Brandon Yue, the OC Sports Zone offensive MVP. (Photo: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone)
Portola quarterback Brandon Yue, the offensive MVP of the OC Sports Zone All-Irvine team, helped put the Bulldogs on the football map.
This past season, Yue was instrumental in helping Portola win its first Pacific Coast League title with a perfect 5-0 mark in only its second varsity season. The Bulldogs were 10-2 and advanced to the second round of the CIF Division 14 playoffs.
The senior, who was named the MVP of the Pacific Coast League, passed for more than 1,500 yards with a 66 percent completion rate and no turnovers, according to Coach Peter Abe. He had 21 passing touchdowns and three rushing touchdowns for a six yard average. Yue also had one receiving touchdown.
Many games stood out for Yue, but the first league win against Beckman was special, he said. The Bulldogs won 27-10.
“It was a crucial win for us because it set the tone for how the rest of our league was going to go,” Yue said.
At the beginning of the season, Yue said the Bulldogs were “taking it one game at a time” with thoughts of capturing the PCL title down the road.
Yue, who started playing football in the sixth grade, was there from the start of the Portola program, including two years with the lower level teams before the varsity program began.
“Our goal was to build a legacy,” said Yue, who was a team captain for all four of his years at Portola. “We didn’t really have any guys to look up to so basically we had to set the example for everyone else below us.”
He was willing to do whatever the team needed.
“In our biggest games, he also inserted himself on defense at defensive back, linebacker, and defensive line, instantly providing a much needed spark for our team,” said Abe. “He’s poised under pressure, with a competitive drive that’s truly admirable.
“Believe it or not, he’s an even better student and teammate both on and off the field.”
Yue said his parents have helped him in his career.
“They’ve been there every step of the way,” he said. “And my coaches too, they spent so much time into this program, it showed this year.”
Yue (5-9, 165) was also able to play with his brother, Trevor, this past season.
“That was a great experience because we’ve had a certain chemistry with each other,” Yue said. “We go through everything and we’ve worked out together. He’s there through ups and downs.”
Yue is hoping to continue football in college and is interested in playing at Chapman University.
His coach, Abe, will be following what he does.
“He’s a fantastic role model of the Bulldog Pedigree, and excited to see what’s in store for Brandon in the next chapter of his pretty exciting journey,” Abe said.
-Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com
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