The Vista del Lago Ravens will take on the Paloma Valley Wildcats at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Having both just faced considerable losses, both teams are looking to turn things around.
Vista del Lago is headed into Friday's contest hungry for a win as their strong season has now been derailed by two straight defeats. They came up short against Orange Vista on Thursday, falling 43-21. The matchup marked the Ravens' lowest-scoring match so far this season.
Despite the loss, Vista del Lago saw an underclassman step up: Josiah Dupree Boyd rushed for 121 yards and a touchdown on only nine carries, and also threw for 163 yards and two touchdowns. Those 121 rushing yards set a new season-high mark for Dupree Boyd.
Vista del Lago didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. In fact, those interceptions all came courtesy of defensive juggernaut Fabian Bolanos.
Meanwhile, Paloma Valley entered their game against Rancho Verde on Friday without any home losses, but there's a first time for everything. Paloma Valley lost 34-12 to Rancho Verde. It was the first time this season that the Wildcats let down their fans at home.
Paloma Valley might have lost, but man, Arthur Clemons was a machine: he picked up 62 receiving yards and a touchdown, and also threw for 46 yards and a touchdown.
Paloma Valley wouldn't let Rancho Verde keep a hold of the ball as they managed to force three fumbles. Paloma Valley can thank Cyrus Medina and Elijah Noriega for forcing all of them. Medina is also on a roll when it comes to total tackles, as he's now made six or more in the last eight games he's played dating back to last season.
Vista del Lago's defeat ended a three-game streak of wins at home and dropped them to 6-2. As for Paloma Valley, their loss dropped their record down to 5-3.
Friday's contest might be decided in the trenches. Vista del Lago has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 150.7 rushing yards per game. It's a different story for Paloma Valley, though, as they've been averaging only 86.6. How will they fare against such a dominant running game?
Vista del Lago couldn't quite finish off Paloma Valley in their previous matchup back in October of 2023 and fell 35-32. Thankfully for Vista del Lago, Brady Nelson (who threw for 296 yards and four touchdowns, and also rushed for 86 yards and a touchdown on only six 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
