TEMECULA – In a commanding performance that underscored their season-long success, the Great Oak Wolfpack easily dispatched the Coachella Valley Mighty Arabs with a resounding 42-7 victory on Friday, Nov. 8. The win not only advanced the Wolfpack in the 2024 CIF Southern Section Division 9 football championships, but also confirmed their ability to translate regular-season prowess into playoff triumphs.

Great Oak’s offense has been a force to reckon with throughout the season, and this game was no exception. Quarterback Reagan Ricken led the charge with 131 passing yards and a touchdown. His connection with wide receiver Ryder Parks proved critical, as Parks contributed 63 receiving yards and crossed the goal line with a rushing touchdown. On the ground, the Wolfpack’s running game was equally effective, amassing a total of 241 rushing yards.

Wolfpack junior, Ryder Smith (2), dives for another Great Oak touchdown versus Coachella Valley in their first round Division 9 playoff game. Valley News/Rob Davis Photography

Ryder Smith stood out defensively, delivering two sacks and seven total tackles, three of which were for losses. His aggressive play helped stifle Coachella Valley’s attempts to gain momentum. The Wolfpack’s defense effectively neutralized any threats, leaving Coachella Valley struggling to mount a significant challenge.

This victory marked Great Oak’s fourth win by 21 points or more this season, a testament to their offensive firepower and defensive robustness. Over their last four games, the Wolfpack have clinched three victories, boosting their overall record to 5-6 for the season. Their recent success has been largely fueled by an impressive offensive average of 31.8 points per game during this stretch.

For Coachella Valley, Friday’s defeat snapped their five-game winning streak, leaving them with an 8-3 record. Despite their earlier successes, Coachella Valley was unable to contend with Great Oak’s multifaceted attack and relentless defense.

Looking ahead, Great Oak will face off against St. Genevieve at 7 p.m. next Friday. St. Genevieve enters the contest on a hot streak, aiming for their ninth consecutive win. However, the Wolfpack are poised to defend their momentum and make a significant push in the playoffs.

The upcoming matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter, as Great Oak seeks to extend their winning ways and continue advancing through the championship rounds. Fans can expect a high-energy game that will test both teams’ strengths and strategies.

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JP Raineri
JP Raineri

JP is an award-winning multimedia journalist, and head of the Sports Department for the Valley News. Over his time in the Temecula Valley, JP, a former Southwestern League head baseball coach, was also an on-air radio personality at Q103.3, KATY 101.3, Hot 103.9, and was a television host for the Outdoor Channel. When not covering local, or national sports, JP also serves as an Associate Baseball Scout with NSR.