Aliso Niguel has enjoyed a two-game homestand but will soon have to dust off their road jerseys. They will face off against the Jurupa Hills Spartans at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The pair are sauntering into the matchup backed by comfortable wins in their prior games.
It can be hard to translate regular season success to the playoffs, but Aliso Niguel had no problem doing just that on Friday. They were the clear victor by a 28-7 margin over Lawndale. Aliso Niguel might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team's won six matchups by 21 points or more this season.
Hunter Najm was the offensive standout of the matchup as he rushed for 78 yards and two touchdowns on only seven carries, and also threw for 78 yards and a touchdown.
Irvine typically have all the answers at home, but on Friday Jurupa Hills proved too difficult a challenge. Jurupa Hills blew past Irvine 28-6. The score was close at the half, but Jurupa Hills pulled away in the second half with 21 points.
Among those leading the charge was Jordan Pernillo, who rushed for 115 yards and a touchdown on only ten carries. Pernillo's longest rush was for an incredible 80 yards. Jaylen Ephraim did his part to keep the secondary busy, picking up 101 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Their wins bumped Aliso Niguel to 7-4 and Jurupa Hills to 5-6.
Friday's game might be decided on the ground as these two are both standouts in the run game. Aliso Niguel has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 166.5 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Jurupa Hills struggles in that department as they've been averaging 155.6 per game. It's looking like Friday's match might have some serious battles in the trenches. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
