Salinas-San Benito football

Central Coast Section Open Division I
Friday's game
Salinas (5-5) at San Benito (9-1), 7 p.m.
 History is not on the Cowboys side when it comes to postseason battles with San Benito.
 Salinas has dropped three straight playoff games to the Balers, including a 14-7 decision in the 2015 CCS Division I title game.
 Than again, Salinas had beaten San Benito in the regular season in two of those years. That didn't happen this year.
 So perhaps the roles will be reserved.
 Salinas used the bye week to gear up for the postseason while the Balers are coming off an emotional loss to Palma, that cost them an undefeated regular season and Gabilan Division title.
 The Cowboys are close to full strength after missing five starters for periods over the final month of the season, including tailback Ritchie Cerda, who piled up nearly 800 yards in eight games.
 The return of Oscar Sanchez in the secondary solidifies a defense that includes Cooper Smith and his 15 sacks.
 It's no secret what the Balers are going to do and who is going to get the ball. Now can the Cowboys defense contain tailback Hunter Nye, who has 1,570 yards and 24 rushing touchdowns.
 In the teams first meeting, Nye rushed for 179 yards and scored all three touchdowns in a Baler 18-7 win in Hollister.
 The Balers defense has held six teams to two touchdowns or less, and has outscored opponents 88-12 in the third quarter.