Murrieta Valley Ready to Upset Upland in CIF Playoffs

Murrieta Valley travels to Upland Friday night to face the mighty Highlanders in the first round of the CIF Inland Division Football Playoffs. Upland finished the season with a perfect 10-0 record and is ranked third in the state and 33rd in the nation.   

Upland is heavily favored; the Nighthawks are thinking upset. The Nighthawks were 7-3 and have amazed everyone en route to their playoff appearance.

Throughout the season Murrieta Valley was always considered the underdog. MVHS was predicted to finish fifth in their league and expected to win two or possibly three games--surprise!

It is the fifth straight year the Nighthawks have gone on to the playoffs. Further, Coach Greg Ireland inspired this scrappy team of overachievers and has led them into the CIF playoffs for the fourth consecutive year in his fourth year as head coach.

It won’t be easy for the Hawks: Murrieta Valley is facing a Highlander team that scored 43 points per game this year. Coached by Tim Salter, Upland averaged 142 yards passing and 256 yards running on their way to their perfect record.   

Junior quarterback Nate Romine threw for 1,437 yards and 15 touchdowns this season. A threat on the ground, he also ran for 256 yards. 

Running back Dontra Abron Jr. averaged 7 yards per carry on his way to running for a total of 1,354 yards. Wide receiver Kenny Lawler had 37 catches for 777 yards. Marques Mosley had a combined 540 yards on the ground and in the air.  

Defensive standout Christian Powel had 13 sacks and 41 tackles. Joe Mathis added six sacks while Bennie Robinson led the Highlanders with 42 tackles. This is a defense that has been improving as the season progressed.  

Quarterback Andrew Blake leads Murrieta Valley’s offense. He completed 102 passes for 1,517 yards and 16 touchdowns. The Nighthawks averaged 27 points, 140 yards rushing and 168 yards in the air per game.

Jacob Augustine ran for 579 yards and three touchdowns. Jack Magpuaso had 986 total yards with 547 in the air and 439 on the ground. He scored 10 touchdowns.  

Wide receiver Jaleel Shabazz had 32 receptions for 331 yards and five touchdowns. Brandon Iacobellis caught 15 passes for 253 yards and two touchdowns. Kale Novak added 238 yards and three touchdowns on 16 receptions.

The Nighthawk defense has played well all season. Murrieta Valley had 19 sacks this year, eight by defensive end Noah Johnson. With Michael Payne and Jordan Silva healthy, the D-line is tough, quick and ready for the playoffs.  

Murrieta Valley has been tough to the pass on all year. Defensive backs Charlie McKee, Kody Thornburg, Lafayette Waters and Damon Nolan look to contain the Highlander passing attack. They have consistently been successful against the run and the pass all season.

Linebackers Sam Allen, Brandon Finnie and Andrew Hudson solidify this talented defensive squad.  

Game time is 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, at Upland High School. The address is 565 11th Street, Upland. Let’s get out there and support our Nighthawks! 

--Contributed by Charles Mckee

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