Watchout, Palma: Salinas Cowboys bale the Balers in The Pit!

[Muddenguts]

If the Salinas Cowboys have anything to say about it (as they surely did Friday nite in the Pit after holding off a final quarter surge to extend their game long lead and beat the San Benito/Hollister Hay Balers 39-16), it's looking like the Central Coast Section's Monterey Bay-Gabilon League could come down to what happens when the Palma Bag Pipers (I can't spell Chieftans correctly) and Salinas meet prior to the generally annual League decider between Palma and Hollister.

Now, with the Cowboys' serious win over the Balers (after getting drubbed last week 46-6 by Milpitas), Salinas is going to make the end of the season just that much more precious for the thousands of home town fans who pack the Pit each game (ie., get to the next one early cause parking can be a bwitch).

Friday nite, the Cowboys primary scoring attack came on 2 TDs by Jack "The Ripper" Schuler and a trio of passing TDs from Matt Castenada to Ryan Jensen, two of them for 48 and 50 yards. Last time I saw Castenada throwing was about three weeks ago against Pioneer of San Jose, his arm (quite strong) and accuracy much improved since then. Muds

 

[NorCalSportsFan]

I expect to make the Palma v Salinas game. Palma should win handidly. The game against Christopher was done in Q1 with running clock and Palma subbing in starting Q2 and starters out in second half. Martinez was held out the game. Palma's Torculas (second team RB has a couple games now and is looking good on both sides), and other skill player with lots of speed junior Telford played his first plays and took one to the bank. Evidently San Benito has a major weakness in covering the pass and believe they were burned by the same play 2-3 times. Salinas has a few decent players and could have some success on offense against Palma at times, but they won't be able to stop Palma's offense and Palma's line. Salinas's Jensen is a talented player and will play D1` baseball, and Schuler will be one of the best twoway players in the section by the time he is a senior and an FBS prospect.

While I think Palma should defeat Salinas this year handidly, next year may be a little better game but still Palma should win with what they bring back. Very talented junior class this year. Of course anything can happen in a high school football game and the game is at "The Pit". Will be standing room only.

The year after is where I think Salinas could very well defeat Palma and also win the Gab and make some noise in the playoffs. Salinas sophs are very strong on both sides of the ball - very talented class. These two teams have players that are neighbors and also played in youth leagues together. Reason it is a big rivalry. I will sit on both sides since my niece is a Cowboy cheerleader and nephew a Chieftain. Like the civil war, the game even divides families.

On another note, it is also looking like Palma is in for some down years after next season. The sophs and frosh have some talent (frosh QB is very good) but could be two down classes in a row. The 8th grade class a least in youth leagues have a couple skill players that could be among the top in the section (Palma QB Richardson's young brother is already around 6 foot tall and ahead of his brother at this age and there is a RB that already looks like he can play JV ball size wise and speed wize would be fast as a varsity player). The RB will go to Salinas or Palma. If that Palma class gets enough depth should be a decent team. However it is looking like Palma will be down after next season. Next year's seniors has a really dedicated core group with lots of talent and they will be a favorite again in the Gab and playoffs for their enrollment.

 

[Cal 14]

If the Salinas Cowboys have anything to say about it (as they surely did Friday nite in the Pit after holding off a final quarter surge to extend their game long lead and beat the San Benito/Hollister Hay Balers 39-16), it's looking like the Central Coast Section's Monterey Bay-Gabilon League could come down to what happens when the Palma Bag Pipers (I can't spell Chieftans correctly) and Salinas meet prior to the generally annual League decider between Palma and Hollister.

Now, with the Cowboys' serious win over the Balers (after getting drubbed last week 46-6 by Milpitas), Salinas is going to make the end of the season just that much more precious for the thousands of home town fans who pack the Pit each game (ie., get to the next one early cause parking can be a bwitch).

Friday nite, the Cowboys primary scoring attack came on 2 TDs by Jack "The Ripper" Schuler and a trio of passing TDs from Matt Castenada to Ryan Jensen, two of them for 48 and 50 yards. Last time I saw Castenada throwing was about three weeks ago against Pioneer of San Jose, his arm (quite strong) and accuracy much improved since then. Muds

Muds,

The cold reality is that we have a routine in the MBL, much like the movie Groundhog Day. This happens so routinely, we almost can't even get upset over it anymore... almost.

Salinas beats Hollister in the regular season.
Palma beats Salinas.
Hollister beats Palma.
Hollister beats Salinas in the playoffs.

Last year, when the 'Balers beat the Chieftains, I already had seen the playoff result. I knew Salinas would meet Hollister again in the playoffs and I knew what the outcome would be.

Drives me nuts.

 

[NorCalSportsFan]

Got to hand it to Cameron that he gets the Baler's playing their best football at the end of the season.

 

[Cal 14]

Got to hand it to Cameron that he gets the Baler's playing their best football at the end of the season.

Which is why I was so impressed they came out of the gate firing this year... until the last two weeks.