The Los Alamitos varsity football team will face Murrieta Valley in a neutral-site playoff game today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (California) in Division 2. Both teams are eager to showcase their skills and secure a spot in the next round.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: California High School Football
Who: Murrieta Valley vs Los Alamitos
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (California) – Division 2
Live stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Murrieta Valley vs. Los Alamitos
The 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships in Division 2 are well underway, and one of the standout matchups features Murrieta Valley taking on Los Alamitos. With contrasting records and team profiles, this neutral-site game promises to be an exciting contest as both teams vie for a spot in the next round.
Murrieta Valley Nighthawks: Dominant Season with High-Scoring Offense
Murrieta Valley (24-25) comes into this playoff game with a strong 9-2 overall record. The Nighthawks have been dominant throughout the season, posting an .818 win percentage with a 4-1 league record. They have been especially formidable at home, boasting a 5-1 record while maintaining a 4-1 mark on the road.
Murrieta Valley’s offense has been explosive, averaging 41.8 points per game. Their first half is particularly strong, with 15.2 points in the first quarter and 12.7 in the second. While their scoring slows in the second half, with just 6.9 points in the third quarter and 7.0 in the fourth, their early offensive outbursts often give them a commanding lead. With a total of 460 points on the season, Murrieta Valley has proven to be a high-powered team capable of putting up big numbers.
Los Alamitos Griffins: Battling for Consistency
Los Alamitos (24-25), with a 6-5 overall record, enters the game with a lower win percentage of .545 and a 1-2 league mark. Despite a relatively tough season, the Griffins have managed to stay competitive. They have a 4-2 record at home, but their struggles on the road (2-3) have made their path to the playoffs more challenging.
Offensively, Los Alamitos has averaged 29.6 points per game, but their scoring distribution is not as consistent as Murrieta Valley’s. They start slow in the first quarter, with only 4.2 points, and their scoring picks up slightly in the second (5.6 points) and third (6.2 points). However, they tend to slow down in the fourth quarter, averaging just 2.8 points. To have a chance against the high-scoring Nighthawks, Los Alamitos will need to generate more offense throughout the game, particularly in the second half.
Key Factors for Both Teams
For Murrieta Valley, their key to success lies in their ability to continue their explosive offensive play, especially in the first half. If they can establish an early lead and maintain their momentum, they’ll be tough to stop. Their defense will need to stay sharp and contain the Griffins’ offense in the second half, where Los Alamitos tends to make a push.
Los Alamitos, on the other hand, will need to find a way to keep pace with Murrieta Valley’s high-scoring offense. They’ll need to capitalize on every scoring opportunity, especially early in the game, and improve their second-half performance. If they can find more consistency in their offense and defense, they may be able to upset the higher-ranked Nighthawks.
Conclusion: A High-Scoring Showdown
The playoff game between Murrieta Valley and Los Alamitos is shaping up to be an exciting and high-scoring affair. Murrieta Valley, with their potent offense, will look to take control early, while Los Alamitos will need to find ways to stay competitive and generate more points throughout the game. With both teams bringing different strengths to the field, this game is sure to be a thrilling battle with plenty of action. Fans can expect an intense showdown as both squads aim to advance in the 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships.
The upcoming clash between Murrieta Valley and Los Alamitos promises to be an exciting contest, as both teams have been putting up impressive numbers in terms of total yards and scoring. With a combined total of 15 wins, these teams have proven themselves in their respective leagues and are now poised to face off in what could be a pivotal matchup.
Offensive Breakdown
Murrieta Valley has been a powerhouse on offense this season, averaging 383.1 total yards per game. The team is led by the dynamic Dorian Hoze, who has been a key contributor to the rushing game, averaging 150.0 rushing yards per game. His ability to control the ground game has been a critical factor in Murrieta Valley’s success. Quarterback Bear Bachmeier has also been instrumental, throwing for 243.7 passing yards per game, which complements the team’s balanced offensive attack. Julian Treadwell, a standout receiver, adds to the versatility of the offense with 43.0 receiving yards per game.
On the other side, Los Alamitos has not provided specific yardage stats for their offensive units, but their recent performances suggest they have an explosive offense capable of competing at the highest level. While their rushing, passing, and receiving yard averages are not disclosed, the team’s ability to win games, including a narrow 28-27 victory over San Clemente, points to a highly efficient attack that is capable of executing under pressure.
Murrieta Valley’s overall offensive production stands out, and their ability to generate a balanced attack through both the air and on the ground gives them an edge in terms of yards per game. Los Alamitos will need to match this offensive potency to remain competitive.
Defensive Comparison
Murrieta Valley’s defense has been solid throughout the season, averaging 69.4 tackles per game and 1.6 sacks per game. With defensive leaders like Abelardo Leos, who averages 9.1 tackles per game, the team is well-equipped to disrupt opposing offenses. They also have Vincent Ingram, who provides a consistent pass-rush threat with 0.5 sacks per game.
Los Alamitos, while not providing specific defensive statistics, has been competitive defensively, as evidenced by their ability to win tight games, including their one-point victory against San Clemente. The key for Los Alamitos will be limiting Murrieta Valley’s strong offensive play, particularly their ability to run the ball with Hoze and manage the passing game with Bachmeier.
Key Players to Watch
Murrieta Valley’s Dorian Hoze is undoubtedly the key player for the team, as his ability to control the game on the ground has been pivotal to their success. Bear Bachmeier’s passing game is another major asset for Murrieta Valley, allowing them to stretch the field and create big plays. Defensively, Abelardo Leos and Vincent Ingram will be crucial in slowing down Los Alamitos’ offense and maintaining control of the game.
For Los Alamitos, while specific individual stats are unavailable, the team’s overall efficiency and ability to win close games make it clear that they have players who can step up when needed. The performance of their offensive and defensive units in high-pressure situations will be key to their success in this matchup.
Record Breakdown
Murrieta Valley enters this matchup with a solid 9-2 overall record, including a 4-1 mark in league play. Their strong performance in both league and non-league games positions them as one of the top teams in their region. The team’s ability to execute both offensively and defensively has allowed them to consistently dominate their opponents.
Los Alamitos, with a 6-5 record, has shown resilience throughout the season. Although they have a losing record in non-league play (4-3), they have the experience and capability to compete at a high level. The team has demonstrated the ability to win in the playoffs, as indicated by their 1-0 postseason record. Their narrow victories, such as the 28-27 win over San Clemente, highlight their ability to thrive in close, high-stakes games.
Conclusion
Murrieta Valley enters this game as the clear statistical favorite, with a higher overall offensive output and a solid defense. Their dynamic rushing and passing attack, led by Dorian Hoze and Bear Bachmeier, will be a challenge for Los Alamitos to contain. However, Los Alamitos has proven their ability to win close games and will undoubtedly bring their best effort to this matchup.
The key for Murrieta Valley will be to execute their balanced offensive game plan and continue their strong defensive play. For Los Alamitos, finding a way to disrupt the Murrieta Valley offense and capitalize on any opportunities will be crucial.
As both teams head into this contest with something to prove, fans can expect an exciting, hard-fought game between two talented and competitive squads. The winner will gain significant momentum moving forward in their playoff pursuit.
