Coming off a season that saw Mission Bay go 8-4 and make a trip to the CIF semi-finals, the Buccaneers are faced with the task of reloading a roster in which several star players departed due to graduation.
It’s still a young and talented group that head coach Greg Tate is confident can get the job done and improve throughout the season.
“The mindset every year is to go out and compete for and win a CIF title. We have a high standard, and as cool as it is to win regular season games, our main goal is to go out there and do whatever it takes to win a CIF title,” said Tate.
Mission Bay’s season will kick off at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 23 at home against Kearny High.
On the defensive side, the Bucs will lean heavily on their front seven to help create pressure and take some of the burden off a young secondary.
Thomas Cook, a senior four-year starter for the Bucs, is expected to play a key role along both the interior and edge of the defensive line. Nereo Kraft will also be a key fixture for the Mission Bay defense. As just a 14-year-old sophomore, his natural strength and athleticism will be key for this defense.
“Kraft is 6-foot-3 inches tall and 210 pounds, he can really move, and he might already be the best pass rusher on the team. When you see him play, he just jumps out,” Tate said.
“At linebacker, we have Jevyn Higman who was on the offensive line the past two seasons. But going into his junior year, he completely changed his body. He’s about 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds and he just flies to the ball.”
Mission Bay will use blitz packages to bring or simulate pressure, but with their potent front four, they feel confident they can get to opposing quarterbacks using just a four-man rush.
While in the backend, with a young secondary, Tate plans to deploy more zone coverage to help them keep their eyes off the quarterback, get to their drops, and make plays on the ball when needed.
It will be a new QB under center for the Buccaneers on offense as transfer Trey Arnold is set to command Mission Bay. Coming over from Coronado High, Arnold is a big-arm QB who operates best in the pocket. Tate and the rest of the staff are excited to add his arm talent and skill set to their roster.
“Trey is a competitor. He likes the big play, puts up points, and most importantly, he’s hungry and wants to be successful,” Tate said. “I think he can be a catalyst for this offense. I see him having a great season. He brings a lot to the table, and we can’t wait to use his talents.”
In the backfield, Mission Bay would look to spread the wealth, but the bulk of the carries will go to senior running back Devaughn Thompson. At wide receiver, Mission Bay has a surplus of talent, such as Robbie Page, who is a team captain.
Jayden Bailey, a star on the school’s track team, will use his speed to help stretch the field vertically. This year is Bailey’s third playing football, and Tate feels he is putting it all together.
“We joke with Jayden that all I need him to know is three routes; the post, the go, and the drag. Just get the ball and go. He’s so dangerous with the ball in his hands, and he can take the top off of a defense,” Tate said. “He just needs to play constantly and get his confidence up.”
For this young Mission Bay team, building confidence is going to be key. Tate feels if they can come out in the early weeks with wins, it can give this team the jolt they need for the rest of the season.
“Winning the early games would be huge. For the games you’re supposed to win, you need to come out and dominate. With games that are toss-ups, you have to steal a couple. That is why it’s so key for these guys to get their confidence up early and see that they can play at this level,” he said.
Photo by Steve Sidell
