Football Preview: Mira Costa Mustangs vs. Villa Park Spartans
The Mira Costa Mustangs are on the road again on Friday to play the Villa Park Spartans at 7:00 p.m.
Mira Costa is probably headed into the matchup with a chip on their shoulder considering San Juan Hills just ended the team's three-game winning streak on Friday. They lost 28-7 to the Stallions. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest defeat the Mustangs have suffered since September 8, 2023.
Meanwhile, Villa Park had already won two in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 19 points) and they went ahead and made it three two weeks ago. They blew past the Bulldogs 57-13 at home. That looming 57-13 mark stands out as the most commanding margin for the Spartans yet 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. P?rez torched the secondary when he pulled down a catch that went for 72 yards. Brody Armenta got in on the action as well, 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 win bumped their record up to an identical 3-1.
Friday's contest 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 match 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 meeting 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? Check MaxPreps.com after the match to find out.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
