San Benito sets its sights on postseason success with tough non-district schedule

HARLINGEN, Texas ( ValleyCentral ) — San Benito scheduled tough non-district opponents in 2024 to set themselves up for success come postseason time.

Two notable out-of-Valley opponents the Greyhounds get set to face this season include Austin Westlake and Carthage. While both programs have hoisted a state title trophy in their respective histories, San Benito isn’t shying away from the opportunities it presents.

In fact, they embrace the challenge. Senior safety Jason Morin said, “We feel like like we can compete with anybody at the end of the day. If they’re Austin Westlake, Carthage, whoever they are, we’re going to be ready to play them, day-in and day-out.”

Postseason success is a big expectation for San Benito each season. The Greyhounds saw their 2023 campaign come to an end in the second round of the playoffs.

That is why scheduling these non-district games are huge for this year’s team. Senior offensive lineman Ethan Ruiz said, “It really gives us a big challenge. It gives us more competition than what we’d face down here. It’s a different environment, too, so when we get down here and start district play, we know what we’re doing. We’re all together as a team.”

San Benito has big shoes to fill in 2024, especially when it comes to the backfield. The catalyst in their run game from last season, Fabian Garcia, graduated. He accounted for 1,761 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns, along with 332 receiving yards and five scores on 15 catches.

His cousin, Angel Trevino, now steps in as RB1. Although he played a minor role in the Greyhounds’ run-game last season, San Benito has full confidence in Trevino stepping into Garcia’s role.

Ruiz said, “We lost a good running back from last year, but one player doesn’t define a team. I love Angel. He may be a little smaller than Fabian, but I know he’ll get the job done.”

San Benito’s tough non-district schedule begins right away, facing PSJA North at home on Friday, Aug. 30.

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