Posting just three wins against eight losses in 2010, the Bonita Vista Barons suffered through one of their worst football seasons in recent memory. Bolstered by a veteran group of 14 returning starters, BV’s 2011 edition looks to be much more competitive.
“I am excited about this team,” said first-year head coach Greg Raby. “There is good talent, they are hard working and they all get along. I have a good feeling about this team.”
As a lifelong defensive coach, Raby is particularly excited about his defense that will be led by 6-foot-3, 250-pound linebacker James Duberg.
Duberg has a rare combination of size, speed and strength. His talent however, is not limited to the football field. Aggressively scouted, he could wind up at one of the nation’s Ivy League universities (or just about anywhere else he would like to play).
Returning all-league nose guard Sean Fuimaono (6-0, 275) will use his strength and skill to clog up the line of scrimmage along with returning starter Steven Kavianian. Fuimaono’s older brothers Howie and Starr enjoyed stellar careers at UNLV after graduating. The versatile Kavianian can play both tackle and end.
The Barons will get a boost from the return of inside linebacker Michael King, who was injured for most of last year. He will be joined by Anthony Rhodes, another solid linebacker with varsity experience, playing on the outside.
Pass-rushing outside linebacker Marcus Reyes will harass opposing quarterbacks with his speed while Moises Villalpando and Luke Parra started last year on a good junior varsity team and are expected to add to a physical and quick linebacker unit.
Last year’s secondary is largely intact with the quartet of John Metranga, Luke Lightbody, Atal Khaliq and Chris Moore likely to start.
Athletic, strong-armed quarterback Ryan Miguel is the leader on offense. He started the final three games of the 2010 season and performed well. Miguel can hurt a defense through the air and on the ground. About the only thing he lacks is varsity game experience. Ironically, he might also be the team’s best receiver.
Miguel’s targets will include a receiver corps consisting of Moore, Khaliq, Parker Brisebois and Brandon Yutsus. Burley tight ends Gabe Bell and Saul Liang are strong blockers with soft hands. While none of these receivers are blazingly fast, they are all competent sure-handed pass catchers.
Center Michael Chun will be over the ball once again this year. He will be joined on the offensive line by returning right tackle Andres Perez and recent addition Terry Jenkins (6-4, 280), who transferred in from Helix High. Jenkins will battle Wilbur Keller for the left tackle position.
Fuimaono will start at right guard and Duberg will start at left guard. Elijah McCall, Rodrigo Otero and Rudy Amador are all likely to see plenty of action on the O-line and can be used to spell two-way stars Duberg and Fuimaono.
Lacking any big backs, Raby may employ the running back by committee strategy. Among those likely to lug the leather are John Metranga, Josh Santos and Emanual Vasquez. Of those, Metranga is probably the best receiver out of the backfield. Opening holes for them will be fullbacks Adrian Gutierrez and Ricky Alvarez.
Bonita Vista might be the only high school in the county to employ a female placekicker. Devon Roncoroni, who stars on the girl’s soccer team, is expected to handle the field goals and extra-point conversions. This is no gimmick. She hit a 42-yarder last year. She could be challenged by Miguel.
Saul Liang and Miguel will likely share the punting duties with Liang probably taking the majority of them.
Despite another tough schedule, the Barons should be much improved in 2011 as long as they can avoid serious injuries.
Bonita Vista Barons 2011 Schedule
(Home games at Southwestern College)
September
2: Bonita Vista at La Serna
9: Steele Canyon at Bonita Vista
16: Bonita Vista at Grossmont
23: Bonita Vista at San Marcos
30: Bonita Vista at Scripps Ranch
October
7: Bonita Vista at Hilltop
14: Otay Ranch at Bonita Vista
21: Bonita Vista at Chula Vista
28: Eastlake at Bonita Vista
November
4: Bye
10: Bonita Vista at Olympian
