The Buccaneers were not scared by Hoover High’s 6-1 record when they hosted the Cardinals Friday, Nov 2.
Mission Bay’s potent offense scored twice and the defense scored once before Hoover managed their lone touchdown in the Bucs’ 24-6 victory.
“We controlled the game ” everyone did an excellent job,” said Mission Bay head coach Willie Matson. “We left Hoover very frustrated.”
The highlight of the first quarter was a huge turnover.
Hoover’s powerful passing offense drove down inside the 30-yard line. The Cardinals’ big quarterback Corey Trisby let another pass fly, but Buccaneer cornerback Victor Johnson stepped in front at the 10.
Defender Johnson became running back Johnson and scored on the 90-yard interception return.
“Victor ran all over the field returning that interception,” Matson said. “It wasn’t like an easy straight shot down the sideline. He broke tackles, picked up blocks and weaved across the field. It was a great run.”
The Buccaneer offense went to work in the second quarter. Kevin Taylor connected with Mission Bay’s leading running back and wide receiver Dillon Baxter for two passing touchdowns.
The first score came on a 25-yard completion. The other touchdown by the offense arrived on a 10-yard Taylor lob to Baxter while he dived for the reception at the goal line.
Buccaneer kicker Carlos Sanchez had another perfect day. Each of his three extra-point kick split the uprights. His kick-offs usually went into the end zone and were unreturnable.
Then senior 6-foot-1-inch Sanchez completed the scoring on the afternoon with a 33-yard field goal in the fourth quarter.
Hoover’s lone score came on a one-yard keeper by quarterback Trisby. Their extra-point kick was blocked by a surge of Buccaneer defenders.
The “You-Rock” player-of-the-game award went to Johnson for his play on both sides of the ball.
“Victor had a few good runs and made some good catches ” and he played solid on defense,” Matson said. “On reflection, a lot of guys had good games, but that interception run Victor made was special.”
The 6-2-1 (3-1-1) Bucs final regular season game is against San Diego high at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8.
“They haven’t won a league game, so it is a very winnable game,” Matson added. “A solid win again should put us in position for a very good playoff seed.”
The Bucs are in line to claim the top seed in the Division IV CIF playoffs.
Athletic program information is available from the school at (858) 273-1313 and Matson at x 137.