Moreno Valley Flexes Muscle in 34–27 Victory Over Paloma Valley

The lights at Moreno Valley High were burning bright on Friday night as the Vikings carved out a victory that will be remembered for years. Facing off against rival Paloma Valley, a team that had beaten them three straight times, the Vikings flipped the script and sent a message across the Inland Empire with a thrilling 34–27 win. It was the kind of victory that doesn’t just show up in the standings — it electrifies an entire school, an entire community.

Quarterback Syree Matthews was the spark and the fire all rolled into one. He exploded for 130 rushing yards on only 12 carries and two touchdowns, while also torching the air with 220 yards and three more scores through the passing game. Matthews’ combination of speed, strength, and accuracy kept Paloma Valley chasing shadows all night. With a career-high passer rating of 133.8, Matthews looked every bit the superstar his teammates know him to be.

On the other end of those passes was his go-to target, Robinson Johnny, who owned the secondary with 123 yards and three touchdowns. Every time the Wildcats thought they had him covered, Johnny found another gear and another lane to the end zone.

The stadium roared, the sideline jumped, and the Vikings delivered the kind of performance that screamed one word loud and clear: dominance.

The Vikings’ defense refused to take a backseat to the offensive fireworks. Paloma Valley came into the game boasting one of the most versatile quarterbacks in the league, but Moreno Valley’s front seven shut the door with authority. Oscar De La Torre led the defensive charge, recording seven tackles, two of them behind the line of scrimmage, and even notching a sack that brought the home crowd to its feet.

Joining him in the backfield assault were Cashawn Neal and Bryan Orozco, each adding a sack of their own. Together, this trio caged the Wildcats’ running game, holding them to an almost unthinkable 0.6 yards per carry.

Every possession felt like the Vikings were tightening the screws, daring Paloma Valley to try and break free. They couldn’t. Even when pressured, Moreno Valley bent but never broke, making the Wildcats fight for every yard. It was old-school Viking football: fast, physical, and unforgiving.

This win wasn’t just about revenge. It was about building a legacy. Moreno Valley has now stretched its home winning streak to six straight and improved its record to 2–0. For a team that averaged over 33 points per game across that stretch, this was yet another reminder that the Vikings are here to dominate. Matthews proved he can take over a game. Johnny showed he’s a nightmare matchup. And the defense proved it will hit you until you fold.

Next up, the Vikings face a massive test: Vista del Lago on September 11. With confidence at an all-time high and momentum rolling, Moreno Valley will enter that matchup as a team no one wants to play. Friday night wasn’t just a win — it was a declaration. This program is bigger, tougher, and hungrier than it has ever been. The Vikings are not just winning games; they’re writing a new chapter in Moreno Valley High School history.