MURRIETA – The Chaparral Pumas delivered a standout performance at Broncos Stadium, securing a decisive 55-28 victory over the Vista Murrieta Broncos on “Pink Nite.” This event on October 4th marked the beginning of the Big West Upper Division play, and Chaparral wasted no time in setting the tone from the start.
Chaparral’s dominance became evident early in the game when linebacker Logan Coleman intercepted a pass from Vista Murrieta’s quarterback Bryson Beaver on the first play. Coleman returned it 35 yards for a touchdown, sparking enthusiasm and momentum for the Pumas.
The team’s aggressive defense continued to shine, with another turnover leading to a touchdown in the second quarter. Chaparral built a commanding 35-21 lead by halftime, and a 20-0 run in the third quarter put the game out of reach.
After years of struggles against Vista Murrieta, boasting a 1-8 record in their last nine encounters, Chaparral defied history with an impressive victory. Their performance last Friday night showcased the Pumas’ growing potential, as they’ve consistently dominated opponents this season, winning four games by margins of 21 points or more.
The Pumas’ success was fueled by sophomore quarterback Dane Weber’s stellar play. Weber rushed for 167 yards and three touchdowns on just 12 carries and threw for 234 yards and another score. His longest run, a 69-yard dash, highlighted his exceptional athleticism. Running back Jayce Venable also contributed with 105 rushing yards, further bolstering the offensive attack, which amassed 280 rushing yards overall—their highest since October 2023.
Chaparral’s defense was relentless, intercepting two passes courtesy of Coleman and Camren Williams, while also forcing a fumble that led to a touchdown. Pumas head coach Andrew Ramer praised his team’s ability to establish control early, emphasizing the importance of improving as they face tougher challenges in the coming weeks.
Despite the loss, several Vista Murrieta players had strong performances. Ryland Duson rushed for 82 yards and a touchdown, setting a personal best, while Sean McCullough recorded 88 receiving yards. However, Vista Murrieta’s offensive prowess, averaging 42.3 points per game, wasn’t enough to overcome Chaparral’s tenacity.
With this victory, Chaparral’s record improves to 5-1, while Vista Murrieta falls to 4-2. Both teams are now preparing for significant matchups. Chaparral will host Murrieta Valley, who has been averaging over 31 points in their recent games, while Vista Murrieta will welcome Centennial, the No. 2 ranked team in the state by MaxPreps.com.
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