Football: Murrieta Mesa Looks for Breakout Season

The Murrieta Mesa Rams have arrived.

Calpreps.com has this bunch of mavericks ranked in the top 20 of one of the toughest, most competitive divisions in Southern California.
 
They play in a league where all six teams are ranked in the top 25. This is no upstart team…the Rams have paid their dues. They are ready to take that next step and compete with Vista Murrieta, Centennial, Murrieta Valley and Chaparral.
 
Coach Justin Schaffer is in his fourth season at . He and his staff have guided this group of players through tough times since they were underclassmen, playing older, more experienced teams. Last year, after an incredible start, the Rams finished with five consecutive losses in league play—a bitter pill to swallow for this gritty team.

This year things look a whole lot better.
 
Senior and all-league quarterback Chase Chambers is one of 10 returning starters on the Ram offense. Chambers now has the advantage of a bigger, more experienced offensive line that has been together for three years.

Running back Kyler Vasquez looks to strengthen the ground attack.
 
Mesa’s pass-oriented offense has Danny Castro, Billy Montoya and Khalil Sharpe spreading opponents defenses and moving the chains all Friday night long all season long.
 
Chambers and the Murrieta Mesa air attack can change the outcome of any game in a “Murrieta minute.”
 
Defense will be the key to Murrieta Mesa’s success this season. Senior Jess Ayala anchors the Ram defensive line. Garrett Andrews, Billy Montoya, Dallin Inman and Davian Neitz will all play significant roles as Murrieta Mesa seeks to move into the CIF playoffs this season.
 
The Rams open their season on the road this weekend at Jurupa Hills in Fontana. They will have a grueling three-game away schedule, taking on Hemet Aug. 31 and then Tahquitz on Sept. 7. You really don’t have to wait until the first home game against Citrus Valley Redlands to go out and support your Rams. See you at the games.