Bonita Football Releases the Faces of the Future

October 26, 2009

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Ryan Ramirez

Fatherhood has a way of changing a man’s perspective. With a baby girl on the way, expected to join the world around Jan. 1, 2010, Bonita’s Chuck Chastain decided to give up the Friday night lights as the quarterbacks coach of the Bonita varsity and assume the head coaching position of the freshman team.

“I still get to do my passion,” said Chastain, who also teaches social studies on campus. “Some may feel this job isn’t as important, but I feel it is critical in building the program here.”

Chastain’s used to making the right call. He led Norco, his home town where he just purchased a home, to a CIF championship in 1998, after which he went on to play quarterback for the University of La Verne for four years. He also holds a master’s degree from the Leo campus.

In his new role, he is Bonita’s foremost authority on the future talent that will soon be filling the ranks of the varsity. He believes the current freshman class is one of Bonita’s best in years.

Josh Resendez

Jake Riley

“I’m trying to teach this group what the varsity does,” Chastain said inside his office, organizing jerseys, one of the drudgeries of running his own show. “We want to have a good record, but if were to go 0-15 (the number of games the freshmen play), it wouldn’t be a big deal. We’re trying to get these kids prepared for varsity. We’re really trying to bridge the gap to the next level.”

Chastain certainly has Podley’s ear, and Bonita’s varsity coach has to like what he’s hearing.

“I have a lot of good guys coming up next year,” Chastain added. “I think you’ll see anywhere from 10 to 15 of these guys playing at the varsity level next year. We’ve got good size, good speed, good quarterbacks and good offensive linemen coming up.”

Paul McQueen

One standout for Chastain has been Adam Ung. “He’s probably our all-around best lineman,” Chastain said. “At times, he’s played center, guard and tackle. He’s disciplined, has good footwork, good fundamental and he works real, real hard.”

Justin Row

Also bolstering the offensive line is Spencer Hoff, who plays both offensive and defensive tackle. “He is one of the biggest kids on our team and a guy who will probably be up with the varsity next year,” Chastain noted.

Spencer Hoff

On the other side of the line, Chastain was quick to point out Mike Escalera. “He started off the year a little raw and a little green,” Chastain said, “but since about Week 2 he’s been starting every game at tackle and getting better every week.”

Brandon Lott

Also impressing on the defensive side of the ball is Josh Resendez. “He’s probably our best defensive lineman,” Chastain said. “He has good talent, good size, good grades, a good attitude and he works really hard. I expect him to be at the varsity level next year.”

Brandon Lott is another that has caught Chastain’s eye. “He’s a really, really good linebacker,” Chastain said. “He’s one of our top defensive players. I can see him stepping in and doing a good job next year.”

Adam Ung

Also making big plays on defense are Mark Salce, a cornerback, and Riley Brungard,, an outside linebacker. “Those are two big, big cornerstones of our team,” Chatain said.

Bonita lists 58 players on its roster with 50 maintaining their eligibility. “We’re doing grade checks and study halls to keep our players eligible,” Chastain explained. “I want them to go into spring ball with a leg up, knowing this is what we’re going to face, this is what we’re going to do and this is how we’re going to do. I want them to feel successful and know they can succeed.”

Brandt Davis

Chastain said he’s grooming a bevy of running backs for the varsity. “We have three really good ones in Paul McQueen, Reggie Turner and Joey Hubbard. The problem is getting all three the ball.”

Riley Brungard

“Mr. Hubbard is our downhill runner. He sees the hole very well and hits the cut-back real well. Mr. McQueen is more of a shifty type back. He can make you miss. Mr. Turner will just flat out run you over and beat you with speed. They are all a major part of our offense.

Chastain has been developing two quarterbacks, Jake Riley and Justin Row. “Both have different qualities that make them unique,” Chastain said. “They are both fiery guys and good leaders. I can see them putting some pressure on guys up on the varsity next year. I’ve told them they’ve got some pretty big shoes to fill.” Chastain is credited with helping develop varsity quarterbacks Curtis Gold and Jeff Chavez the past few seasons.

Mark Salce

This season one of Riley’s and Row’s favorite targets has been tight end Ryan Ramirez, the cousin of varsity defensive standout Daniel Harriman. “He’s our best overall receiver,” Chastain said. “He has a really bright future ahead of him. He’s big and he still hasn’t filled out yet. He’s a stellar offensive weapon.”