Bonita's Seth Ballantine in a defensive back drill
By Aaron Castro
Ganesha and La Puente joined Bonita Thursday for a three way toss. It was supposed to be a larger event but some teams failed to show.
Ganesha, who is entering its first season in the Montview League, struggled for the most part as a majority of their athletes were small and unable to keep up with the bigger players from Bonita and La Puente.
La Puente could be a work in progress at the start of the season. The Warriors lost three year starting QB Garrett Hrey. However Coach Brandon Rohrer, in his second year, is teaching his players what it takes to win.
Rohrer went 8-3 in his first season after La Puente went 1-9 the previous year. Based on all the talent that the Montview graduated last season La Puente should be able to compete for the top two spots. Jose Perez, a hardnosed senior, is the primary ball carrier.
Bonita continues to impress this summer. Garrett Pendleton has made a big jump from his junior year. He is as smooth throwing on the run as he is when standing in the pocket and firing.
There were times when the defense got picked on. Matt Gelalich, who recently came back from watching his brother play in the CWS in Omaha, Nebraska is still getting in the groove.
Bonita is down receiver/defensive back Zach Brungard who has a groin injury. But Cameron Salce stepped in and played well with his hands and elusiveness.
Cancellations allowed the Bonita JVs to line up against both Ganesha and La Puente starters and reserves while the Bonita Varsity scrimmaged the other.
After Bonita threw against both Ganesha and LP in seven-on-seven, the Bearcats scrimmaged La Puente in eleven-on-eleven. Bonita’s defense looked good however La Puente was able to do some damage at times but didn’t score. Bonita was impressive offensively and was able to get the ball in the end zone on several occasions.
At times it seemed as if Rugby scrum caps were needed as several hard hits had players trying to shake it off.
Final notes:
La Puente had some big horses up front which should relieve the pressures of a new quarterback.
Bonita showed why there are such high expectations for this season. A name to keep an eye on: O Lineman Tarez Lemmons.
Bonita will take part next week in the Claremont Passing Tournament which starts at 8:00 a.m. on both Friday July 16 and Saturday the 17th at Claremont High School.
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