The Santa Ynez Pirates and the Righetti Warriors are set to duel on Friday.
Santa Ynez had been on a three-game streak of scoring at least 31 points, but San Luis Obispo put an end to it on Friday. Santa Ynez was beaten by San Luis Obispo 42-9. While losing is never fun, the Pirates can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' California football rankings (they are ranked 542nd, while the Tigers are ranked 221st).
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Righetti). They breezed by Pioneer Valley to the tune of 55-7 on Friday. The Warriors might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won six matches by 20 points or more this season.
Multiple players turned in solid performances to lead Righetti to victory, but perhaps none more so than Luis Magana, who picked up 94 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Magana was no stranger to the big play, connecting on a big catch that went for 53 yards. Another signal caller making a difference was Gilbert Muriguia, who threw for 187 yards and a touchdown while completing 80% of his passes.
Righetti wouldn't let Pioneer Valley keep a hold of the ball as they managed to force three fumbles. It was truly a group effort as Achillies Syintsakos, Ruben Ramos, and Vance Abercrombie picked up one apiece. Ramos has been hot recently, having also posted five or more total tackles the last four times he's played.
Santa Ynez's loss dropped their record down to 3-6. As for Righetti, their win bumped their record up to 6-3.
Friday's matchup might be decided in the on the ground. Santa Ynez has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 176.8 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Righetti struggles in that department as they've been averaging 180.8. It's looking like Friday's game might have some serious battles in the trenches.
Santa Ynez came out on top in a nail-biter against Righetti in their previous matchup back in September of 2023, sneaking past 31-28. The rematch might be a little tougher for Santa Ynez since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
