San Diego Prep Review / Steve Scott : Bonita Vista Steals Spotlight in Mesa League

When the Metro Conference high school football league, the South Bay and Mesa leagues, were realigned during the summer, the rivalry between Sweetwater and Chula Vista high schools was enhanced immensely.

Sweetwater has won the last two San Diego Section 3-A championships. Chula Vista won the 2-A title in 1983 and made it to the championship game in 1984 before losing to El Camino. But the one meeting between the schools each season was meaningless, since they were in different leagues.

But now, as a Mesa League showdown between the schools is five weeks away, another team has moved into the Mesa League spotlight--Bonita Vista (3-1). Its only loss was a game in which it outscored Madison, 36-6, but had to forfeit because it used an ineligible player.

Bonita Vista had a long climb to the top. In the early 1980s, the Barons watched Sweetwater, Castle Park and Montgomery compete for the Mesa League’s two playoff berths. Last season, despite finishing 3-7, Bonita Vista finished second in the Mesa League before losing to Vista in the first round of the 3-A playoffs.

This season, the Barons have already equaled their 1984 win output. There is every indication they are not through winning.

On Saturday, Bonita Vista quarterback Doug Piper completed 10 of 15 passes for 174 yards and 3 touchdowns in Bonita Vista’s, 54-0, win against Marian. Wide receiver Vince Montano caught touchdown passes of 26 and 55 yards.

Bonita Vista has the county’s second-ranked offense, averaging more than 41 points per game. It is also ranked in the top 10 in defense, allowing an average of 7 points per game. The next top 10 the Baron are looking to break is the county’s ranking of teams.