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Coming off a 2-14 record in the Pacific Coast Athletic League’s Gabilan Division, Hollister High School’s girls flag football team is working toward a comeback season.
Third-year head coach Jose Perez is leading the optional seven-week conditioning program.
“I am glad to see a lot of these girls coming out and playing football,” Perez said. “They used to play with their dads and brothers, so now they have an opportunity to play.”
Perez said the summer preseason program has seen between 40 and 70 girls participate, with only 40 roster spots available.
“We run a bunch of fundamentals that’s involved in different positions,” he said. “We call them everyday drills. This is a very brand new sport. Sports like softball and soccer have been available for them for a long time, and we get girls from different sports, so we try to show them how to catch a ball, run different routes and understand different defensive and offensive calls.”
Perez said last season saw a lot of rule changes. Because the team’s summer conditioning started late and focused on basic fundamentals rather than position-specific techniques, the team did not have much preseason competition.
During the season, he said, the Balers played against teams that had been competing in tournaments since July.
The team traveled to Hartnell College on July 26 to play its first preseason tournament against Salinas, Alisal, Soledad, Greenfield, Everett Alvarez, South Valley and Pajaro Valley high schools.
“Now, as the program is growing, we have a good grip on what we need to produce, and we’re trying to get them out sooner,” Perez said.
Incoming senior and cornerback Ali Garcia said the team is more “connected” than last season and has been bonding with one another during the summer conditioning program.
“During our scrimmages, we have more structure and we understand the game, especially with first- or second-year girls,” Garcia said. “They’re understanding how fast the game is or different types of positions to really be an eligible player for all positions.”
Marylin Rubio, an incoming senior and safety, said the team comes together and studies its playbook.
“We’re all here to work together and get better as a team,” Rubio said. “It’s not only just talent, but it’s also knowledge that goes into it. It’s a mindset game, and the stronger the mindset, the stronger you’ll be on the field.”
Incoming senior and linebacker Mia Martinez said the team members “try to practice together outside of practice without the coaches” to strengthen the bonds they are building.
Martinez said her most memorable moment of summer conditioning came when she recently lost her two front teeth.
Niya Villalba, an incoming senior and linebacker, said, “Having all these friends and making new friends that love the game like I do has been the most memorable experience.”
Leah Garcia, an incoming senior and linebacker, said, “The energy is very high compared to last season. Last season, everybody was in their heads, especially when mistakes were made, but this season everyone is very positive. The coaches are positive and they are motivating us.”
“There are a lot of new teams that are in our division now, and I am excited for the competition,” Rubio said.
The Balers open their season on Aug. 31 against Notre Dame High School at Andy Hardin Stadium.
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.
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.
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