Buhach Colony High football will look to spread the ball around under new head coach
With a new head coach, five sophomores playing up and some adjustments to the offense, the Buhach Colony High School football team is in a transition year.
First-year coach Matt Granado is hoping to build on the success the program has had over the years.
One of the biggest changes under Granado will be the offense. The Thunder have been running the fly for close to two decades. The fly will still be a big part of the BC offense, but Granado and offensive coordinator Leon Miles will try to spread things out more this season.
“There’s not going to be a huge difference,” Granado said. “We’re building off the roots of the fly and looking to expand it. We’re going to look to take advantage or our speed and get our guys in space.”
The Thunder will have to replace a big chunk of their offense with the graduation of Jaxson Percoats, who was the Merced Sun-Star Player of the Year last year.
Percoats, who received a scholarship to Southern Utah University, broke or tied seven school records, including the single-season rushing record with 1,992 yards. He finished as the all-time leading rusher in BC history, with 3,070 yards.
Buhach Colony will look for more of a balanced attack this season.
“Everyone is stepping up,” said senior quarterback PJ Curran. “With Jaxson gone we have to step up as a team to be competitive and win.”
Curran gives the Thunder a dual-threat quarterback.
“He’s a great kid,” Granado said “He’s an athlete, smart and willing to do what’s asked of him. He’s got some game experience under his belt. We’re looking to use his athletic ability a lot.”
The Thunder will use a stable of running backs, including Marcellos Avelos and Charles Peterson. Curran will also have threats at receiver with Eric Thrasher, Gionni LaPlante and Zach Harris.
“This year it’s not going to be one guy,” Thrasher said. “We have talent across our offense and defense. We’re going to have to use all our players.”
Harris and Peters are two of the five sophomores making the jump to the varsity team.
With a young team, seniors like Thrasher are pressed into leadership roles.
“They came to me and started asking questions,” Thrasher said. “That’s when I realized being a senior, I needed to step into a role I wasn’t used to, and it’s a big role. I’m going to try to lead the best that I can.”
With a young team, Granado is grateful to have an experienced group of assistant coaches who have been part of the program for years.
“Without those guys I’d be struggling,” Granado said. “It’s good to have a great supporting cast. I’ve never been an ‘I know everything type of guy.’ I’m always asking questions and trying to learn.”
Curran says he likes what he sees from his teammates in practice so far.
“I love the intensity,” Curran said. “We’re all going hard and the new guys are all coming on board super quick.”
Buhach Colony 2023 Schedule
Aug. 18 vs Gregori
Aug. 26 Buhach Colony at Hanford
Sept. 1 Buhach Colony at Enochs
Sept. 8 vs Sonora
Sept. 15 vs Atwater
Sept. 22 at Golden Valley
Sept. 29 vs Central Valley
Oct. 13 at El Capitan
Oct. 20 at Merced
Oct. 27 vs Patterson
