PACIFIC BEACH – Through the first four weeks of the season, Mission Bay’s offense ranks as one of the most prolific and efficient in San Diego County, averaging 37 points per game.
This past Friday at homecoming, Mission Bay’s offense again lit up the night sky. As anchored by a six-touchdown night from quarterback Trey Arnold, the Buccaneers pillaged the Coronado Islanders 49-14 and improved to 5-0.
“This group just plays hard,” said Mission Bay coach Greg Tate. “Offensively, I think we have shown we can be explosive in any given moment, and on defense, we play bully ball.”
Arnold has had some big performances this season, but against Coronado, the senior was 25 of 35 passing for 421 yards and six touchdowns for a quarterback rating of 151.3.
Arnold and the offense did their best work in the fourth quarter, scoring 28 points on the Islanders.
Junior Jayden Marcelino caught six passes for 91 yards and three touchdowns in the win. (Photo by Steve Sidell/Special to Beach & Bay Press)
For the season, Arnold has 23 touchdown passes with three interceptions.
“Trey just caught fire in the fourth quarter,” said Tate. “Trey is a fighter; he just kept chopping wood, and he finished the night the right way.”
Arnold connected with seven different receivers in the win. Senior wideout Kai Barrios hauled in four catches for 138 yards and a score. Junior Sean Lander caught a team-high eight passes for 147 and a score. Junior Jayden Marcelino caught six passes for 91 yards and three touchdowns. All career highs.
“Friday showed again that not only can the guys on the outside get it done, but the guys on the inside in the slot can as well,” said Tate. “It showed it’s not just one or two guys you have to account for, you have to cover the entire field.”
Mission Bay was equally impressive on defense. The Bucs’ defense grabbed four interceptions. Mason Morgan led the way with two takeaways. Senior Caden Farmer and junior Nereo Kraft each had an interception.
“I don’t think we played our best football defensively in the first half, but they kept their nose to the grindstone,” said Tate, “When opportunities presented themselves, they took advantage of them. Mason, who’s a two-year starter, has surpassed expectations. He’s been phenomenal this season.”
Mission Bay’s 5-0 start to the season is the program’s first in a decade. But Tate and his team have their sights set on more. Mission Bay will play host to Montgomery at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 26.
“They’re a physical team, they’re going to run the ball well, and they’re going to hit on defense,” said Tate. “We know every team we play going forward is going to want to knock that zero off our record. We have to match their energy on every snap.”
