SEASON OUTLOOK
Earning consideration for the CIF Bowl Games will make the Vista Murrieta program jump for joy.
Photo by Louis Lopez
Redlands East Valley. Vista Murrieta beefed up its nonleague schedule, including a game against Redlands East Valley, which finished 11-1 last season. It features standout defensive lineman Kylie Fitts, who will undoubtedly pose problems for a young Vista Murrieta offensive line.
Question mark: Will the offensive line come together like it did last year? The defense should carry the team early on, and Stevens can turn broken plays into long runs and touchdowns. But in order to match last year’s success, the offensive line must make major strides this summer.
Bryce Smith will perform at linebacker this year.
Photo by Louis Lopez
As always, Vista Murrieta will have to get by Inland Empire powerhouse Corona Centennial. Unlike Vista Murrieta, Centennial returns some key pieces up front and always has plenty of size. It has become arguably the premier program in Southern California and will challenge Vista Murrieta’s hopes of making a CIF Bowl Game.
Overall outlook: At the rate that Su’a Cravens has progressed since his freshman year at Temecula Valley, he should be off-the-charts good as a senior. His value to the team cannot be understated. Vista Murrieta will be fast on offense, physical and hard-hitting on defense. If it can win battles in the trenches and if the secondary can develop, expect Vista Murrieta to be in the running to punch a ticket to the Home Depot center in December.
Coach quote: “This year, I don’t know. But I say that every year ... every single year. We end up playing well and I say ‘Gosh we weren’t that bad at all.’”
- Head coach Coley Candaele
