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: Newbury Park vs Murrieta Valley
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

Tonight at 7:00 p.m., the Murrieta Valley varsity football team will face off against Newbury Park in a highly anticipated home playoff game. This contest is part of the 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships – Division 2 tournament, and with both teams bringing impressive records into this game, it promises to be a thrilling match.

Newbury Park: The Unbeaten Powerhouse

Newbury Park enters the game with an undefeated 13-0 record, dominating both at home and on the road. Their flawless 1.000 win percentage reflects their excellence throughout the season, with the team outscoring opponents 488 to 111. Their offense has been prolific, averaging 37.5 points per game, with strong performances in each quarter. Newbury Park has excelled in the first half, averaging 11.3 points in the first quarter and 11.8 in the second. Although they tend to slow down in the fourth quarter with just 3.4 points, their strong early-game performances and balanced offense have kept them on top.

Murrieta Valley: The High-Scoring Contender

Murrieta Valley, with an 11-2 record, is coming off a strong regular season, finishing with an .846 win percentage. Their offense has been potent, scoring 564 points and averaging 43.4 points per game. They have been particularly dangerous in the early and late stages of games, averaging 13.9 points in the first quarter and 8.1 points in the fourth quarter. While Murrieta Valley’s scoring drops a bit in the third quarter (8.0 points), their consistency in the first and final periods gives them an edge in high-pressure moments.

Key Factors for Success

• Newbury Park’s Defensive Strength: With only 111 points allowed all season, Newbury Park’s defense has been one of the most dominant in the state. Their ability to control the game defensively will be key against a high-scoring Murrieta Valley offense.
• Murrieta Valley’s Offensive Firepower: Murrieta Valley will need to rely on its potent offense, especially its ability to score in the first and fourth quarters. The team’s high-scoring tendencies could prove to be the difference-maker in this matchup.
• Early-Game Execution: Newbury Park has been outstanding in the early stages, and Murrieta Valley’s ability to match that intensity will be crucial. If Murrieta Valley can stay close in the first half, they’ll have a strong chance of pulling off the upset.

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.

Conclusion

The matchup between Murrieta Valley and Newbury Park is set to be one of the most exciting games in the 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships – Division 2. With Newbury Park’s undefeated record and Murrieta Valley’s explosive offense, both teams bring impressive attributes to the table. Tonight’s game will be a true test of will, strategy, and execution as both teams aim to advance in the postseason.