Football Preview: Mira Costa Mustangs vs. Villa Park Spartans
The Mira Costa Mustangs will be staying on the road on Friday to face off against the Villa Park Spartans at 7:00 p.m.
Mira Costa is probably headed into the match with a chip on their shoulder considering San Juan Hills just ended the team's three-game winning streak on Friday. They came up short against the Stallions, falling 28-7. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest loss the Mustangs have suffered since September 8, 2023.
Meanwhile, Villa Park entered their tilt with Ayala last Friday with two consecutive wins but they'll enter their next game with three. They blew past the Bulldogs 57-13 at home. That 44 point margin sets a new team best for the Spartans this season.
Villa Park can attribute much of their success to Diego P?rez, who picked up 101 receiving yards and two touchdowns, and Dominic Ancich, who rushed for 81 yards and a touchdown on only nine carries. The bulk of those receiving yards came from one huge play: a catch that gained an incredible 72 yards. Brody Armenta got in on the action too, returning a kick for a touchdown.
Villa Park's defense was in the mix too, especially the secondary: they snagged three passes before it was all said and done. It was truly a group effort as Nate Lewis, Gunnar Dahl, and Dahl picked up one apiece. Sean Byrnes also set a new season high mark in total tackles with nine.
Having lost for the first time this season, Mira Costa fell to 3-1. As for Villa Park, their victory bumped their record up to an identical 3-1.
Friday's matchup might be decided in the on the ground. Mira Costa has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 174.2 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Villa Park struggles in that department as they've been averaging 163.5. It's looking like Friday's game might have some serious battles in the trenches.
Mira Costa lost to Villa Park on the road by a decisive 28-13 margin in their previous matchup back in September of 2023. Thankfully for Mira Costa, Carter Christie (who rushed for 132 yards and a touchdown on only 14 carries) won't be suiting up this time. Will that be enough to change the final result? There's only one way to find out.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
