described the energy as “more upbeat” than in previous years and said he is excited to get on the field and play again.

“Community support is an integral part for us,” Sullivan said. 

The Haybaler football team holds two fundraisers each year, including selling the Baler Card. Sullivan credits the community for supporting the team at games and making generous donations to the program. 

“Without our community, we would be nothing,” Lovejoy said.

The Haybalers play their first regular-season game on Aug. 28 at Andy Hardin Stadium.

The BenitoLink Internship Program is a paid, skill-building program that prepares local youth for a professional career. This program is supported by Monterey Peninsula Foundation AT&T Golf Tour and Taylor Farms.

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.