Nighthawks and Eagles: It's CIF Playoff Time

The Murrieta Valley Nighthawks finished the regular season schedule with a 49-0 shut-out over Temecula Valley.

The team finished with a 9-1 record, the best in the school’s history. Greg Ireland has led MVHS into the CIF Playoffs very year since taking over as head coach for the Nighthawks.

He now prepares his team to face the Eisenhower Eagles from Rialto.

The Eagles are back in the CIF Playoffs after a seven-year absence. Former Eagle quarterback Vinny Fazio took over as head coach and brought life back into a program that was 5-25 the past three years. The Eagles ended the season 7-3 overall, 4-1 league and captured the Citrus Belt League championship.

“They are very athletic and they possess the Best Running Back we have faced this year," said Nighthawk Coach Ireland.

He was referring to senior running back Trevin Island, who led the Eagles with 873 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. Junior Tawon Green is Island’s running mate and racked up 443 yards and seven TDs. The pair combined for nearly 390 yards in a game against Colton this year.

The Eagles don’t pass the ball often, averaging 13 pass plays a game. Quarterback Marquane Harris has completed 75 passes for 975 yards
and nine touchdowns. He was picked off five times during the regular season. Harris also ran for 190 yards and three TDs.

Defense is what brought the Eagles into the CIF Playoffs. Eisenhower
has limited their opponents to 105 points this year. That’s an astounding 10.5 points per game. The defense is talented, physical and deep.

Linebacker Michael Neil is the leader of the Eagles offense. Look for Devonte Fraizer, Terry Clarendon, Clarence Mabone and Brandon Jones to make an impact for the Eagles' defense this Friday night.

The Nighthawks also have one of the premiere defenses in the division. Murrieta Valley has recorded four shutouts while only allowing 136 points during the regular season. Senior Terin Solomon anchors the Nighthawk
defense. Michael Payne, Jordan Silva, Davis Day, Tony Iannuzzi and Martin Gallegos make up the formidable Nighthawk line.

Linebackers Mike Almovodar, Kody Thornburg, DeSean Bullock and Jacob Macias are quick, tough and smart. They have done an excellent job containing opposing offenses during the regular season and can’t wait to prove themselves in the Playoffs.

Weston Brown leads the Nighthawk secondary with six interceptions. Lafayette Waters and Damon Nolan are very difficult to throw against. They can be just as tough against the run. They will need to be this week.

It will be up to quarterback and team leader Andrew Blake to pierce the Eagles defense. His favorite receivers are Hector Bautista, Cole Gray, Aaron Paisley and Taylor Rood. Defensive standouts Solomon, Bullock and Nolan are also used as receivers.

The Nighthawk ground attack is led by Senior Jacob Augsutin. Quick and strong, “Auggie” is one tough running back to bring down. Seniors Jayvy Ragudo, Anthony Franco and Junior Michael Robles round out the running attack.

"The offense doesn’t move until the O line moves us," said QB Blake.

The Nighthawk offensive line, dubbed the “Filthy Five” has been outstanding during the regular season.

"It’s the playoffs now and we really need to focus," said senior center Kyle Underwood.

He is flanked by Christian Vinsky and Jack James on one side and Grant Hatch and Jerry Boggs on the other.

Murrieta Valley will need to be disciplined and avoid the penalties they have commited in the past few games. The Eagles do not need any help from the Nighthawks to win.

“Eisenhower should be a real challenge," Coach Ireland said.

Game time is at 7 p.m. at Murrieta Valley High School. It will be crowded so get there early for parking and great seats.

Come out and support the Nighthawks in round one of the CIF Southern Section Playoffs. See you at the game.