KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
SAN BENITO—What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object? You get Hanna versus San Benito.
Both enter Week 9 as two of the hottest teams in the Valley and are both 2-0 in District 32-6A with three games remaining in the regular season. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30.
“District 32-6A is as good as it is when it comes to competitiveness,” said Hanna head coach Mark Guess. “On any given night anyone can win, whatever team shows up and makes the fewest mistakes and those are the things that get you through.”
Hanna has played in big games this season, but tonight will mark their biggest game to date.
“We played quality teams throughout our non-district schedule and we knew playing tough teams like that would prepare us for district,” said Guess. “Going into San Benito is different; they do a great job on filling up the stands. Our kids have to make sure they stay focused on the field.”
Last season, both teams entered Week 8 with a 4-0 league record and the ’Hounds went to Sam’s stadium and walked out with a 51-27 win over the Eagles. This year the teams meet again with the district lead up for grabs.
Hanna has plenty of weapons on offense, one key ingredient has been senior Miguel Payan who is the ultimate utility man. Payan plays wide receiver, kicker and punter and has even taken some snaps on defense. Payan has provided junior Quarterback Victor Campos with a set of steady hands from the wide out position.
Payan is second in the district in receiving yards with 504 yards, 22 catches and seven scores. If that wasn’t enough Payan leads the district in points scored with 73.
“He is a multi talented kid but more than anything is his domineer and his attitude,” Guess said. “He is a winner, he wants to win and he will do everything in his power to keep his teammates focused.”
San Benito’s offense has scored 40 points in back to back weeks and will rely on their rushing attack led by senior QB Jacob Cavazos. Like his counterpart, Cavazos is a dual threat QB and leads the district in rushing with 884 yards and seven scores.
While the winner won’t be guaranteed a district title, a win would put them in the driver’s seat in district play.