(Photo by Steve Sidell/Special for Times of San Diego)
Despite suffering a nail-biting 25-20 loss to Imperial in the regular season opener on Friday, Aug. 21, Mission Bay looks to build on its 2025 season, when it finished 10-1 overall.
The Bucs ended up losing in the CIF San Diego Section Div. II playoff semifinals to San Diego High after an undefeated regular season, but have only gained in experience since, with over a dozen starters returning on the offensive and defensive side.
“We have a tough schedule with a lot of new pieces,” said head coach Greg Tate. “We are getting these guys up to speed as quickly as possible, so we can compete every week.”
Mission Bay’s next two opponents will be on the road starting on Friday, Aug. 28, versus Patrick Henry followed by a meeting at Olympian on Sept. 3. The Bucs did not face Olympian last season but did face Patrick Henry in what turned out to be one of its closest games by coming out on top 28-21.
Among the players to watch for in 2026 are senior co-captains Nereo Kraft and Sean Lander, along with Cash Kalauli-Martin and Justin Tiop.
“Those guys set the example and showed how to be leaders of a team,” Tate added. “This is something that the seniors are trying to emulate this year. They are learning every week and that is something that can carry on.”
Mission Bay will play its next home game on Sept. 11 against University City, followed by a road match on Sept. 25 against Montgomery, which gave the Bucs everything they could handle last year in a 21-20 defeat.
Mission Bay will open the second half of the season at home versus Canyon Hills on Oct. 2 and will look to get revenge on the road Oct. 9 against the Cavers. The Bucs will then play their next two matches at home versus Cathedral Catholic and Lincoln on Oct.16 and 23. Mission Bay’s regular season finale will be against crosstown rival Point Loma on Oct. 30.
“Every game is circled as important on the calendar week to week,” Tate said.
