October 1, 2025

Murrieta Valley Nighthawks Triumph Over San Clemente Tritons

News Summary

In an intense Week 5 high school football clash, the Murrieta Valley Nighthawks defeated the San Clemente Tritons 26-14, improving their record to 4-1. Jeremiah Watson shined with 204 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Derrick Johnson II added two interceptions to secure the win. The rival teams’ history continues, as this marks the Nighthawks’ fourth straight victory against the Tritons. Meanwhile, the Chaparral Pumas faced defeat against Mission Viejo, and the San Jacinto Tigers struggled against Aquinas. As league competition heats up, teams are gearing up for their next challenges.

Murrieta – In a thrilling Week 5 high school football matchup, the Murrieta Valley Nighthawks defeated the San Clemente Tritons with a score of 26-14. The victory marks a significant achievement for Murrieta Valley, bringing their record to 4-1, while San Clemente falls to 1-4.

Running back Jeremiah Watson was the standout player for the Nighthawks, showcasing remarkable skill with a total of 204 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Throughout the game, Watson consistently moved the chains, demonstrating his importance to the Nighthawk’s offense. Meanwhile, the Nighthawks’ defense played a vital role by restricting the Tritons to just 68 yards rushing, effectively neutralizing their run game.

In addition to Watson’s impressive performance, Derrick Johnson II, a University of Oklahoma commit, contributed significantly to the team’s success with two interceptions and a 19-yard touchdown reception. This win also marked Murrieta Valley’s fourth consecutive victory over San Clemente, further establishing dominance in their rivalry.

As the Nighthawks prepare to enter the Big West-Upper league play, they are set to face Norco in their upcoming game. The team’s strong performance this season suggests a promising outlook as they aim to advance further in the league.

In contrast, the Chaparral Pumas faced a different fate on the field, succumbing to Mission Viejo with a score of 36-21. The Pumas, who previously averaged over 500 yards of offense per game, struggled significantly, managing to accumulate only 290 total yards against a stout Mission Viejo defense. Chaparral’s quarterback Dane Weber threw for 166 yards with two touchdowns and contributed 85 rushing yards, but it was not enough to turn the tide.

Mission Viejo took control early, capitalizing on a critical interception just before halftime. With this loss, Chaparral’s record now stands at 2-3 as they prepare to face Vista Murrieta in league play.

In other matchups, the San Jacinto Tigers fell to Aquinas with a score of 17-7. The Tigers’ offense struggled, scoring only once throughout the game. Their sole touchdown came late in the third quarter, a result of excellent field positioning following a special teams mistake. Despite the team’s efforts, running back Jomini Ransom stood out by rushing for 121 yards. The Tigers now hold a record of 3-3 and will enter Mountain Pass League play against Tahquitz next.

Additional scores from Week 5 highlight the competitive spirit among local teams:

Elsinore 50, Diamond Ranch 6
San Jacinto Valley Academy 14, Temecula Prep 7
Vasquez 44, California Military Institute 0
Great Oak 49, Temescal Canyon 13
Mission Viejo 36, Chaparral 21
Murrieta Valley 26, San Clemente 14
Rancho Verde 26, Tahquitz 0
Aquinas 17, San Jacinto 7
Vista Murrieta 38, El Camino 12
Cornerstone Christian 75, Cal Lutheran 26

As league schedules intensify in the coming weeks, teams will be looking to capitalize on their strengths and improve their standings. The competitive nature of local high school football promises exciting matches as teams vie for victory.

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Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER

MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.

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