Southwest Riverside County football fans were treated to an electrifying Week 9, with local teams delivering unforgettable performances. From last-minute heroics to offensive fireworks, here’s a recap of some of the action, starting with three of the top local games that opened some eyes around the valley.
Vista Murrieta 42, Murrieta Valley 35
In a Big West Conference-North Division clash, Vista Murrieta snapped a four-game losing streak to rival Murrieta Valley in dramatic fashion. Freshman quarterback Levi Dean stepped in late after senior Bryson Beaver’s injury and delivered a 69-yard touchdown pass to Zachary Aleman. Dean then connected with Cash Bryant for a two-point conversion, giving the Broncos a 36-35 lead with just over a minute remaining. Brennan Martinez sealed the win with a 69-yard interception return in the final seconds. Vista Murrieta improved to 7-2 overall, while Murrieta Valley fell to 6-3.
Murrieta Mesa 51, King 24
Murrieta Mesa overcame a sluggish start on Senior Night to dominate King and clinch at least a share of the Big West Conference-South Division title. Trailing 17-0 early, the Rams roared back with 37 unanswered points. Daniel Page, typically a receiver, shined in the Wildcat formation, rushing for 117 yards. Quarterback Coleman Jones accounted for four touchdowns, including a 72-yard strike to Daniel Ritchie. Mesa’s defense held King to just 39 yards in the second half, solidifying the Rams’ 6-3 record.
Vista del Lago 55, Paloma Valley 54
In an Ivy League thriller, Vista del Lago edged Paloma Valley thanks to a game-winning interception by Isaac Moore in the final minute. Quarterback Josiah Dupree-Boyd was unstoppable, throwing for 364 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for three more scores. Paloma Valley’s Isaac Navarro countered with 350 passing yards and seven touchdown passes, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Vista del Lago’s explosive third quarter, which featured 28 points.
In other games, here are some of the recaps that came our way:
San Jacinto 63, West Valley 0
San Jacinto clinched a share of the Mountain Pass League title with a dominant performance. Josue Estrada threw for 215 yards and three touchdowns, while Jomini Ransom added 110 rushing yards and two scores.
Liberty 21, Rancho Verde 19
Liberty secured a narrow Ivy League victory by stopping a two-point conversion attempt in the final minute. Parris Peacock and Trent Hallis combined for 185 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Perris 33, Canyon Springs 7
Xavier Cruz led Perris with 324 passing yards and three touchdowns. Dominic Martin and Darrick Cavitt-Hart were his top targets, combining for three touchdown receptions.
Linfield Christian 19, Whittier Christian 14
Hudson Mayer carried Linfield Christian to victory with 157 rushing yards, two touchdowns, and a touchdown reception.
Chaparral 61, Roosevelt 23
Chaparral’s Dane Weber accounted for four touchdowns, including three through the air, as the Pumas cruised to a Big West Conference-North Division win.
Tahquitz 44, Elsinore 28
Tahquitz’s balanced attack, led by Terrell Strong and Jacob Arbuckle, proved too much for Elsinore. Yovani Torres added three field goals for the Titans.
Great Oak 36, Temecula Valley 13
Trent Lux starred for Great Oak, throwing for 217 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for two more scores. Ryder Smith added 142 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Rancho Christian 7, Hillcrest 0
Jaiden Thomas connected with Chase Petry for a late touchdown, lifting Rancho Christian to a Sunbelt League victory.
Webb 51, Santa Rosa Academy 24
Mikey Pino’s five touchdown passes powered Webb past Santa Rosa Academy. Alec Kaushal contributed three touchdown receptions and a pick-six.
Local High School Football Scoreboard
Thursday, Oct. 23
- Centennial 59, Norco 49
- Chaparral 61, Roosevelt 23
- Great Oak 36, Temecula Valley 13
- Moreno Valley 43, Lakeside 7
- Trinity Classical Academy 41, Temecula Prep 7
- San Jacinto Valley Academy 55, Nuview Bridge 30
- Garey 48, Workman 0
- Hacienda Heights Wilson 21, Ontario 6
- Nogales 39, Pomona 10
- Tahquitz 44, Elsinore 28
- Rancho Christian 7, Hillcrest 0
Friday, Oct. 24
- Vista Murrieta 42, Murrieta Valley 35
- Santiago 37, Corona 21
- Murrieta Mesa 51, King 24
- Heritage 35, Citrus Hill 34
- Perris 33, Canyon Springs 7
- Liberty 21, Rancho Verde 19
- Orange Vista 52, North 14
- Vista del Lago 55, Paloma Valley 54
- Cornerstone Christian 43, Entrepreneur 0
- Hamilton 31, California Military Institute 14
- Linfield Christian 19, Whittier Christian 14
- San Jacinto 63, West Valley 0
- Hemet 17, Arlington 0
Saturday, Oct. 25
- Webb 51, Santa Rosa Academy 24
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