OCVarsity’s previews and predictions for Friday’s second-round playoff games.
WEST VALLEY DIVISION
Murrieta Valley (9-2) vs. Mission Viejo (11-0)
Where, when: Mission Viejo, 7:30 p.m.
Outlook: The playoff bracket reads second round, but the game feels like a semifinal to Mission Viejo’s Bob Johnson. The veteran coach holds Murrieta Valley in high regard. “They’re very good,” he said of the runner-up to Vista Murrieta in the Southwestern League. Since a 35-7 loss against Vista Murrieta on Oct. 16, Murrieta Valley has averaged just over 50 points in four games and allowed an average of 11.7. Murrieta Valley rolled past Fountain Valley, 48-7, last week. The Diablos defense has been playing well, holding Hart of Newhall to 14 fourth-quarter points last week. The unit now faces freshman quarterback Hank Bachmeier, who completed 15 of 17 passes for 235 yards and five touchdowns last week. He has thrown for 2,708 yards and 34 touchdowns. Mission Viejo counters with senior Brock Johnson, who has passed for 2,447 yards and 28 touchdowns. The defending West Valley champion and top-seeded Diablos have won 23 consecutive games, the second-longest active streak in the state.
Prediction: Mission Viejo
Tesoro (9-2) vs. Rancho Cucamonga (8-3)
Where, when: Los Osos, 7 p.m.
Live coverage: nfhsnetwork.com
Outlook: The third-seeded Titans encounter a Rancho Cucamonga team that defeated injury-plagued Edison, 30-17, last week. Rancho Cucamonga employed a balanced attack, passing for 188 yards on 29 attempts and rushing for 244 yards on 39 carries. The Cougars, who finished third in the Baseline League, also intercepted four passes. “Should be a great game,” Tesoro coach Matt Poston said. “They have some skill players who can take it to the house on any play.” Rancho Cucamonga quarterback Angel Matute (6-4, 210) is a dual-threat with 1,934 yards passing and another 414 rushing. Aaron Manning is another player to watch. The senior has rushed for 1,072 yards and also has 39 catches for 571 yards. Tesoro quarterback Devon Modster has been outstanding. The Arizona commit has passed for 3,188 yards and 25 TDs and only been intercepted twice. He also has 12 rushing touchdowns. The Titans’ duo of Chris Evagues and Andrew Cohen has combined for 25½ sacks.
Prediction: Tesoro
Contact the writer: dalbano@ocregister.com
