With a 2-1 preseason record, the Diamond Bar High School varsity football team is still working out the right formula to translate its success so far to league play. Starting off the season with a loss against Alta Loma but strong wins against Walnut and Covina, the Brahmas look to a tough league season ahead with a smaller but faster team.

After losing its leading rusher Dimaggio Rico and sack leader David Omana, both of whom graduated last year, the pressure is on seniors quarterback Grant Mestas and running back Davion Bluitt, who are both captains. Junior wide receiver Shane Wells has also stepped up as a replacement for last year’s seniors.

Head coach Marcus Hughes says that the offensive line takes a lot of time to gel as well.

“They struggle here and there, but we’re working on that. We’re getting better,” Hughes said.

In the Branding Iron against Walnut, the Brahmas beat the Mustangs for the sixth year in a row, finishing with a score of 34-9. The game ended with two touchdowns by Bluitt, and one each by juniors Kyle Rojas, Matthew Emanuele, and Wells.

At Covina, Diamond Bar earned their second victory, winning 27-7.

According to Hughes, though the team has more speed than last year, the Brahmas are not as big and lack the depth to replace injured players.

“We’re a smaller team. We have to make sure we’re not being up on each other too much. Really, it’s just taking the proper precautions to keep our kids safe and not being reckless on the field,” Hughes said.

Individually, on the defensive line, junior Matt Rodriguez and sophomores Jacob Gonzalez and Malik Scurlock have been playing well while senior returning starters Jaime House and Tyler Cooper hope to step up, according to Hughes. Seniors Cody and Matt Breidinger have been improving defensively as well. Offensively, the team looks to Mestas, Wells, Bluitt, and senior Bryan Kwon.

Two additions have also been made to the offensive coaching staff, with coaches Phil Busch and Jeff Cameron. Busch brings 14 years of experience in coaching high school football, primarily at Ayala High School. Cameron, a DBHS alumnus, joins the coaching staff as the offensive coordinator.

Wells leads all receivers in receiving yards with 336 while Bluitt leads in rushing yards with 284. In his second year starting, Mestas leads in throwing yards with 654.

The team faces a tough season ahead with its opening league game against the Glendora Tartans, who took home the league championships last year. The Brahmas will be playing the Brea Olinda Wildcats this Friday.