PACIFIC BEACH – After a disappointing 3-8 record and last-place finish in the Eastern League in 2024, the Buccaneers are looking for a bounce-back season.
With key players such as quarterback Trey Arnold and linebackers Nereo Kraft and Jevyan Higman returning this season, the building blocks are in place for what head coach Greg Tate believes will be a significantly improved 2025.
“We need to play clean and disciplined football with a high football IQ,” said Tate. “As long as we play hard-nosed, and mistake-free football, we’ll be in a good spot this season.”
For Arnold, this will be his second season as QB for Mission Bay. In his junior campaign, the 6-foot-3-inch tall Arnold threw for 1,815 yards and 17 touchdowns, with 11 interceptions.
According to Tate, he’s seen excellent growth from his quarterback this offseason, noting his improved command of the offense and ability to read coverage. But perhaps more importantly, he’s seen Arnold dial back the gunslinger mentality just a touch, showing a willingness to take what the defense is giving him.
“Trey has stepped up as a leader this offseason,” said Tate. “Last year, he wanted the big play all the time. Now, he’s trusting the guys are with him and is making the check down. Kind of playing point-guard for us and letting the playmakers make plays.”
Those playmakers are Kia Barrios and Sean Lander, who return as the top two targets on the premier for Mission Bay. Barrios’ 420 receiving yards and three touchdowns ranked second on the team last season. Lander scored three touchdowns last season as an underclassman and is expected to take on a larger role.
In the slot, expect sophomore Collin Scott to get a lot of playing time. He’s someone Tate calls twitchy, who can make guys miss in space.
“Kia and Shawn will be our big play guys on the outside,” Tate said. “Kia is a big body and a great athlete. Shawn is just a splash play waiting to happen. He is the fastest kid on the roster.”
Coming out of the backfield, Shane Brushie will be the Bucs’ bell-cow. The senior led Missions Bay in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns, while averaging 5.7 yards per carry.
The defense will need to be much improved, as they allowed 33 points per game last season. To anchor them, Tate will lean on his linebackers, Kraft and Higman.
“Jevyan has been a four-year starter for us. Having him out there is like having a coach out on the field in terms of getting people lined up,” said Tate.
“With Nereo, I’ve been telling him all off-season, he needs to wreak havoc. He is someone who can come off the edge and drop out into the flat in coverage. At 6-foot-4 inches tall and 215 pounds, he is a mismatch at his size and speed.”
Mission Bay will return its top ballhawk in senior Mason Morgan. Last season, the DB led the Buccaneers with four interceptions.
“I’ve told Mason all off-season, just be the captain on the back-end and punish anything coming across the middle,” Tate said.
A point of emphasis for Mission Bay, like many teams, is to start fast in 2025. With two of their first three games at home, Mission Bay should have an opportunity to do that. But two of the first three are Holtville and Brawley, and both beat Mission Bay last season.
“Our mindset for those games is to go get our lick back,” Tate said. “We just need to treat every game like a CIF playoff game and give max effort.”
Next game
Mission Bay’s season opener is set for 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 22, at Kearny High.
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