Mission Bay stays unbeaten with league win over Patrick Henry

PACIFIC BEACH – Mission Bay’s magical season rolled on last Friday night against Patrick Henry as the Buccaneers moved to 7-0 with a 28-21 victory over their City League foe. 

“Last year, we had to build trust between coaches and players. But now, all those extra reps that built and earned trust are paying off and we just want to keep it going right now,” said Mission Bay coach Greg Tate. 

Mission Bay’s passing attack spearheaded their offense. Quarterback Trey Arnold went 22-for-29 for 220 yards and four touchdowns. Arnold’s now thrown for 28 touchdowns against only four interceptions this season. 

Arnold and top wideout Sean Lander’s connection and chemistry were on full display in the victory with Lander hauling in seven passes for 84 yards and three touchdowns. As a junior, Landers leads all Buccaneers with seven touchdowns. 

“Sean has made tremendous strides,” Tate said. “He’s a great athlete, and he and Trey have a good connection. Trey sometimes gets in those scramble drill modes and Sean is very good at either going deep when Trey needs him to or coming back to the ball. He’s just explosive.”

On defense, Mission Bay was led by senior Jevyn Higman, who had a game-high 14 tackles, which included two for loss and a pass defended. Higman is a two-way player who serves as Mission Bay’s power back on offense. But what he has done on defense this season has impressed his coaches. 

“I can’t say enough about his impact,” Tate said. “The leadership he brings to the team is second to none. Like a lot of guys here, he is just a football player. It’s hard to peg a guy like him into one position. He is willing to do whatever it takes to help get this team a win. He’s an unselfish and exceptional leader.”

Also leaving his mark on the win was freshman Major Scott. The defensive back logged five tackles – two solo – and a crucial interception, his second of the season. 

Scott is a player whom coaches have been excited to see since he played for the middle school flag football program. Now a freshman, he’s already providing an immediate impact. 

“He is just a confident kid,” Tate said. “He believes in his abilities and that hasn’t changed since he’s gotten here for high school. He’s a student of the game who lives in the film room, he’s competitive at practice and the older guys love to see him make a play.” 

The Buccaneers return to action at home when Mira Mesa visits on Friday. 

“The game plan on defense is to try to stop the run, like every week and try to rattle the quarterback with our pass rush,” said Tate. “Mira Mesa is a dangerous team with great athletes who can take the ball the distance at any time.”