Valencia football has built an offense that’s balanced and fierce
Valencia quarterback Brady Bretthauer has a big, outgoing personality. The Vikings’ running back, Brian Bonner, is quiet and without the bravado that tends to come with the position.
They complement each other in their demeanors but are similar in terms of offensive production. Bretthauer has thrown for 1,553 yards and 14 touchdowns while Bonner has 1,188 yards of total offense and 21 touchdowns.
“With the two of them, it becomes easier to become balanced because you feel comfortable giving the ball to Brian and to Brady,” Vikings coach Larry Muir said. “But you almost can’t fall in love with one of them and neglect the other one.”
Valencia went winless in its nonleague games against challenging opponents and came out on the other side with a dynamic offense that will be valuable in Friday’s 7 p.m. game against Hart at College of the Canyons.
Both Valencia and Hart will put unbeaten Foothill League records on the line and test the mettle of their offenses. Hawks quarterback Jacob Paisano has missed the last two games due to injury and Nate Mata took over at the position last week, so the Vikings defense has been preparing for multiple scenarios.
Valencia’s offense, however, is rolling. Bonner ran a personal-best of 10.48 seconds in the 100 meters in the most recent track and field season and, as a football player, has developed his vision. His ability to make cuts, find holes and use his speed has his primed for a breakout game.
“Brian is special,” Mike Spell, a running backs coach who has been with Valencia for 15 seasons, said. “He’s humble. He’s coachable. He is so good and he doesn’t know it. He’s only going to get better with better coaching at the next level. He’s a star in the making.”
Vikings running back Shelton Vance has also gotten live repetitions in games and Nico Funez, a sophomore transfer from Chaminade, will be eligible on Friday night.
Bonner’s athleticism and ability to play multiple positions has helped the coaching staff develop a complex offense this season that can change from week to week in order to keep opponents off balance.
“My job is to do whatever coach needs needs me to do,” Bonner said. “If coach needs me to be a receiver and catch the ball, I’ll do it. If he needs me to block, I’ll do that. And if he needs me to run the ball, I’ll obviously do that as well. I’m here to help our team.”
Two-way player Nick Seymour adds another layer to Valencia’s offense, as well. He averages 90.6 receiving yards per game and has scored six touchdowns and also plays strong safety. The senior has been one of the Vikings’ most consistent players.
“That’s the go-to guy,” Bretthauer said. “When something’s wrong, you put a route in for him and he’ll get open and he’ll make something happen.
“Hart’s definitely going to get the best out of both sides of the ball defensively and offensively, so I’m excited to see us against a really evenly matched team.”
In other games Friday:
St. Bonaventure (4-3, 1-1) at Oaks Christian (5-2, 2-0), 7 p.m.
The Lions have outscored their first two opponents in the Marmonte League 55-19 and will take on a St. Bonaventure team that averages 232.3 rushing yards per game. Senior Koen Glover leads the Seraphs with 1,133 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns.
Oaks Christian’s defensive front is led by USC commit Hayden Lowe’s 35 total tackles, six sacks and seven QB hurries as well as UC Davis commit Christian Knoos’ 89 total tackles and 12 tackles for loss. Five different Lions have grabbed two interceptions or more this season.
Paraclete (4-3, 1-1) at St. Francis (1-6, 1-1), 7 p.m.
St. Francis is coming off its first win of the season as it hosts Paraclete in an Angelus League game. Quarterback John Sanders is fully healthy and is averaging 149.2 passing yards per game.
Paraclete’s defense is highlighted by its secondary. Jacob Lopez, Stacy Gentle and Adrian Jones each have two interceptions this season and Savaughn Gentle has one interception and 17 pass breakups.
Cleveland (4-3, 2-0) at Birmingham (2-4, 2-0), 7 p.m.
The Patriots enter this West Valley League matchup looking to extend their City Section win streak with a rushing attack that has seen six different players score a touchdown this season. Dredon Fowles averages 82.5 rushing yards per game.
Cleveland has a strong run game as well. Five players have scored at least one touchdown and sophomore Cameron Green leads the group with 93.3 rushing yards per game and five touchdowns. On defense, Matthew Mondragon has 5.5 sacks, six QB hurries and nine tackles for loss.