GREENFIELD — After dropping three straight games, the Greenfield Bruins have rebounded, winning two straight league games that have set up a showdown with Marina this Friday.
The Bruins started league play on Sept. 30 by beating Harbor 35-8. In their second league game on Oct. 8, Greenfield played their third straight road game against San Lorenzo Valley.
Just like the previous week, the Bruins dominated again, beating San Lorenzo Valley 49-13. Some of the standout performances were Greenfield running back Alonso Barcenas, who had three touchdowns to give him a total of five so far this season, and Jose Zavala, who found the endzone again for his fourth touchdown of the season.
It wasn’t just the offense that helped pack on the points, the defense got in on the fun when Eric Hernandez returned a 50-yard fumble for a touchdown and Chris Morris returned a 52-yard interception for another touchdown.
The Bruins have now scored season-high point totals in back-to-back weeks.
With the win, the Bruins are back to 3-3 overall. One of the biggest reasons for Greenfield’s success this year has been the defense, led by defense coordinator Rogelio Pacheco, whose defense can play with anybody.
So far, their defense is only giving up around 13 points a game, and the most points they have given up all season have been 21. Looking at the statistics in defense, there are many Bruin players on the list.
Now, the Bruins are 2-0 in the Santa Lucia Division, but it does get more difficult starting Friday against the Marina Mariners, who are also unbeaten in the division and 5-2 overall.
After Marina, Greenfield’s final three games consist of the Stevenson Pirates, who look like they could win the division, Pajaro Valley Grizzlies and, in the season finale, Gonzales Spartans, their South Monterey County rival.
When the season started, the Bruins were one of the favorites to win the division. Starting Friday, fans will see if they can live up to the expectations.
