Corona is 0-5 against Murrieta Mesa since September of 2017 but things could change on Friday. The Panthers will host the Rams at 7:00 p.m. Corona has given up an average of 34 points per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Corona's offense might be in the hot seat on Friday considering what happened against King on Friday. They took a blow against the Wolves, falling 37-0. While losing is never fun, the Panthers can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' California football rankings (they are ranked 645th, while the Wolves are ranked 158th).
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Murrieta Mesa). They were the clear victors by a 42-21 margin over Great Oak on Friday. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest victory the Rams have posted against the Wolfpack since October 5, 2018.
Corona better keep an eye on Nathan Cruz. He was instrumental in Murrieta Mesa's win, rushing for 155 yards and one TD while picking up 9.1 yards per carry. The bulk of those rushing yards came from one huge play: a run that gained an incredible 80 yards.
Murrieta Mesa was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 308 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've posted since back in November of 2024.
Murrieta Mesa's defense made their presence known, laying out Trent Lux nine times. It was truly a group effort as Noah Jenkins, Brett Rawls, and Jacob Avila picked up two apiece. Thanks to that big game, Jenkins is now up to 7.5 sacks on the season. Another thorn in Great Oak's side was Chris Flores, who picked up a sack and made nine total tackles in addition to snagging an interception.
Murrieta Mesa now has a winning record of 4-3. As for Corona, their defeat dropped their record down to an identical 4-3.
Friday's game might be decided on the ground. Corona has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 148.3 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Murrieta Mesa struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 191.1 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's matchup turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Corona was dealt a bruising 70-0 loss at the hands of Murrieta Mesa in their previous matchup back in October of 2024. Will the Panthers have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more football content.
