By KEVIN NARRO
Staff Writer
CALALLEN — Friday night’s non-district matchup between two storied programs in Calallen and San Benito had just about every twist and turn a fan could think of.
The Wildcats leaned on big plays from running back Shenan Price, who scored from 53 and 58 yards out, but the knockout blow came from Jarrett Garza, who dashed for a 77-yard go ahead TD to give the Wildcats a 28-21 win at Phil Danaher Field.
“ This is why we play tough teams like Calallen,” San Benito coach Dan Gomez said. “You find out your team’s character in games like this. The kids fought hard, and that is all we can ask.”
San Benito fell behind the 8-ball early. After a punt pinned the ’Hounds inside their own 1-yard line, Calallen stuffed San Benito for a safety and followed with a touchdown from Price to give the Wildcats a 9-0 lead.
The ’Hounds never led during Friday’s contest. Right before the half, Price stung San Benito for his second TD of the night and gave the ’Cats the momentum at the break, leading 15-3.
Senior quarterback Jacob Cavazos answered with a strong opening drive and punched it in from 7 yards out, cutting the lead to 15-10.
“ In the second half, the offense came together and things went well up front and in the backfield.” Gomez said.
The fourth quarter was a roller coaster. Calallen led 21-10 until Nick Castaneda returned a kickoff 70 yards for a score on the final play of the third quarter, swinging the momentum in favor of the ’Hounds.
“ Our coaches did a great job on making adjustments at halftime, and the kids responded and made plays.” Gomez said.
Despite the loss, Gomez saw the young Hounds showed progression, and did some growing up.
“ We learned a lot tonight, and we only got better on all aspects of the game. We will get into the film tomorrow and we will clean up some things, and we will get back to work. We came out with a gameplan and the kids left it on the field, and we want them to play with passion and they did that tonight,” Gomez said.
Gomez had high praise for his counterpart, Wildcats coach Phil Danaher, who has patrolled the Calallen sidelines for 35 years.
“ Coach Danaher spoke at our football banquet a few years ago, and we have been close ever since,” Gomez said. “It is an honor and a humbling experience to be on the same field with a Texas high school legend. Anytime we can make ourselves better as players and coaches we will do it, and going against Calallen certainly makes us better.”