Schools
Moorpark Readies for Tough Football Game Against Oaks Christian
Moorpark needs a win as the Musketeers are looking to make the playoffs.
Moorpark High looks to make a key jump in the Marmonte League tonight, as the Musketeers play host powerhouse Oaks Christian in a critical Marmonte League game. Kickoff is 7 p.m.
Along with playoff implications, it will be a battle of mentor versus student.
Moorpark coach Tims Lins squares off against his former coach and adviser, Oaks Christian coach Bill Redell
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Lins is a former assistant coach under Redell when both were at Crespi. Also Lins was a tight end at Cal Lutheran where Redell was an assistant coach in 1980.
"Bill Redell is a tremendous coach and he is a great role model for me," Lins said. "He has done a lot for me and my career. He's a mentor for me and a fine man."
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Lins, who later succeed Redell at Crespi, knows what he is up against in the final home game of the season for Moorpark (4-3, 4-2).
"We have to do our best to prepare, it's a huge game," Lins said. "It's our last home game and they're a historic program. We need to make sure we are at our best."
Oaks Christian (5-2, 5-1) had won six straight CIF-Southern Section titles before losing in the championship game last season. Even with their transfer to the tough Marmonte League, the Lions are still having success in their first year away from the Tri-Counties Association.
The Lions sit tied for second in the league standings, while the Musketeers are in fourth. Three games remain, and the top five make the playoffs.
Lins says the added pressure makes it interesting going up against his former instructor.
"It's going to be fun, there will be a little added incentive for both of us in that game but it will certainly be a fun experience," Lins said.
Moorpark running back Tyler Peterson is optimistic about coming out on top against the Lions.
"There a pretty good team but we're better and I feel good about it," Peterson said.
When: Tonight, 7 p.m.
Where: 4500 Tierra Rejeda Rd, Moorpark, CA 93021
Moorpark player to watch: Junior quarterback Grant Rohach will need a big game in order for the Musketeers to prevail over the Lions. Rohach hasn't thrown for 200 yards or more since Sept. 16 against Newbury Park but has been able to complete almost 70 percent of his passes. Also Rohach has had key running plays at timely moments in games, rushing for 193 yards this season.
Oaks Christian player to watch: Senior wide receiver Blair Holliday is a top playmaker who leads tin every major receiving category. Also Holliday is one of the top receivers in the Marmonte League; second in receptions (33), fourth in receiving yards (518), and tied for second in receiving touchdowns with eight. Holliday will be up against a Moorpark defense that's allowing 18 points per game.
Moorpark Key Players
QB Grant Rohach: 104-of-149 passes for 1141 yards, 15 touchdowns and 1 interception
RB Tyler Peterson: 84 carries for 545 yards and 6 touchdowns
WR Jerry Shumway: 22 receptions for 341 yards and 5 touchdowns
Oaks Christian Key Players
QB Richie Harrington: 85-of-137 passes for 1074 yards, 15 touchdowns, 6 interceptions
RB Ismael Adams: 72 carries for 516 yards and 4 touchdowns
WR Blair Holliday: 35 receptions for 518 yards and 8 touchdowns
Team Comparisons Moorpark Oaks Christian
Average Points: 27.57 36.00
Passing Statistics: 1179 1438
Rushing Statistics: 1187 1212
Total First downs: 104 135
Penalties (num-yds): 24-204 50-499
Marmonte Standings Conference Overall
Westlake 6-0 7-0
St. Bonaventure 5-1 6-1
Oaks Christian 5-1 5-2
Moorpark 4-2 4-3
Thousand Oaks 3-3 4-3
Calabasas 2-4 3-4
Royal 2-4 3-4
Agoura 1-5 2-5
Newbury Park 1-5 2-5
Simi Valley 1-5 1-6