Cody McDonough: August 2010 Archives

The first part of last year was a painful one for the Big Bear football team. The Bears - consistently one of the best smaller schools in the county - were breaking in a mostly-new offensive line and lost senior, Craig Hall, to a season-ending injury during a 1-5 start. But a 3-1 finish, plus a load of returning experience, has coach Dave Griffiths feeling pretty good about 2010.

"It's a very positive outlook right now," Griffiths said. "With the way we ended the season and the players we have coming back, we feel pretty good about where we are at. Last season didn't start out too well, but we kept battling and fighting and we were really starting to put some things together. That's what has us excited right now."

The positions that were in question last year - quarterback and offensive line - seem to be on point as the Bears enter this season. Junior Zakk Planz, who was thrown into the mix after Hall was hurt, won three games down the stretch - including two in De Anza League play - and has the correct mix of mobility and headiness to join Hall and current Navy quarterback Kriss Proctor as quality Big Bear triggermen.