Murray and Troy Hang On for Victory

Lying across the goal line, clutching the football tightly against his ribs, Brett Murray seemed content to let his teammates do the celebrating. Murray was just glad to be holding that ball.

After fumbling five times, four resulting in turnovers, Murray achieved redemption, scoring the go-ahead touchdown on a four-yard run with 25 seconds to play as Troy gained an emotional victory over Buena Park, 20-15, Friday night at Fullerton High School.

“As soon as I was in and I knew I was in, it was like a huge weight was lifted off of me,” Murray said. “It was like my heart wasn’t pumping until I looked and saw I was across the line.”

The Warriors (7-2, 3-1 in league) led, 14-0, at the half and were threatening to put the game away early in the third quarter, but Jordan Oliver had a pass intercepted in the end zone on third and goal.

After an exchange of possessions, Buena Park (4-5, 2-2) pulled within 14-7 on Rudy Padillo’s 31-yard touchdown run.

Starting with 53 seconds remaining in the third quarter, Troy drove 76 yards to Buena Park’s six-yard line, but Murray’s fourth fumble ended the threat. Buena Park stalled on its ensuing drive and had to punt, but got the ball back three plays later when Murray again fumbled, this time on the Troy 37-yard line.

With 3:40 remaining, Buena Park quarterback Earl Parker hit Padillo on a post route over the middle for a 32-yard touchdown. The Coyotes converted a two-point conversion on Parker’s pass to a wide-open Jose Oropeza and led, 15-14.

After the kickoff, Murray was stopped for a one-yard loss on Troy’s first play, but Warrior Coach John Turek never considered removing him from the game.

“[Murray] has been carrying the mail for us all year,” Turek said. “A normal reaction might have been, ‘Get that kid out of there,’ but I wasn’t going to do that.”

Oliver’s 30-yard scramble and 39-yard pass to Ryan Welch took Troy to the Buena Park seven-yard line. Murray rushed for three yards, then four more for the winning touchdown.

Murray finished with 210 yards in 32 carries.