The current COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic has challenged everyday life, including athletic competition. It’s overshadowed what has been a very promising start for the Bonita Vista Barons boys lacrosse team.
They’re hoping to end it with an equally strong finish.
The Barons entered the current spring break pause with a 5-2 record in non-league play. Included were victories against Mater Dei Catholic (11-2 on Feb. 25), Foothills Christian (10-2 on Feb. 27), Clairemont (15-4 on March 5), Olympian (11-5 on March 9) and Del Lago Academy (17-11 on March 11).
The team’s two setbacks came against San Diego (6-4 on March 2) and University City (13-7 on March 6).
The Barons are scheduled to return to action with an April 6 non-league game at Serra, followed by the team’s Mesa League opener April 9 against visiting Hilltop.
BVHS head coach Peter Locke is obviously enthused by his team’s early season showing.
“We have gotten off to a great start,” Locke said. “We are off to a 5-2 start and were very competitive in our two losses. We had a very young team last year with a lot of players who had never played lacrosse before.”
The result was a 7-12 overall finish, including 3-3 in league play.
Team captains Timothy Tucker and Brandon Casiple, both seniors, junior Justin Locke and sophomore Leo Zepeda have helped move the Barons in a more positive direction this year.
“Timothy Tucker, he has a very high lacrosse IQ and is like a coach on the field,” the elder Locke said. “Brandon Casiple has a high motor and a great shot and is a threat to score from anywhere. Justin anchors our defense and plays travel lacrosse at the highest level, so he can go coast to coast and score anytime, and Leo is a tough hard-nosed player with a great shot and a give-it-your-all attitude.”
Junior Miguel Morgan scored four goals to keep Bonita Vista in its game against University City while senior Kevin Tang scored five goals against Del Lago Academy to help the Barons seal the win.
“Through our captains’ leadership we have built a lacrosse team that trusts each other and plays well together,” the BVHS coach explained. “I coach football at Bonita as well, which has helped to bring in some athletes and teach them lacrosse. Once they learn the game and get their stick skills up, their natural athleticism is able to shine through and that makes a great lacrosse player.
“We have 13 sophomores and freshmen on our varsity team which will help us build for the future.”
The Sweetwater Union High School District remains closed through April 3.
Coaches cannot engage with student-athletes in organized practices during the period covering the traditional spring break, though student-athletes are free to practice on their own.
The California Interscholastic Federation, the state governing body of high school sports, has deferred any cancellation of postseason competition in anticipation of further guidance and directives issued by federal, state and local government agencies regarding COVID-19.
The CIF intends to reconvene with its 10 section commissioners on April 3 for further discussion on this topic.
It’s the uncertainly of the season that bears heavy on the team, the BVHS coach said.
“I have nine seniors who have been working hard for the past three years and I hope their last game (March 11) was not their last high school lacrosse game,” the elder Locke said.
BOYS VOLLEYBALL ALIGNMENT
(Non-league records through March 12)
Mesa League: Otay Ranch Mustangs 6-2, Bonita Vista Barons 8-4, Olympian Eagles 4-2, Eastlake Titans 4-2, Hilltop Lancers 5-4, Montgomery Aztecs 3-8
South Bay League: Sweetwater Red Devils 8-1, San Ysidro Cougars 4-2, Castle Park Trojans 4-3, Chula Vista Spartans 5-5, Southwest Raiders 4-5, Mar Vista Mariners 2-4, Mater Dei Catholic Crusaders 1-4
