Schools
Vista Murrieta Begins CIF Championship Defense Against Temecula Valley
The Golden Bears looking to be the Spoiler for the Broncos
Vista Murrieta begins league play Friday night as the Broncos head to Temecula Valley to take on the Golden Bears.
The Bears are looking to rise to the occasion and upset the CIF Southern Section’s Inland Division's No.1-ranked team. It hasn’t been golden for the Bears when it comes to Vista Murrieta.
In fact, the Bears have lost the last six games against the Broncos. Coach Paul McGowan is seeking his first win over Coach Candaele and avenge last year's 41-3 loss.
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The Golden Bears have averaged 32.6 points, 225 yards rushing and 202 yards in the air per game this season. Junior quarterback Kyle Plantier has completed 81 passes for 1,010 yards and six touchdowns.
Sophomore Griffin Doran is by far Plantier’s favorite receiver. He has 26 catches for 365 yards. Derrick Hooks and Andre Armstrong round out the Temecula Valley passing attack.
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On the ground, the Bears use seniors Ryan Smith (54 carries, 506 yards, 8 TDs) and Brendon Marchand (74 carries, 450 yards, 4 TDs).
The offensive line has two 6-foot-6 tackles Addison Pulsipher and Lance Meinhardt that help drive the Golden Bear offense.
Bears' defensive players to watch are linebackers Parker Yocum, Jarrod Iwasaki, defensive end Nathan Chupp and Baily Gallagher. They will all have to be on their game and at their best to contain the Candaele’s football machine.
Bronco quarterback Nick Stevens is coming off a 10-12, 205-yard performance against Pacific Palisades. He threw for two touchdowns before being sat down in the second half in Vista’s 42-6 win over the Dolphins.
Key offensive weapons on the ground for VM are Kishawn Holmes, Stewart Riding and Keiron Long. In the air, watch for Su’a Cravens, Randy Beggs and sophomore Colin Baker.
The core of the Broncos' punishing, aggressive defensive unit are defensive ends Tyler Cook, Curtis Bolton and tackle Grant Cleary. Middle linebacker Bryce Smith anchors the opportunistic, swarming defense. As expected, Su’a Cravens has been a standout on both sides of the ball.
Will the Golden Bears score an upset in week six and knock off last year's CIF Champs? Or will it be a running clock in the third quarter?
Come and find out and support your Broncos.
Game time is 7 p.m. Friday at Temecula Valley High School.
See you there!
