Schools
Nighthawks Meet Pumas in Football Friday
Murrieta Valley faces Chaparral in an intense rivalry game. Both teams are 7-1 as league play intensifies.
The Chaparral High Pumas—with their 7-1 record and seeded fourth in the Southwestern League—will host Murrieta Valley football Friday night.
Chaparral Head Coach Ryan Tukua is looking to extend Chaparral’s six-year winning streak over Murrieta Valley. The Pumas are coming off a surprisingly tough win over Great Oak.
The Nighthawks lost to powerhouse Vista Murrieta, ranked No. 2 in the state, last week. Murrieta Valley is solid and looks to rebound at the expense of the Pumas.
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Chaparral is a very solid football team: they average 40 points a game and usually gain 115 yards on the ground and 247 yards in the air. The Puma defense has been tough all season, allowing only 13 points per game. They have sacked opposing quarterbacks 32 times and have forced nine fumbles with seven interceptions.
Unlike last year, the Pumas are a threat to pass. Quarterback Kellen Mataafa‘s favorite receivers are Chris Stratton and Patrick Clifford. Running the ball through is how Chaparral moves the chains. Justin Harris is the Puma workhorse with Skyler Seibold and Mataafa in support.
Find out what's happening in Murrietawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"Coach Greg Ireland’s Nighthawks enter the contest with a record of 7-1, are unranked in the latest CIF Inland Division poll, but are ranked 35th in the state by MaxPreps. Murrieta Valley possesses one of the best defenses in the division, and the Nighthawks must be at their best level against the dangerous Pumas."
Michael Payne, Jordan Silva, Martin Gallegos, Michael Noone, Omar Mohamed and Joshua Van Hulzen make up the Nighthawk’s outstanding defensive line. Behind them are linebackers DeSean Bullock, Kody Thornburg, Jacob Macias and Mike Almodovar Jr.
The Nighthawk defensive secondary consists of Weston Brown, Lafayette Waters, Damon Nolan and Terin Solomon.
The Nighthawk offense is captained by quarterback Andrew Blake. His favorite targets are Hector Bautista, Aaron Paisley, Nick Chapman and Taylor Rood. On special teams, Logan Matthews handles the punts and kick offs while Alex Montion tackles the field goals.
Murrieta Valley’s offensive line, has been keeping QB Blake protected while opening up holes for running backs Jacob Augustin, Jayvy Ragudo and Michael Robles.
Christian Vinsky, Jerry Boggs, Jack James, Kyle Underwood, Grant Hatch and Tanner Mott make up the Nighthawk offensive line.
Game time is 7 p.m. at Chaparral Stadium in Temecula. It looks like it will be crowded as all Nighthawk-Puma games are. Get there early to ensure a great seat.
Come out and support the Nighthawks! See you at the game.
