The Christian High School Patriots finished the 2022 season as City Conference Eastern League champions with an appearance in the San Diego Section playoffs.
The Patriots finished 0-4 in league play last season while locked out of the postseason.
Look for the El Cajon-based private school to regain some of its former glory this season.
“I think we’ll have a great team this year,” said third-year head coach Patrick Bugg. “Last year, most of our guys had limited varsity experience. But we return most of them. We’re in a much better place than last year.”
Top returners include senior middle linebacker/tight end Brady Eads and senior quarterback Spencer Johnson, senior offensive lineman Tavin Zawacki and senior running back/outside linebacker Jacob Morones.
Bugg said Eads ranks as one of the top players in the section after collecting 627 receiving yards and six touchdowns last season. He tacked on 257 rushing yards and two touchdowns. On defense, he logged a team-leading 75 tackles with one fumble recovery and one blocked punt to his credit.
Johnson passed for 1,423 yards with 12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions last season while rushing for 113 yards with one touchdown.
Morones rushed for 251 yards and five touchdowns while registering 52 tackles (third most on the team).
Zawacki had 6.5 sacks and 39 defensive stops.
The Patriots open the season with an Aug. 24 non-league game at Linfield Christian and host Bishop’s on Aug. 31 in another non-league clash.
Christian will compete in the City League this season alongside Crawford, Morse, Patrick Henry and the San Diego Cavers.
Games will once again be played on Thursday, Friday and Saturday to continue a trend in recent years.
The Southern California regional championships are Dec. 6-7. State championship bowl games are Dec. 13-14.
