Bulls’ eye: Matadors target improvement

By Ramon Scott
Updated: August 15, 2017

Mount Miguel RB Shemar Greene / photo by Ramon Scott

2017 EAST COUNTY PREP FOOTBALL – PREVIEW

MOUNT MIGUEL MATADORS

By Ramon Scott

EastCountySports.com

SPRING VALLEY – Mount Miguel senior SHEMAR GREENE, who rushed for 1,099 yards and scored 12 touchdowns a season ago, leads 10 returning starters as the Matadors try to climb back to the top of the Grossmont Valley League in 2017.

Mount Miguel used to reign supreme in the GVL winning four consecutive championships between 2010-13 before taking its lumps in the rotation over in the Hills circuit until last season.

The Matadors found the going more difficult in its return go-round, finishing 2-2 (3-8 overall) last season.

But Mount Miguel coach SHAUN MCDADE (6th season, 25-25 overall) expresses optimism that he will have an explosive look on offense behind Greene and senior speedster SANTINO PACHECO.

Greene, a 5-foot-8, 185-pounder, was a first-team All-Grossmont Valley pick last season. In addition to his nearly 1,100 yards on the ground, he also caught 11 passes for 191 yards and a score.

“I think if we take every practice and every game one-by-one, we can do some good things,” Greene said.

Pacheco (5-11, 180) is a triple-threat, as a wide receiver/defensive back/return specialist. He was a second team all-Valley pick in 2016

He had 417 yards rushing last season, averaging over five yards per carry, while scoring three rushing TDs. On defense, he had 71 total tackles, including 48 solo and two for loss.

Mugabe Miller

Taking over at quarterback this season is 6-foot-1, 170-pound senior MUGABE MILLER.

Miller is a former junior varsity quarterback that was a two-way star last season on the varsity, catching 14 passes for 142 yards and a score, while making 30 tackles with two passes defended.

Now Miller is back making reads behind center, where he expects to team with his standout offensive duo to form one of the fastest groups in the East County.

“One of our main goals is to play fast and play disciplined, with a lot of quick reads,” said Miller, an all-league honorable mention choice last season. “We also have a pretty fast offensive line.”

Leading the quick sets are senior two-way force ALEX LEMON (6-5, 255) and senior guard/defensive tackle ENRIQUE BAUTISTA (6-1, 270).

Another two-way player expected to make a key impact is junior WR/DB LARRY YZAGUIRRE (5-10, 185).

Senior safety JARVIS HEARD (5-8, 150) had 32 tackles last season, as well and four passes defended and an interception.

He could also be a target for Miller on offense, as could sophomore newcomer JAHEIM ALLEN (5-7, 150).

Mount Miguel’s ALEX LEMON

Joining Heard in the secondary is senior KIMO TAUSAGA (6-0, 185) and senior DB/WR DAMIONTE WAFER (5-9, 160).

Mount Miguel will need to groom their young, but potent linebackers, according to McDade.

The Matadors would get together on their own during the offseason for activities such as workouts and film study.

Mount Miguel’s unusual schedule has the first four games scheduled at home, but then the Matadors play four-straight on the road before returning home for likely key league games against fellow contenders Granite Hills and Santana.

The Matadors open against the Morse Tigers, then host Chula Vista, Valhalla and West Hills.

Mount Miguel stumbled out of the gate last season, losing its first four contests, so a home-friendly start could provide some momentum.

After a trip to Imperial, the Matadors face powerful state division champ Madison before heading into league play.

The Matadors should be considered a playoff contender in Division 3 with a shot a home game or even a bye.

Mount Miguel was ousted pretty convincingly in a first-round trip to Otay Ranch last season, but won two of its last three league games prior to that, including a wild road win over eventual section division runner-up Santana behind a huge four touchdown night from Greene.