The Mission Bay High School (MBHS) football team had more than just the Homecoming game on its plate when it hosted Serra High School on Oct. 14. “We just [heard about a former] player named Ryan Porteous, (No. 32, who played outside linebacker in 2010),” said Buccaneers quarterback Nate Long following the 17-14 victory over Serra. “Over the weekend, he paralyzed himself by diving into a lake and before the game, the coaches told us. I don’t think our locker room’s ever been that quiet … ever. ” While details of the accident remained unclear, the emotional effect could be seen on the players’ faces, especially members of the senior class who played with Porteous last year. “He might not play here anymore but he’s still in our hearts and he’s still a Buccaneer,” said running back Chris Byrd, a senior. Byrd helped MBHS rally from a 14-0 deficit during the Oct. 14 contest when he scored the game-tying touchdown on a 49-yard, third-quarter run. Long, who has grown into the defining leader of the team, could be seen cheering on his defensive teammates while he was on the sidelines. On more than one occasion, Long demonstratively pleaded for fans to get up and get loud. He has worked tirelessly the last two years to improve his athletic performance and achieve his potential. Besides preparing physically, Long has sought outside help to keep his mental approach sharp. Recently, he discovered a video on YouTube called “How Bad Do You Want It?” Long has been preaching and playing by the words of that inspirational video ever since. “I told my (teammates), when you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you will be successful,” he said. “I’ve been telling myself that every morning after every class. I’ve been telling myself that over and over and living that life for the past week.” Although he didn’t play his best game statistically on Oct. 14, Long used emotion, leadership and determination to help MBHS claw back from a big hole to win a game that won’t be forgotten any time soon in the minds of many of Porteous’ former teammates.