Game blogging: Moorpark at Valencia

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Though tonight’s matchup presents the same opponent as last season’s semifinal game, Valencia Coach Larry Muir recently said that the Vikings’ Northern Division semifinal loss last year to Moorpark should have no bearing on tonight’s contest. That’s because the Vikings, senior defensive back Jabari Howard said to The Signal, have ‘a lot more confidence.’ Nonetheless, the junior class has pledged since last year’s loss that anything short of a CIF championship is unacceptable.

It should be an interesting matchup with Valencia (12-0) averaging 507.6 yards per game of total offense, led by junior quarterback Alex Bishop (162 of 209 for 3,223 yards with 36 touchdowns) and junior tailback Steven Manfro (181 carries for 1,619 yards and 28 touchdowns).

Moorpark (11-1) is just as dangerous.

The Musketeers have held opponents to seven points or less in seven games this season, outscoring their playoff opponents 79-7 in two games. And they also boast a strong running game, led by senior tailback Austin Edmonson (173 carries for 1,286 yards and 23 touchdowns).

Stay tuned at Varsity Times Insider throughout the night for game updates.

--Mark Medina