Griffins Rally Against Murrieta Valley as Los Al Turns 10–0 Deficit Into CIF-SS Final Berth, Score 23-10

Murrieta – Nighthawk Stadium (MVHS)

Los Alamitos is heading back to the CIF-SS Division 2 Championship after delivering a gritty 23–10 comeback win over Murrieta Valley on Friday night. What started as a frustrating, slow-building first half turned into yet another trademark postseason surge for a Griffin team that continues to thrive under pressure.

Murrieta Valley opened the game with early momentum, capitalizing on strong field position and a fast tempo. Quarterback Ty Isaia broke free on a 10-yard touchdown run midway through the first quarter, and the Nighthawks later added a 25-yard field goal to take a 10–0 lead into the first break — the second straight week Los Alamitos has faced a double-digit deficit in the opening quarter.

But just like last week, the Griffins settled in and began leaning on their power run game. Lenny Ibarra sparked the offense in the second quarter, converting multiple short-yardage plays before ripping off a 30-yard burst down to the 2-yard line. Colin Creason finished the drive himself, scoring on a 5-yard keeper to cut the deficit to 10–6 entering halftime.

The second half belonged entirely to Los Alamitos.

The Griffins opened the third quarter with a balanced, clock-draining drive capped by Kamden Tillis’ 1-yard touchdown, giving Los Al its first lead at 13–10. Moments later, the game’s biggest momentum swing arrived when a disastrous punt snap by Murrieta Valley set up a short field. Los Alamitos capitalized quickly, with Ibarra punching in another touchdown at the 3:05 mark to stretch the lead to 20–10.

From there, the defense took over. Marco Alvillar secured a fourth-quarter interception, one of several key stops that shut down Murrieta Valley’s attempt to rally. Beckham Hofland drilled a 31-yard field goal with 7:14 remaining, giving Los Alamitos the final push it needed to put the game away.

Creason finished with 76 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Tillis added 70 yards and another score. Ibarra was the workhorse once again — 15 carries for 89 yards and a touchdown — as Los Al piled up 244 rushing yards behind a physical, disciplined offensive line.

With the win, Los Alamitos improves to 11–2 and earns a trip to the CIF-SS Division 2 Championship game, where they will meet San Clemente for the second time this season. The Griffins are one win away from their first CIF title since 2002.