NEAH BAY — Neah Bay running back Cole Svec’s eyes lit up when asked about the play of Rwehabura Munyagi Jr.
“Oh, yeah, he’s way better than last year,” Svec said of the Red Devils’ sophomore quarterback.
“We’ve been getting him to the fitness center and he’s been getting fitter and stronger.”
Munyagi was no slouch last season, when he started as a freshman on Neah Bay’s Class 1B championship-winning team.
He threw for 932 yards and 22 touchdowns and had only three interceptions. Two of the TDs came in the fourth quarter of the Red Devils’ semifinal win against Lummi and in the state championship triumph over Liberty Christian.
But something is different this season: Munyagi has grown, both physically — he’s listed as 6-foot-1, 175-pounds but looks at least a couple of inches taller — but also as a play maker and leader for Neah Bay (9-0).
“He’s not even close to the same kind of player [as last year],” Red Devils head coach Tony McCaulley said.
“What I’m liking is now is not only is he throwing the ball well, he’s taking off when he needs to run it. And he never really had that last year.”
A heady comparison even comes to McCaulley’s mind.
“He reminds me a lot of Josiah Greene right now,” McCaulley said of Neah Bay’s former quarterback, who was a twice named 1B Player of the Year by The Associated Press.
“His long strides, his decision making, he’s throwing the ball well. He’s not as fast as Josiah, but I think we are still going through a growth spurt with him yet.
“He’s a little gangly — I can’t say uncoordinated, but he’s growing into himself.
“So I think he will only get better each year.”
Munyagi’s growth as an offensive force stems from the work he and teammates put in over the offseason.
“Did a whole lot of weightlifting in the summer, got bigger and stronger, and my lineman got a whole lot better, too,” Munyagi said.
Summertime 7-on-7 competitions with bigger schools such as Sequim, North Kitsap and Port Townsend also helped him develop.
“Especially in 7-on-7, we did a whole lot of throwing and making reads, waiting for the play to break down, and taking off if there was nothing available,” Munyagi said.
“I’ve worked on my mechanics a lot over the summer and in practice. And my drop-back. Getting that space between myself and the line to drop back and make my reads has been important.”
Munyagi also worked on his game during a visit to the Russell Wilson Passing Academy this summer.
Wilson, whose skill set seems tailor-made for 8-man football, was on hand to offer advice and encouragement.
“He’s definitely a player I look up to,” Munyagi said.
Munyagi has added a touch of Wilson’s game to his own: the ability to improvise.
He showed that new skill on a 33-yard TD run in last week’s 68-0 state playoff victory against Clallam Bay.
On what was originally a pass play, Munyagi was flushed from the pocket and scrambled to the left sideline.
It appeared as if he was hemmed in and would be stopped for a loss, but Munyagi spun completely around, made two Bruins miss and side-stepped to his right, cutting upfield and turning on the jets for a 33-yard TD.
“You could tell from that run, he couldn’t have done that last year,” Svec said.
“That’s because he’s been hitting those weights and getting stronger and more explosive.”
Munyagi’s favorite target is the speedy, and aptly named, Cameron Buzzell, who has buzzed past defenders for 29 receptions, 12 of them TDs, and 630 yards.
“I think he has improved a lot,” Buzzell said.
“His throwing arm is strong, and his speed, he’s much faster. He can put the ball where it needs to be.”
McCaulley dials up the plays and can see the growth in the offense.
“I think we are further along offensively this year than we were last year, and a lot of that is Rweha improving his passing and knowing when to take off and run,” McCaulley said.
“Cam and him especially have a really strong connection.”
Munyagi also has grown into his role as a leader.
“Coach called me into his office before the season and told me I had to step up,” Munyagi said.
“So basically, I’ve just followed his advice and tried to be vocal and support my teammates.”
Svec sees growth in his teammate, as well.
“He just doesn’t lead by example, he does it vocally, too,” Svec said.
“If it’s his fault, he’ll step up and say it was his fault and that he’ll do better the next time.
“He’s more involved this year, definitely.”
Buzzell also has noticed Munyagi’s role shift this season.
“He tries to push other people to do better than what they think they are capable of,” Buzzell said.
And this year’s Neah Bay football team has the capability to hoist another state championship trophy, which would be its third straight.
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Sports reporter Michael Carman can be contacted at 360-452-2345, ext. 5250 or at mcarman@peninsuladailynews.com.
