Banning's Two-Way Starter Tong Yang is Key to Broncos 2011 Football Hopes

Tong Yang is the center on Banning High School’s football team.

But he has to perform like a quarterback.

When a team runs the ball as much as the Broncos do, Yang has no choice but to help guide his fellow linemen down the field.

For this reason, Yang is an impact player for the Banning Broncos.

“That position is one of the toughest positions to play,” said Yang, who is 5-foot-5, 200 pounds. “You have to concentrate on the snap and you have to concentrate on the guy in front of you. It’s very tough.”

Yang is a two-way starter, at the center spot on offense and at tackle on the defensive side of the ball.

“There were times last year when we couldn’t get him off the field,” second year Banning Coach Scott McRitchie said. “He is the kind of player that makes the game a lot of fun.”

The Broncos had it rough last season. They won just three games. But Yang played a big part in the victories. The Broncos rushed for at least 300 yards in wins over Thermal Desert Mirage, Redlands Citrus Valley and Jurupa Hills.

“He is a great kid for the program,” McRitchie said. “He works hard in the off-season. He holds his own down there in the middle against guys who are a lot bigger.”

Banning High’s football team will contest a game that matters on its new field for the first time when the Broncos host their 2011 season opener against Bloomington on Friday, Sept. 9.

Here is Banning’s 2011 football schedule:

All games start at 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 9 – vs. Bloomington

Friday, Sept. 16 - @ Thermal Desert Mirage HS

Friday, Sept. 23 – vs. Twentynine Palms HS

Friday, Sept. 30 - @ San Jacinto HS

Friday, Oct. 7 – vs. Beaumont HS

Friday, Oct. 14 – vs. Rubidoux HS

Friday, Oct. 21 – vs. Notre Dame HS

Friday, Oct. 28 - @ Redlands Citrus Valley

Friday, Nov. 4 - @ Lake Arrowhead Rim of the World HS

Friday, Nov. 11 – vs. Jurupa Hills HS