Edison Overpowers Vista Murrieta 42-14, Advances to CIF Division 3 Finals (2024)

Murrieta – Bronco Stadium

The Edison Chargers secured their seat to the CIF Southern Section Division 3 championship with a dominant 42-14 win over Vista Murrieta on Friday night. Running back Julius Gillick stole the show, rushing for 253 yards and six touchdowns. It was his second six-touchdown performance of the season, boosting his season total to 32. “There’s not a single person that doesn’t know for a fact that we are winning this championship,” Gillick said, confidently eyeing the title game.

Edison’s offensive line, featuring Jayden Pershall, Kevin Carter III, Nathan Stevens, Cooper Cirillo, Devyn Blake, and Tae Falelaulii, was crucial to the team’s 396 yards of total offense. “Every single person on that line, I love them,” Gillick said. Pershall exited in the second half with an injury but had already paved the way for another standout rushing night.

Edison’s defense held strong, limiting Vista Murrieta’s powerful offense to just 14 points. Jake Minter’s first-half interception and a key goal-line stand after halftime were pivotal moments. Sacks by Conrad Barrera, Jack Knudtson, and Cirillo helped the Chargers maintain control. “It’s so amazing to have this feeling of only allowing a couple of touchdowns,” Knudtson said, though he noted the defense still has room to improve.

The Chargers set the tone from the opening whistle, with Gillick scoring on a 47-yard touchdown on the game’s first play. Vista Murrieta briefly answered with Joshua Banks’ 97-yard kickoff return, but Edison surged ahead behind Gillick’s five first-half touchdowns. Vista Murrieta quarterback Bryson Beaver tallied 259 total yards, including a late touchdown to Sean McCullough, but it wasn’t enough to counter Edison’s overwhelming attack.

Now heading to their first CIF final since 2016, the Chargers (9-4) are set to host Simi Valley (12-1) for the Division 3 title on Nov. 29. “They’ve worked for it, and they’ve earned it,” Coach Jeff Grady said. “More playing opportunities for the guys.” Edison seeks its second Division 3 championship in program history.