MURRIETA — Vista Murrieta football coach Coley Candaele hoped Friday night’s playoff opener against Damien would be more of a defensive struggle.

The game turned into a track meet, which didn’t necessarily favor the Broncos, who are playing without Oregon-bound senior quarterback Bryson Beaver.

Vista Murrieta turned to its ground attack to keep pace. And in a game that seemed like a marathon, it was a 4-yard sprint through the middle by senior Aiden Williams with 28 seconds remaining that propelled the Broncos to a 36-31 win over Damien in a CIF Southern Section Division 2 first-round game.

Williams delivered a career night with 222 yards and two scores on 35 carries. He entered Friday’s game having rushed for only 231 yards this season.

“I’ve been ready for this moment since day one.”

See Full Page