Hollister Rebels take two undefeated teams to the ‘Super Bowl’

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On Nov. 17, Super Bowl Sunday arrives for the Monterey Bay Youth Football and Cheer League. And on that day, for the first time in their 14-year history, the Hollister Rebels are sending two undefeated teams to Rabobank Stadium in Salinas for the season’s final game. 

“This is kind of cool for us,” said head coach Jim McShane. “We have had a couple of Super Bowl titles in the past, but we are the youngest team in the league, so it’s a big accomplishment that we’re doing so well.”

The 9 to 12-year-old Peewee team will play at 3:30 p.m. against the North County Bulldogs, who they beat 18-14 earlier this year. The 13 and 14-year-old Midgets will follow at 6 p.m. in a game against Salinas, who they previously defeated 16-0.

McShane, who also coaches the Peewees, said the previous game against the Bulldogs, who were undefeated at that point, was intense.

“We are excited about a rematch,” he said. “We beat him on a blocked punt and we’ve worked hard and gotten better since then. We are optimistic about the same result this time.”

McShane said that the team has the best offensive line he has seen so far, which is the hardest thing to coach for that age group. 

“They just work as a unit, he said, “and they do some things that really impress people. There are no “me” guys, just team guys, which is huge. The referees tell us they just don’t see kids playing at the level these kids do.”

With 10 kids moving up to the Midget division next year, McShane said he has high expectations for the returning players. 

“We are really excited about the future,” he said. “We think we do something special here. We are not into chasing trophies. We take the time to develop our kids.” 

Tony Hernandez coached the Midget team to the championship two years ago. As a feeder for Hollister High’s football program, the team was the source of many of the players on this year’s undefeated freshman team. 

“Our team’s strength,” Hernandez said, “is our versatility. What I love most is that we don’t have just one guy we hang our hat on. We’ll score six or seven touchdowns, and six or seven boys score those touchdowns. We have five to eight guys who can carry the ball, catch the ball and play defense.” 

He hopes to succeed in their final game against Salinas, who had an undefeated season until they met the Rebels. 

“They’re a tough team to beat,” he said. “They got some big boys and will come out ready to win. But having our guys buy into that ‘next man up’ mentality has been huge. And we will be ready for everything.”

Hernandez said that his 14-year-old quarterback, Cadence Smith, is one of his secret weapons, able to play at a higher level than his age group.

Cadence Smith. Photo by Robert Eliason.

“I think he’s thrown 20 touchdowns,” he said. “He threw four touchdowns last week, and that stands out. Most teams on this level don’t throw the ball as much as we do, and it takes a pretty special kid to throw that many.”

Smith has a distinct advantage. Growing up, he served as a ball boy for the Balers varsity team under his father, head coach Bryan Smith and saw countless games firsthand from the sidelines.

“The first year I played,” Smith said, “I was in the sixth grade, and I really didn’t like it. The following year, I started to fall in love with the game. Watching on the field, I’ve seen the plays, and I’ve seen what people can do, which gives me more insight.”

Smith said the 18-0 victory this season against Salinas was not easy, and he expects the Super Bowl game to be close.

“They should be well prepared for us now,” he said, “but we have so many weapons they’re not going to be ready for it. They couldn’t stop our run that game, so we didn’t have to bring out the pass. However, we are ready to do it this time if needed.”

Hernandez also mentioned right guard and deep tackle Kadrian Bonilla, 14, who has been with the Rebels for three years.

Kadrian Bonilla. Photo by Robert Eliason.

“I got referees and officials asking me, ‘Hey, who is this kid?’” he said. He’s just devastating on defense, blocking on the offensive line. I think he’s above 15 sacks on the season. He’s the guy the other teams have to plan for because he wreaks havoc out there.”

Bonilla said his team’s strength is their ability to work together and stay focused.

“We don’t stop the gas pedal,” he said. “We just keep pushing, and we always keep our heads up.”

McShane said he knows both teams are up against difficult opponents who have improved since they last met, but he has confidence in his players.

“These teams are very physical and very smart,” Jim said. “But what we’re most proud of is that they are the most respectful teams out here. We stress hard work and teamwork and are more proud of that than their record.”

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