MURRIETA — The Nighthawks have developed a knack for thrilling finishes in the CIF Southern Section playoffs, and Friday’s game against Rancho Cucamonga was no exception. Murrieta Valley seemed to be cruising with a 28-6 lead in the first half, but the Cougars clawed back, tying the score at 42 with just 2 minutes and 30 seconds left on the clock.
The top-seeded Nighthawks, who now boast a 9-2 record, will face No. 8-seeded Los Alamitos (6-5) in a quarterfinal showdown next week. These two programs met in the Division 2 quarterfinal last season, where Murrieta Valley edged out a 53-52 double-overtime victory.
Murrieta Valley appeared in command early on, thanks to the dynamic efforts of Dorian Hoze and Bear Bachmeier. Hoze ran in scores from 3 and 49 yards out on the Nighthawks’ opening drives. Meanwhile, Bachmeier added a ground touchdown and connected with Jacob Alvarez for a 6-yard pass that further extended the lead.
Rancho Cucamonga quarterback Jacob Chambers began the comeback with a 37-yard run in the first quarter, and he kept the Cougars in the game with one of the evening’s standout plays. After a snap went over his head, Chambers retrieved the ball and scrambled before launching a 42-yard touchdown pass to Cameron Sermons, helping to stop the bleeding.
The Cougars continued to chip away at the deficit, with Chambers scoring on a 19-yard run just before halftime. Keyonn Chatman added a 55-yard run early in the second half, trimming Murrieta Valley’s lead to 35-28.
Hoze restored Murrieta Valley’s double-digit advantage with his fourth touchdown—a 3-yard run midway through the third quarter. But Rancho Cucamonga wouldn’t go quietly. Darion Fluker intercepted a Bachmeier pass, setting up Chambers for an 18-yard touchdown connection with Devin Chapple-Love.
The fourth quarter turned tense, as a Murrieta Valley muffed punt gave Rancho Cucamonga possession at the Nighthawks 14-yard line. Chambers capitalized by finding James Strong for a 3-yard touchdown pass, tying the score at 42 with just over two minutes remaining.
However, Murrieta Valley wasn’t finished. Starting near midfield after a long kickoff return, Bachmeier orchestrated the game-winning drive. He ran for 26 yards on three carries and completed a critical 22-yard pass to Julian Treadwell, putting the Nighthawks in prime position. Hoze sealed the victory with a 2-yard touchdown plunge, capping off a thrilling finish.
Hoze had an outstanding night, carrying the ball 25 times for 135 yards. Bachmeier completed 10 of 17 passes for 172 yards, adding 47 rushing yards to his tally. Treadwell contributed significantly with five receptions for 115 yards.
Chambers was a standout performer for Rancho Cucamonga, throwing for 277 yards on 16-of-22 passing and rushing for 79 yards. Sermons caught seven passes for 123 yards in a valiant effort.
Looking ahead, Murrieta Valley will need to maintain their composure and focus as they prepare for their upcoming matchup against Los Alamitos, The Nighthawks have shown their ability to handle pressure, and they’ll need to bring their best performance against the Griffins (6-5) this week to continue their playoff run.
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