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WALNUT — Servite's football team took the field Friday seeking rapid improvement after suffering a lopsided defeat against a Southern California powerhouse in its season opener.
Servite got what it wanted on offense and defense.
Kale Murphy threw four touchdowns, Gavin Gutierrez rushed for 160 yards and Servite's defense recorded five takeaways as the Friars defeated Murrieta Valley 56-35 at Mt. SAC.
Servite quarterback Kale Murphy threw four touchdown passes in a 56-35 victory over Murrieta Valley on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, at Mt. San Antonio College. (Photo by Dan Albano, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Last week, Servite allowed 551 yards of offense and produced 179 yards in a 42-14 loss at Corona Centennial.
Servite (1-1), ranked No. 5 in Orange County and No. 19 in the state by hsratings.com, racked up more than 450 yards of offense in beating Murrieta Valley (1-1) for the second consecutive season.
The Friars forced five turnovers — three interceptions and two fumbles — against Murrieta Valley, ranked No. 2 in the Inland Empire and No. 13 in the state.
Servite led 42-21 late in the first half but the Nighthawks stayed close. Derrick Johnson II caught a 20-yard touchdown — his third of the game — from backup QB Daniel Mielke II with 6:28 left in the third quarter to trim the Friars' lead to 42-35.
The Nighthawks defense then forced Servite to turn the ball over on downs at the Murrieta Valley 29 late in the third as the duel pushed into the fourth.
Servite sealed the victory in the middle of the fourth as Murphy tossed a 4-yard TD to tight end Luke Sorensen for a 49-35 lead.
Servite lead 42-28 after a back-and-forth first half.
There were four lead changes and a tie at 21-21 before the Friars found some separation.
Servite drove 64 yards for a 12-yard touchdown run by sophomore Jorden Wells to take a 28-21 lead with 2:16 left in the second quarter.
On the next play from scrimmage, cornerback Adrian Martinez returned an interception 25 yards for touchdown as the Friars extended their advantage to 35-21.
Servite's defense showed more strides on the next possession. Linebacker Brando MosQueda recovered a fumble near the Murrieta Valley 35. After the senior's short return and a penalty, Gutierrez scored on a 12-yard TD run.
But Murrieta Valley didn't go quietly into intermission. Johnson hauled in a 70-yard touchdown from Ty Isaia with 35 seconds left to cap the first-half explosion.
The Nighthawks highlighted their first half with consecutive kickoff returns for touchdowns by Jacob Taddi (94 yards) and Jeremiah Watson (75 yards).
Servite countered with long touchdown passes from Murphy to track standout Benjamin Harris (43 yards) and Kamil Pelovello (65 yards).
Servite faces another major challenge next week. The Friars play host to Chaminade at Orange Coast College on Friday Sept. 5. Chaminade, ranked No. 23 in the state, opened the season with a 42-27 victory against Oaks Christian.
Murrieta Valley has a bye next week before playing at Murrieta Mesa on Sept. 12.
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