Here's something you might be interested in.
Mission Bay has come painfully close to the Division IV championship the last two seasons, falling in the title game both years.
“It got to us really good,” said Buccaneers senior lineman Isaiah Forney. “We worked hard, we’re getting tougher and we’re coming into the season hard.”
This season, Mission Bay is hoping that spreading things out will get them over the hump.
In the offseason, the Bucs ditched the Wing-T in favor of a spread shotgun offense. Head coach Willie Matson said the offense will also run plays under center and out of the I formation.
“It’s playing to the players abilities, looking and saying we could be more effective with the type of athletes we have if we go with this type of offense,” Matson said.
Good receivers and big offensive linemen are necessary to run the spread, both of which the Buccaneers have this season. And having a star running back like Dillon Baxter doesn’t hurt. Matson said that the team has run the spread well during camp.
“I’ve been pleased about the installation of the offense and how the kids have understood it,” Matson said.
Senior running back and strong safety Sam Metu is not surprised at how fast the team has picked up the offense.
“We’re a very adaptable team. It doesn’t really matter what offense we run; we’re going to run it hard,” Metu said. “And we have a lot of skill players so it doesn’t really matter – Wing T, spread – we’re trying to score points. That’s what it’s about.”
Metu is the only skill player on the team going both ways. Matson called him the unofficial team captain.
In addition to Metu, the play of two senior linemen – Forney and Denny Tran – will be key to Mission Bay’s success. Forney and Tran will play both ways and according to their head coach are Division I talents.
“They’re physically gifted,” Matson said. “These are not just big kids, these are strong, strong kids who move well for that size.” Despite a new offense, Mission Bay has the same old goal this year.
“Getting into the playoffs, going to CIF and winning it this year,” Forney said.
“That’s all we have,” Metu said. “It’s a tradition that is winning CIF.”
Mission Bay kicks off the season at Division I Granite Hills on Sept. 5 and travels to Temecula to face Paloma Valley on Sept. 12. The Buccaneers home opener is Sept. 19 against Bonita Vista.
For more San Diego high school football, visit the High School Red Zone at www.sdreader.com/football.
Mission Bay has come painfully close to the Division IV championship the last two seasons, falling in the title game both years.
“It got to us really good,” said Buccaneers senior lineman Isaiah Forney. “We worked hard, we’re getting tougher and we’re coming into the season hard.”
This season, Mission Bay is hoping that spreading things out will get them over the hump.
In the offseason, the Bucs ditched the Wing-T in favor of a spread shotgun offense. Head coach Willie Matson said the offense will also run plays under center and out of the I formation.
“It’s playing to the players abilities, looking and saying we could be more effective with the type of athletes we have if we go with this type of offense,” Matson said.
Good receivers and big offensive linemen are necessary to run the spread, both of which the Buccaneers have this season. And having a star running back like Dillon Baxter doesn’t hurt. Matson said that the team has run the spread well during camp.
“I’ve been pleased about the installation of the offense and how the kids have understood it,” Matson said.
Senior running back and strong safety Sam Metu is not surprised at how fast the team has picked up the offense.
“We’re a very adaptable team. It doesn’t really matter what offense we run; we’re going to run it hard,” Metu said. “And we have a lot of skill players so it doesn’t really matter – Wing T, spread – we’re trying to score points. That’s what it’s about.”
Metu is the only skill player on the team going both ways. Matson called him the unofficial team captain.
In addition to Metu, the play of two senior linemen – Forney and Denny Tran – will be key to Mission Bay’s success. Forney and Tran will play both ways and according to their head coach are Division I talents.
“They’re physically gifted,” Matson said. “These are not just big kids, these are strong, strong kids who move well for that size.” Despite a new offense, Mission Bay has the same old goal this year.
“Getting into the playoffs, going to CIF and winning it this year,” Forney said.
“That’s all we have,” Metu said. “It’s a tradition that is winning CIF.”
Mission Bay kicks off the season at Division I Granite Hills on Sept. 5 and travels to Temecula to face Paloma Valley on Sept. 12. The Buccaneers home opener is Sept. 19 against Bonita Vista.
For more San Diego high school football, visit the High School Red Zone at www.sdreader.com/football.