TIERRASANTA – Serra High's pass-catching trio of Andrew Nycum, Josh Magallanez and Colton Bradley present quarterback Arthur Stewart with reliable options anywhere on the football field.

They also present opposing defenses with a conundrum.

Single coverage is trouble for defensive backs, but if they double-cover one receiver, another will be open.

That's the idea, Serra coach Brian Basteyns said.

“Having all three of them out there creates mismatches,” Basteyns said. “Then it's like taking candy from a baby.”

The top sweets stealer would be the 6-foot-2 Nycum, who can outjump most cornerbacks who cover him.

“Andrew can simply overpower guys with his height,” Basteyns said.

His contribution varies from play to play.

“Usually, on the longer passes, I have to go up and make plays,” he said. “On shorter routes, my specialty is yards after the catch.”

Serra counts on Magallanez to be the underneath man.

“I'm a good route runner, and I can find holes in the defense,” he said. Basteyns said Magallanez has speed.

“We try to get him the ball on the run and let him do things,” Basteyns said.

That was never more evident than on the game-winning touchdown catch in the Conquistadors' 41-38 win over Mission Bay that clinched the Western League championship.

With Stewart scrambling, frantically looking for an open man on a desperate last-second play, the ever-cool Magallanez found a seam along the back line of the end zone and calmly cradled a pinpoint pass from Stewart to seal the Conquistadors' third league title in school history – on Senior Night, no less.

“It was really neat,” said Magallanez, who started his high school career as a linebacker. “I wanted to be a wide receiver all along.”

Bradley is a consistent, sure-handed tight end who is confident he can run away from most defenders.

“I don't think a linebacker can cover me,” said Bradley, who hopes to play at San Diego State.

Against Mission Bay, Bradley ran a crossing route, caught the ball over the middle and bounced off a couple tacklers on his way to a 77-yard score that turned the game in Serra's favor.

Not bad for a guy who played his freshman year at right guard.

“I never wanted to play offensive line in the first place,” Bradley said.

Basteyns said he is convinced his three receivers will continue their football careers after high school.

“These guys have opened up a lot of eyes,” he said. “They'll all be playing somewhere next year.”

But that's next year.

This year has marked a resurgence in the football program at Serra (8-3), which plays at Valhalla (9-1) at 7 p.m. tomorrow in the San Diego Section Division III quarterfinals.

“It's good to bring some respect back to the school,” Bradley said. “We've lost a lot of fans over the years.”

Magallanez – the quiet one – had the last word.

“A lot of people never thought we'd be where we're at,” he said. “Even kids at our own school.”

EASY TARGETS

Regular-season statistics:

PLAYER POS. YR. HT. WT. REC YDS TD

Andrew Nycum WR  Sr. 6-2 190 42  546   12

Josh Magallanez WR  Sr. 5-10 145 29  461   6

Colton Bradley TE  Sr. 6-2 170 36  647   8