The Murrieta Valley varsity football team will host Newbury Park today at 7:00 p.m. in a home playoff game. This exciting matchup is part of the 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships – Division 2 tournament. Both teams are looking to advance in the postseason, making for a thrilling contest.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California State Football Championship
Who: Murrieta Valley (CA) vs Newbury Park (CA)
When: Today, November 30, 2024
Bracket: 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (California) – Division 2
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Murrieta Valley vs. Newbury Park

As the football season reaches its climax, the anticipated matchup between Newbury Park and Murrieta Valley promises to deliver an exciting contest between two teams that have been dominant in their respective leagues. With Newbury Park boasting an undefeated 13-0 record and Murrieta Valley posting an impressive 11-2 record, both teams come into the game with high expectations. Let’s break down the key stats, team strengths, and what fans can expect from this highly anticipated showdown.

Offensive Breakdown

Newbury Park’s offense has been a well-balanced attack, averaging 353.8 total yards per game. The team has shown strength in both the rushing and passing games, with 122.5 rushing yards per game and 231.4 passing yards per game. Brady Smigiel, the standout quarterback, leads the team with 229.7 passing yards per game, and he has been able to distribute the ball efficiently. Shane Rosenthal has been his top target in the passing game, contributing 100.2 receiving yards per game, while Tyler Stromsoe has been effective on the ground, adding 65.1 rushing yards per game.

On the other side, Murrieta Valley has one of the most potent offenses in the state, averaging 408.5 total yards per game. The team is particularly strong in the running game, averaging 251.3 rushing yards per game, led by Dorian Hoze, who has been a workhorse with 155.9 rushing yards per game. Bear Bachmeier has been efficient in the passing game, contributing 230.2 passing yards per game, while Julian Treadwell leads the receiving corps with 45.3 receiving yards per game. The combination of a powerful rushing attack and a capable passing game makes Murrieta Valley a formidable opponent on offense.

Defensive Comparison

Defensively, both teams have shown their ability to stop opposing offenses, though Murrieta Valley has had a slight edge in terms of total tackles, averaging 72.0 tackles per game, compared to Newbury Park’s 71.9 tackles per game. Newbury Park has been solid in generating pressure, averaging 2.8 sacks per game, led by Landon Stuart, who has contributed 1.0 sack per game. Meanwhile, Murrieta Valley has recorded 1.7 sacks per game, with Santana Letua contributing 0.6 sacks per game. While both teams have shown the ability to disrupt offenses, Newbury Park’s pass rush may give them an advantage in slowing down Murrieta Valley’s high-powered attack.

Key Players to Watch

For Newbury Park, Brady Smigiel is the engine that drives the offense. His ability to throw the ball efficiently and make plays with his arm will be crucial in this game. He will need to find Shane Rosenthal often to move the ball through the air, while Tyler Stromsoe’s running will help balance the offense and keep Murrieta Valley’s defense guessing.

For Murrieta Valley, all eyes will be on Dorian Hoze, who has been exceptional in the run game, averaging over 150 yards per game. He will be the key to Murrieta Valley controlling the clock and establishing dominance on the ground. Bear Bachmeier will also need to make plays in the passing game to keep Newbury Park’s defense on its toes.

Record Breakdown

Both teams enter this game with impressive records. Newbury Park has been dominant all season, finishing with an undefeated 13-0 overall record. Their perfect record includes a perfect 5-0 league mark and an impressive 7-0 home record. In contrast, Murrieta Valley has been equally successful, with an 11-2 overall record and a 4-1 league record. Murrieta Valley has been particularly strong at home, boasting a 6-1 record and a 5-1 record on the road. Both teams also have strong playoff pedigrees, with each team having an undefeated 3-0 playoff record.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced common opponents this season, including San Clemente. Newbury Park defeated San Clemente 24-13 on November 15, while Murrieta Valley defeated San Clemente 35-25 on September 27. This common victory against a strong opponent suggests both teams are capable of rising to the occasion when facing elite competition.

Final Thoughts

This game between Newbury Park and Murrieta Valley is shaping up to be a battle of strength versus strength. Newbury Park’s well-balanced offense, led by Brady Smigiel, will face off against Murrieta Valley’s powerful rushing attack, spearheaded by Dorian Hoze. The defensive lines will play a critical role in determining the flow of the game, as both teams have shown the ability to pressure the quarterback and stop the run.

Expect a thrilling, hard-fought battle as two of the state’s top teams clash. The winner will not only showcase their offensive and defensive prowess but also prove themselves as one of the top teams in the state heading into the postseason. Whether it’s Newbury Park’s balanced attack or Murrieta Valley’s relentless running game, this game will undoubtedly be one to watch.