A year ago, the Bonita Vista Barons football team posted a seven-win season that was good enough for third place in the Mesa League standings and a ticket to the San Diego Section Division II playoffs. This year, the Barons are hoping to overtake 2009 Division I champion Eastlake and 2009 Mesa League runner-up Chula Vista and then advance deeper into the postseason playoffs.
Veteran coach Carl Parrick believes his Barons have a shot at it if they can stay healthy.
“Last year we had 14 kids miss four games or more with injuries,” Parrick said. “That hurt us. We may not have the talent that we’ve had in the past, but this might be the best group of well-behaved, disciplined kids that I have ever had at Bonita Vista. It makes coaching them a pleasure.”
The Barons’ primary strength appears to be on defense this season.
“Greg Raby is back where he belongs, coordinating the defense once again,” Parrick said. “We are not real big on defense, but we have plenty of speed and strength.”
The Baron linebacking corps is particularly talented with four solid players manning those positions. Senior Mathew Monarrez is the leader of this group. He is known as a big hitter with good lateral movement. He will be flanked by German Palma, Mike King and Gabe Famania.
The defensive line will feature the youngest of the Fuimaono brothers (Sean) as the man in the middle. At six feet and 272 pounds, he is very strong and still growing. James Duberg will handle the defensive end duties on one side and senior Felix Ramirez will play opposite him.
Safety Greg McGhee was the dean of the BV secondary a year ago as well as the team MVP. He will anchor what looks to be a solid secondary.
On offense, the Barons have the benefit of a seasoned quarterback in Joel Gutierez. He will have experienced receivers at his disposal like McGhee and Chris Moore, and another reliable target in Ryan Miguel.
Providing protection for Gutierez will be a quintet of good-sized linemen, three of whom are returning veterans. Left tackle Mike Parker (6-4, 295) started last year as did center Mike Chun (6-4, 285) and guard Ryan Rojas (5-7, 260). Fuimaono is shaping up as a two-way player at guard.
The Barons suffered a big loss with the graduation of running back Bryan Montreuil. This year’s ground attack will feature Jake Kemp and Felix Garcia. While they have some big shoes to fill, they at least have varsity experience.
Punter Nathan Drum is back punting better than ever after losing last season to injury. Miguel will handle the place kicking duties.
“If this team can (stay healthy) and play the whole year, we are going to be pretty good,” Parrick predicted.
Bonita Vista kicks off 2010 regular season play with a Sept. 3 home game against La Serna of Whittier at Southwestern College.
