Hollister football shut out by Salinas

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Dropping its second game in a row, the Hollister High football team was shut out by Salinas 45-0 at the Pit on Oct. 3. 

In its first season under Hollister head coach Thomas Sullivan, the Balers fell to a 1-4 overall record and 1-2 in the league. 

Sullivan said defensive breakdowns, a lack of offensive rhythm and injuries involving the starting players all contributed to Hollister’s loss.

Though Hollister kept Salinas scoreless through the first quarter, it allowed 21 points in the second quarter. 

The third score followed an interception just before the half.

“Once Salinas starts really feeling confident, they can put it on you,” Sullivan said. “By then it just got away from us.” 

He said mistakes led to more turnovers in the second half when Salinas added to its lead. The Cowboys scored 17 points in the third quarter and seven in the fourth. 

Offensively, Sullivan said the team is trying to figure out its identity and wasn’t able to find a rhythm with Salinas forcing multiple three-and-outs. He said without any rhythm, the offense is not able to put pressure on the opposing defenses and is left looking for a break in coverage or run-lane assignment. 

“If you don’t get those [breakdowns], then it makes for a long night,” he said. “And that’s exactly what it was, a long night for us.”

Despite the loss, Sullivan said there were positive moments in the game including senior linebacker Tripp Filice blocking a field goal attempt in the first quarter that kept the Cowboys off the scoreboard. 

He said senior Jayden Hunter also played well in the first half and made “critical tackles” as a strong safety.

“Those are things we can continue to build on,” Sullivan said. 

He said the goal is for the team to play the best football it can in all three phases of the game this season.

“We’re going to focus on getting better,” Sullivan said. “Get in a rhythm on offense, playing assignment defense and creating opportunities in special teams.”

Hollister is scheduled to host Carmel at Andy Hardin Stadium on Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m.

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.