By MARK MOLINA
Staff Writer
SAN BENITO — After securing a share of the District 32-6A title for the second straight year, the San Benito Greyhounds hope they can take the next step in this postseason.
After falling to Weslaco East to open the postseason last year, the Greyhounds look to pick up their first playoff win under head coach Dan Gomez when they host the PSJA North Raiders in bi-district action tonight at Bobby Morrow Stadium.
San Benito (8-2, 6-1) comes in winners of their last five games, while the Raiders come in at 5-5 (4-2 in district), but none of that matters according to Greyhound head coach Dan Gomez.
“All the regular season records go out the window when it comes to the playoffs,” he said. “We may have a better record than (PSJA North), but we definitely need to go in there ready to play some football.
On paper, Friday’s matchup looks to be one where points will be scored in bunches.
San Benito is averaging 37 points and 390 yards of total offense per contest, while PSJA North dishes out 398 yards of total offense and 30 points per game.
For Gomez, the game plan is simple.
“We need to go out there and play fast and be physical,” he said.
Leading the Raiders is the trio of Bo Adams, Darren Fuentes and Brandon Villarreal, who have been able to play multiple skilled positions in the Raider offense.
On the other side, San Benito quarterback JR Gaitan will be the one the Raiders will have to keep in check.
Gaitan not only threw for more than 1,200 yards and 15 touchdowns, but he ran for 964 yards and 14 more touchdowns, which was fourth in District 32-6A.
“We want to go in there and take care of the football and keep mistakes to a minimum,” Gomez said.
The Raiders can score, but haven’t proven they can stop opponents, as they ranked last in 32-6A when it came to total defense, allowing 398 yards per game.
That might prove to be the difference in the game because San Benito’s defense has improved in the last few weeks, allowing less than 13 points per game.
“Everybody is a different ball club at this point, so come playoff time, you’re going to get the best that everybody has,” Gomez said. “We just need to do the best that we can.”