Like father, like son; Duboski follows in father's footsteps

Forty-three years years ago, quarterback John Duboski led the Porterville College football team to a win over Reedley College, then the state’s No. 1-ranked small junior college team.

History will repeat itself tonight as Duboski’s son, Brian, will be playing quarterback and will lead Bakersfield College against two-time defending state champion Mt. San Antonio College when the Renegades travel to Mt. SAC for the 7 p.m. game.

It’s been a long journey for Duboski, a 2008 Monache graduate, who took over as BC’s starting quarterback last week and led the Renegades to a 31-13 win over Citrus College in his starting debut. It’s now up to Duboski to lead BC as he has taken over for Brian Burrell, who’s out for the season with a shoulder injury.

“It’s definitely been a long journey,” Duboski said. “It’s definitely had its ups and downs. But it’s definitely been worth it.”

Duboski’s journey began when he attended College of the Sequoias for a year before transferring to BC where he was a member of the football team in 2009. But in 2010, Duboski had to redshirt after sustaining partial tear injuries in both of his knees. But now it’s Duboski’s turn to be in charge as a sophomore.

Against Citrus, Duboski scored on two touchdown runs and after a slow start, completed seven passes for 104 yards. “Obviously there’s going to be first game jitters,” Duboski said. “I felt prepared. I felt like I was ready to play and finally got in a rhythm overall. It was just a great experience. It was just great to make my first college start.”

About leading BC (3-1) against Mt. SAC, Duboski said, “Most definitely, I’m super excited about the challenge.” Duboski said the key will be “just play the way I’m capable of playing and play the way I’ve been coached to play.”

Duboski is hopeful that he can take advantage of his chance now to earn a shot at playing anywhere at the four-level. “Right now I wouldn’t be too picky,” said Duboski about possibly playing at a four-year school. “I just have to get better as the season progresses”

About following in the foot steps of his father, a special education teacher at Bartlett Middle School, Duboski said, “It’s pretty crazy how that worked out. He taught me everything as far as playing quarterback. 

“We’ve had a close relationship. He’s been like my best friend and a great father.”