One team was expected to get here while the other has caught fire at just the right time. But both Milpitas and San Benito come into the CCS Division I championship (Saturday, 7 pm, Independence High School) with high hopes of capping the 2012 season with a championship banner.
San Benito (7-5), which finished the regular season just 5-5 and in fourth place in the MBL-Gabilan Division, reached the finals with a pair of impressive wins, defeating Alisal 28-0 and Salinas 30-13. At one point in the season, the Haybalers were just 2-4, before a three-game winning streak against the bottom teams in the MBL-Gabilan got them headed in the right direction.
The top-seeded Trojans, who finished tied for second in the highly competitive SCVAL-De Anza Division, also cruised to the final with a 56-7 win over Silver Creek and a 34-19 victory over Sequoia last week. The Trojans feature a high-powered rushing attack that has led to nearly 37 points per game on the season. Quarterback Ronnie Reed is a capable runner and passer who averages 113 passing yards per game. Milpitas also utilizes several running backs including Squally Canada, Vita Vea and CJ Reyes to average over 220 yards rushing per game.
"Milpitas High has had a good year," coach Kelly King said. "We are continuing our weekly routine and we are focusing on our efforts for Saturday night."
The San Benito Trojans, on the other hand, average 27.5 points per game on offense led by junior quarterback David Stanton, who has rushed for 12 touchdowns, including six in the postseason. Defensively, the Haybalers are led by senior defensive back Cody Cameron, who has amassed 83 total tackles, five interceptions and two fumble recoveries on the season.
