HS Football: Murrieta Mesa Prepares for Breakout Season

Unsatisfied with last year’s exceptional season, the Ram varsity football team is looking for more this year.

Murrieta Mesa High School celebrated its first winning football season since the program began, finishing the year with a 6-4 record—the best in the school’s short history. The Rams are readying for an even better season this fall.

A major 2012 highlight was when the Rams overcame a huge psychological barrier as they recorded their first Southwestern League victory in 2012, defeating the Temecula Valley Golden Bears 34-17.   

Mesa then came close but missed making the CIF Playoffs when it lost to the Great Oak Wolfpack in the final game of the season.  

Asked about the Rams' incredible run, Head Coach Justin Schaeffer said: “We were very excited to get our first league win and to have our first winning season."

Even with the lofty accomplishments, Schaeffer said the team has some unfinished business.

“We were very disappointed to not finish stronger in league.

“We were extremely disappointed to not make the playoffs.” 

Schaeffer’s goals for this year’s Rams are aggressive: “Improve on last year’s record. Win multiple league games. Make the playoffs."

The Rams will have to accomplish the coach’s goals with a very young roster.

“We lost 32 seniors from last year’s squad, including 14 three-year lettermen and nine three-year starters."

The offensive line is anchored by senior offensive tackle Ruben Meza and senior offensive guard Jacob Wallace, who have both started every game since their sophomore seasons.

Junior Bryson Bridges is a standout on both sides of the line.

Spearheading the offense will be senior running back Kyler Vazquez, the school’s all-time career and single-game rushing leader. He will be flanked by senior Israel Alfaro, who has the distinction of achieving the longest carry from scrimmage and longest touchdown in school history. 

Senior Daniel Castro returns as the Rams' key go-to wide receiver and will be doing the punting for Mesa. 

Senior linebacker Chandler Woodward is the leader of the Ram defense. Woodward started every game in 2012 and was a 2nd Team All-Southwestern League selection. 

Senior defensive ends Nick Tejada and Wesley Scott are back to punish opponents this year. Both started every game in 2012, with Tejada leading the team in sacks. 

Behind them are seniors Billy Montoya and Davian Neitz. Montoya plays cornerback and led the team in interceptions and turnovers caused and recovered. He is the only returning 1st Team All-League player. 

Free safety Neitz was the most versatile player on the team. He started at several positions last year including wide receiver.

The Rams will begin the season at home against the Jurupa Hills Spartans on Friday, Aug. 30. 

For more on Ram football, visit http://www.maxpreps.com/high-schools/murrieta-mesa-rams-(murrieta,ca)/football/home.htm or  http://www.highschoolsportspics.com/.