OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Ryan Richardson (center) is hoping the Panthers finally find their passing game and protect the football.

Needing a shot in the arm to get its passing game going, Benicia High’s varsity football team may get the medicine it needs when the Panthers take on the Armijo Indians on Friday night in Fairfield.

Benicia’s aerial attack has been practically non-existent so far this season. The Panthers (1-2) have completed only 22-of-59 passes (37.3%) for 280 yards and two touchdowns with three interceptions in three games. Kyani McFall caught his first touchdown pass of the season last week, but it was Benicia’s only TD other than a 92-yard kickoff return by Matthew Larks in a 28-14 loss at Maria Carrillo.

“We need to catch more balls than we drop,” said Benicia head coach Craig Holden. “That’s been an issue and that needs to be turned around in order to be successful. I think we’ve ironed some things out and I’m hoping that will show itself this Friday.”

Losing to Maria Carrillo seems to have lit a fire under the Panthers, who have been flying around the practice field all week preparing for the Indians.

“There’s a lot of excitement, a lot of energy and they’re practicing at a high tempo,” Holden said. “They’re doing things the right way and catching the ball.

“We’re getting to a point where we really need to start figuring things out, and that’s what I’m seeing in practice. We’ve had an outstanding week of practice. It may be the best week of practice we’ve ever had. The guys have woken up a little bit and gotten focused. They’re putting things together and I’m excited about that.”

Armijo (0-2) may be just what the doctor ordered. Benicia has beaten the Indians in seven straight meetings, including a 49-7 victory last season at Drolette Stadium. The Indians have already faced two Solano County Athletic Conference opponents and were blown out by both. After losing to visiting Vallejo, 33-11, in the season opener, the Indians lost at home to Bethel last week, 48-20. It was Bethel’s first victory in its past 13 games.

Armijo won only two games last season.

“I don’t know what their struggles are,” Holden said. “I’m more focused on our problems than their problems.”

The Indians are led by junior quarterback Tariq Eid, who threw for two touchdowns and ran for another in the loss to Bethel. Senior Armon Speaks has rushed for 252 yards on 35 carries. Junior middle linebacker David Reyes leads the team in tackles.

The Panthers are running out of time to figure things out before the start of the SCAC schedule. Benicia plays at Concord next week before opening SCAC play Oct. 7 at American Canyon.

Sharing is caring!