Mission Bay’s championship football legacy of a few years ago has materialized into an impressive roster of college players starting on Division I squads across the country from Washington to Virginia.
“I continue to be impressed by those talented players we had in 2000 through 2002,” said retired Buccaneer head football coach Dennis Pugh.
“Scott White was Pac-10 player of the week a couple weeks ago. Arian Foster is starting tailback at Tennessee. Shaun Harper is starting corner at Utah. Jason Parker and Marcus Smith are key players on the defense at Arizona,” Pugh recalled.
Mission Bay grabbed two CIF championships in 2000 and 2001 while earning a 25-1 record.
“We knew they were good players and we had a great group of coaches,” Pugh continued. “But those players have really gone on to show it ” they are making contributions at the highest level.”
White is the middle linebacker for the Huskies. He earned national recognition for his 10-tackle performance Sept. 30 while defeating Arizona 21-10.
White also figured in the Washington win over Fresno State Oct. 7. “It feels really good,” White said. “It was a team win where everybody really stepped up. You never know when the game is going to be decided, and right there on the extra point block it was decided. We are still getting better and have yet to play our best football.”
Last week at Oregon State the senior collected two interceptions that set-up both of Washington’s touchdowns.
White was the CIF defensive player of the year in 2001 ” the top offensive player of that year was USC’s Reggie Bush, out of Helix High.
Also playing in college from Mission Bay are Nick Battle and Brian Agnis at the University of Richmond, Adrian Brendell at New Mexico State, Ron Rockett at the University of Wyoming, Terrell Cloud at Weber State, Dimitrous Chattman at San Jose State, Anthony Houston at Washington State, Darren Childs at the University of Virginia, Andre Williams at Morgan State and Ryne Seeto at the Air Force Academy.
Shannon Nowden and JaJa Riley are at UNLV. Baker University in Kansas is home to Smokey Davis, Eric Allen, Olgens Pierce and Adam Barry.
“Those were great times for Mission Bay winning those titles,” Pugh said. “The most important thing though, is those good players who took scholarships are getting college degrees ” I’m really excited about that.”
Pugh still keeps his eye on the Buccaneers from the sidelines as Mission Bay’s athletic director.
“We have some exceptional talent on the team now,” Pugh added. “I wouldn’t be at all surprised if we have players from this team contributing on Division I teams a few years from now.”
The 5-1 Buccaneers will travel to the Vikings’ field for a 7 p.m. game Friday, Oct. 20, at La Jolla High School, 750 Nautilus St., under the lights on the artificial turf against their 2-5 rivals.
On Friday, Oct. 27, the Bucs will host Serra High at 3 p.m.
Athletic program information is available from the school at (858) 273-1313.