Bolsa Grande football team looks to go farther in CIF playoffs with strong running game

Bolsa Grande is led by (from left) David Nguyen, Joseph Le, Muhammad Matus and Ethan Nguyen. (Photo courtesy Bolsa Grande football).

Bolsa Grande High School head football coach Michael Acosta has high expectations for his 2023 team entering his third season leading the Matadors.

“I look for us to have a winning regular season record, something that hasn’t been accomplished at Bolsa in several decades,” he said this week.

“Of course making a deeper CIF playoff run is high on my list as is rushing for 1,000 yards. Improving as a defense with our points against continuing to decrease is a big key for that deep playoff push. Our culture shift to the mentality of a champion will be engrained into the program.”

Five players are expected to lead the Matadors, including returning all-league defensive back David Nguyen, “who’s favorite thing is to break ankles with his quick cuts,” the coach said. “This kid also loves to run downhill and hit defenses in the mouth. That is a recipe for run game success.”

All-CIF outside linebacker Joseph Le, a returning senior, is the “heart and soul of our defensive unit,” Acosta said. “He absolutely leads by example, flies around the field, and is a high motor player. With over 100 tackles last season he knows how to and will track offensive players down.”

Bolsa Grande is also looking for a big year from two-year returning junior center Muhammad Matus, who Acosta said “has taken control of our OL with his natural leadership qualities. Although some might consider undersized he is smart, tough and continues to improve as an athlete. Protections, adjustments, play calls on the line; we trust him with all of it.”

The quarterback is all-CIF player Ethan Nguyen.

“Ethan Nguyen is the unquestioned leader of our team,” Acosta said. “An accurate, dual threat player with an incredible vision of the field, he can see windows open before receivers break on a route and will gash you for extra yards with his legs if the defense is caught sleeping.”

All-league defensive lineman Nathaniel Fiaputa, a sophomore, returns “with a little something to prove,” Acosta said.

“Not a one hit wonder by any means he will continue to be one of our league’s top defensive players. We expect some big things coming from him for the next few years,” the coach said.

Bolsa Grande was 6-6 overall and 2-3 in the Garden Grove League last season. The Matadors defeated Duarte 42-6 in the opening round of the CIF Division 14 playoffs before losing to Whittier Christian 28-21 in the second round.

2023 SCHEDULE

Friday, Aug. 18, (H) vs. Savanna

Thursday, Aug. 24, (H) vs. Beckman

Friday, Sept. 1, (H) vs. Artesia

Friday, Sept. 8, at Century

Friday, Sept. 15, at Ocean View

Thursday, Sept. 28, at Loara

Friday, Oct. 6, (H) vs. Santiago

Friday, Oct. 13, at Rancho Alamitos

Thursday, Oct. 19, (H) vs. Los Amigos

Friday, Oct. 27, at La Quinta

—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com