Schools
Mesa Recognizes Key Football Players in Team's First League Win
Murrieta Mesa Coach Justin Schaeffer announced the Players of the Game from Friday's 34 -17 victory against Temecula Valley.
Coach Justin Schaeffer announced the Players of the Game in Murrieta Mesa’s landmark 34-7 win Friday over the Golden Bears of Temecula Valley.
“(It was) our first ever varsity football Southwestern League victory in school history!” Coach Schaeffer said. “Our kids were elated. It’s been a long, hard fought battle to get here. This team is now officially the most successful varsity football team in our school’s short history.”
Senior Safety Alec Salcedo was credited with two Ram turnovers. He intercepted a Temecula Valley pass and returned it 40 yards to set up a score. Salcedo later recovered a Bear fumble and had eight tackles in an incredible defensive performance.
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Senior Garrett Andrews a 5-foot-11-inch, 257-pound defensive lineman harassed the Golden Bears all night long. He had six total tackles, two for losses and a sack. In addition, Andrews had a blocked a field goal attempt.
Salcedo and Andrews were named Defensive Players of the game.
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Senior wide-receiver turned starting quarterback Parker Erickson was the Ram Offensive Player of the Game. In only his second start as QB in his entire varsity career, Erickson led his team to victory by completing 19 of 31 passes for 320 yards, three TDs and zero interceptions. He also rushed for 51 yards in the victory.
Another senior, D’Andre Bell had a stellar performance on all kick units. His hustle, effort and dedication to his job set the pace and the tone for Mesa’s special teams.
Sophomore Angel Ortiz shared the Special Teams player of the week with Bell. Ortiz kicked field goals of 20 and 25 yards and added four PATs against Temecula Valley. He also had two kick-offs sail into the end zone for no returns.
“We’ve won 6 games for the first time in school history. We are guaranteed to have a winning season for the first time in school history...but we’re not done yet," Schaeffer said.
Come out to support the Rams at home at 7 p.m. Friday. It will be Teacher Appreciation Night when Murrieta Mesa hosts the Broncos of Vista Murrieta High School.
