South Bay Game of the Week: Bonita Vista Barons 12, Vista Panthers 0

The Week 1 South Bay Game of the Week sees Bonita Vista, a Division 3 school, beating Vista, a Division 1 school, by a score of 12-0. For the Barons it’s an extremely emotional night as it was several weeks ago recently graduated senior/football player Christian Gilstrap was killed in a car accident. The Baron players dedicate tonight’s contest and the rest of the season to the late Gilstrap. Up until one minute left in the first half the game is a defensive stand-off. With less than a minute to go Baron running back Greg Bell gives his team the lead with a nice TD run. At the end of the third quarter a field goal by Chris Boguille gives the Barons a 9-0 lead. In the fourth quarter Keenan Ellis makes a beautiful catch on a pass that looks like it’s sailing out of bounds. That sets up a 30-yard field goal by Chris Boguille. The Vista Panthers are crippled by numerous penalties, including a penalty levied after a great Josh Ketcher touchdown run that has to be called back. But the real game-changer appears to be the inspirational way the Barons play in memory of their teammate, Christian Gilstrap. Dealing with death is not easy for a teenager…it is not a subject taught in the classroom. But the young men of Bonita turn tragedy into triumph…RIP Christian. 

PREVIEW The Week 1 South Bay Game of the Week features a battle of the Vistas, as the Bonita Vista Barons host the Vista Panthers. The Barons will look to defend their home turf and the South Bay’s reputation against a tough, smashmouth North County team.

Vista is lead by defensive star Josh Ketcher who at 230 pounds had 60 tackles last year. He also plays a key offensive role as a fullback. Ketcher basically crushes the competition for a living. The Panthers are lead by Coach San Williams who is in his 11th year.

The Barons, who were 5-6 last year, will look to greatly improve on that record this year with 18 returning Letterman. Quarterback Anthony Posada had a great last year, completing 60 percent of his passes with 11 touchdowns . Chris Boguille is the leading rusher for the Barons, while Ethan Williams is the leading receiver with an average of 15 yards/catch. Running back Greg Bell is also a formidable threat on offensive.

Make sure to stop by and show your support for the #RedJacketArmy during the game, and then catch all the county’s prep highlights on KUSI at 10:30pm. Look forward to beginning my 16th season with the PPR!