Game 2

AVHS vs. CHAPARRAL

From the Daily Press 

At Temecula, a wild fourth quarter between the Sun Devils and Pumas saw four lead changes. 

Apple Valley trailed by four points entering the fourth quarter and took the lead after quarterback Noah Celie hit Dominic Bechtel for a 22-yard touchdown. The pass gave the Sun Devils a 17-10 lead with 9:23 left on the clock. 

But Chaparral came right back to retake a three-point lead, which was also short-lived. 

From Apple Valley's own 35-yard line, Celie hit Jacob Wilkerson in stride for a pass, to set the Sun Devils up just outside the end zone. Apple Valley punched the ball in two plays later to retake a 24-21 lead with just over four minutes left on the clock. 

But it would be the final time Apple Valley led, as Chaparral quickly broke free for a 55-yard touchdown run, retaking a 28-24 lead with 3:46 left on the clock. 

Apple Valley managed to drive to Chaparral's 30-yard line but Celie was picked off with 1:42 left. 

The teams were scoreless for most of the first half. The Sun Devils struck first with a touchdown run from Aiden Sanchez, with three minutes left in the second quarter. 

Chaparral countered right back with a touchdown with 24 seconds left in the second half. The Pumas failed the two-point conversion and Apple Valley still led by a point. 

Kyler Peters hit a 30-yard field goal with 2:42 left in the third quarter to give Apple Valley a four-point lead. 

Chaparral scored right before the end of the fourth quarter to take a 14-10 lead, which held until Bechtel’s touchdown reception from Celie. 

The Sun Devils (1-1) are back on the road next week, with an even longer bus ride to Las Vegas to take on Arbor View. 

Get ready for an electrifying Friday night showdown as the Sun Devils hit the road to face off against the Chaparral Pumas under the bright lights in Temecula. This clash of football titans is set to kick off at 7:00 pm, promising a thrilling evening of gridiron action.

Apple Valley arrives at this game riding the momentum of a resounding 25-0 triumph over Eastlake High School from the San Diego Section. Their impressive win has undoubtedly ignited their confidence and fueled their determination to continue their winning streak. The Sun Devils are eager to prove that their early-season success is no fluke, and they're ready to face the challenge posed by the Chaparral Pumas.

Chaparral, with a 7-5 record last season, is no stranger to competitive football battles. Interestingly, both teams had a common opponent in Murrieta Valley during the previous season, and both came out victorious against the formidable foe. This history adds an extra layer of intrigue to their upcoming clash, as it suggests a closely contested matchup may be in store.

The Pumas, however, find themselves with a 0-1 record this season after a hard-fought 20-10 loss to San Clemente High School. Despite the setback, the Pumas have maintained their place among the Top 20 teams in the Southern Section, showcasing their resilience and determination to bounce back. On the other hand, Apple Valley, currently ranked at #45, is looking to climb the ranks with a statement win on the road.

Before the season commenced, the Pumas were pegged as the #22 team in the state of California by MaxPreps, a testament to their reputation and skill. Competing in the challenging Big West Upper League, the Pumas face some of the toughest competition in the state. Teams like Corona Centennial, Eastvale Roosevelt, Norco, and Vista Murrieta populate this league, adding an element of excitement and pressure to every game.

As fans eagerly anticipate this Friday night spectacle, both teams have much to prove. Apple Valley aims to solidify their position as a contender, while the Chaparral Pumas seek to bounce back from a season-opening loss and show why they were highly regarded in preseason rankings. The clash between these two football powerhouses promises to be a thrilling display of skill, determination, and the unwavering spirit of the game. So mark your calendars and prepare for a football extravaganza that's bound to keep you on the edge of your seat until the final whistle.