Only a sophomore, Mission Bay quarterback Clash Orsborn has had quite the season for the Buccaneers. Orsborn and his teammates entered a season of questions following the untimely death of head coach Dane Roman over the summer. In stepped new head coach AJ Vines and the Bucs find themselves in the second round of the CIF playoffs (Mission Bay plays at Holtville on Nov. 15). The Bucs won their first-round game last Friday in routing San Ysidro 56-0.
As Vines sees it, one of the key reasons the Bucs are in the playoffs and have won games this season is his young quarterback.
“Clash has been an exceptional leader for this team both on and off the field,” Vines said. “On the field, he is our general. The offense starts and ends with him. “Early on you can tell he was a little hesitant to be a vocal leader but each week as he has improved the team embraced him as the leader and now he is more comfortable with it. Off the field, he is an even better person and is a joy to be around.”
With two more years of eligibility, the sky is the limit as to how far Orsborn can take his game.
“Moving forward I see Clash as the best QB in the county,” Vines stated. “He has all the tools and has the grit and determination; now it’s about putting it all together. Going forward we would like to win championships and that’s going to start with our leader.
“Also, with a 4.0GPA, I would like to see Clash going to whatever college he chooses and setting himself up academically to do whatever he wants to do in life, career-wise.”
Beach & Bay Press caught up with Orsborn recently for an interview.
BBP: How old were you when you first began playing organized football and what got you interested in playing at Mission Bay?
Orsborn: I started playing organized football when I was about 7 years old, but that was only flag football. I didn’t start to play tackle until last year, my freshman year. I’ve always had a love for football and my mom wanted me to attend Mission Bay because of the IB (International Baccalaureate) program at the school.
BBP: What has this season been like for you?
Orsborn: Individually this season has been a big adjustment for me because I went from being a backup on JV last year and not getting much playing time, to starting on varsity. This is a big transition, but my teammates and coaches did a great job preparing me all off-season for this moment. This season has also been fun and I think me and my teammates have really become a family.
BBP: With two years left to go at MBHS, what are your goals?
Orsborn: My personal goal over the next two years is to become the leader we need to win games. Our team goal every year should be to win CIF and make a run at state.
BBP: What else are you involved in at MBHS besides football?
Orsborn: Last year I played basketball and also participated in track.
BBP: Are you thinking about college down the road and possibly playing football there if you get the chance?
Orsborn: Yes, of course, that has always been a dream and a goal of mine. I would love any opportunity to continue to play football at the next level and also further my education.
