Vista Murrieta Prevails Against Chaparral

When all was said and done, the Broncos left Temecula triumphantly, with a 27-10 win against their Southwestern League foe.

Considering the Broncos were 5-0 and averaging more than 32 points a game against some stiff competition, many thought this would be a night where many third- and fourth-string football players would see some action.

The Pumas were averaging just under 18 points a game and had a record of 2-3 prior to taking the field on a balmy night with temperatures in the low 70s at kickoff.

Chaparral’s quarterback, senior Matt Morin, had other ideas and gave the visiting fans from Vista Murrieta a nail-biter during much of the first half.

On the first possession, Matt took his team from the 20 and marched them downfield, racking up many rushing yards of his own along the way. Senior defensive back Trevor Warner interrupted the Pumas' initial quest for points with an interception deep in their own territory.

The two teams exchanged several punts and saw the first quarter expire with the score tied at zero.

The Puma quarterback would find his way into the endzone for the first score of the game on an 8-yard run around left end, breaking one tackle and eluding another. With the point-after by sophomore kicker Weston Salerno, it was 7-0 Chaparral with 6:59 on the second-quarter clock.

With 4:55 to go in the first half, the Broncos had worked their way down to the 16 yard line. On 2nd and 10, junior quarterback Nick Stevens tossed a touchdown pass to one of his receivers, senior Aaron Piecukonis. With Tyler Rausa’s conversion, the score was 7-7.

After an exchange of possessions and a bobbled punt return by the Broncos, the Pumas worked their way down to nearly the 2-yard line where Weston added three points to the scoreboard with a 19-yard field goal as time expired in the first half.

At halftime score, the score was Chaparral 10, Vista Murrieta 7.

Highly touted Su’a Cravens played much on both sides of the ball for the Broncos and didn’t disappoint his coach, the fans, or himself as he made an impact that the Pumas will likely long remember.

Cravens just this week was extended a scholarship offer to play at his childhood favorite, USC, following his high school career. To date, 17 Division 1 colleges have formally extended offers to the budding high school junior linebacker and wide receiver. USC is the only school thus far to offer a role in the Trojan offense.

“They [the Bronco coaches] told me they wanted to use me as receiver before the game...and I made some big plays out there,” said Su’a.  “It was fun,” he added.

As the third quarter unfolded, the Broncos settled down a bit and played the game they’re used to. Chaparral refused to give in easily. The Pumas mixed up the rushing with some successful passing. On the night Matt would exceed 100 yards in both categories.

Su’a got his first score of the night for the Broncos with a 17-yard pass from junior quarterback Nick Stevens. With 5:22 on the clock, Tyler added the extra point making the score 14 to 10, Vista Murrieta.

Then, with 1:24 left in the game, Su’a--this time on defense--got in front of a Matt Morin pass and scored from about 30 yards out. With Rausa’s extra point, the Broncos were comfortably in the lead 21-10.

The Pumas were doing their best to score but again were intercepted and scored upon as the game clock expired. Bryce Smith, a junior linebacker for the Broncos, got his turn in the endzone, sealing the victory 27-10.

“Big games ask for big performances by your best athletes,” said Bronco coach Coley Candaele, following the win.

Next week, the Broncos host Temecula Valley while the Pumas host Murrieta Mesa.

In other Friday football scores, Murrieta Valley defeated Temecula Valley, 27-10; Murrieta Mesa fell to Great Oak, 42-30; and Linfield Christian came out on top over Calvary Murrieta, 41-18. Friday served as the start to this season's league play.