Mission Bay football won its first round CIF playoff game, 24-12, over Westview High on Friday, Nov. 4.

After taking a 10-6 lead into halftime, both defenses clamped down in the third quarter holding each offense scoreless, but the Bucs were able to pull away thanks to two touchdowns in the fourth quarter.

“It was a good win for us after a rough couple of weeks in league,” said Mission Bay head coach Greg Tate. “We established a physical run game, the wide receivers made plays when their numbers were called, and multiple guys stepped up at running back.”

Mission Bay finished the regular season with the No. 5 seed after its 6-4 record, while Westview entered as the No. 12 seed with a 1-9 record.

“The line really took over in the second half,” said Mission Bay quarterback Ethan Silber. “We only had two drives, but we just ran the ball all the way down the field both times and we were able to get them up top for touchdowns.”

Silber finished 8 for 15 with 170 passing yards and three touchdowns. The receiving core was led by Charlie Park with 67 yards on three receptions and two touchdowns, followed by Gavin Marzion with three receptions for 53 yards, Patrick Leahy with one reception for 34 yards, and Jack Ryan with one reception for 16 yards and a touchdown.

Mission Bay rushed for 161 yards with 56 coming from Silber, and 105 coming from running backs Caden Taffe and Ricky Esquer.

One of the key moments of the game came midway through the fourth quarter with Mission Bay clinging to a four-point lead. The Bucs faced a 4th-and-1 on their side of the 50-yard line and Tate decided to go for it with a quarterback sneak that Silber converted thanks to a great push from the offensive line.

The Bucs now move on to play at Montgomery High on Friday, Nov. 11 in a rematch of a regular season game on Sept. 16 that saw the Aztecs come out with a 9-6 victory in a battle of field goals.

“They’re a very physical team, they play great defense,” Tate added. “I told our guys a couple of weeks ago that if we wanted to make it to CIF we’re going to have to work for it, and this is going to be one of those lunch pail and hard hat type of games.”