Murrieta Mesa's Season Ends With a 34-20 Loss

By Conner Facer

Although Murrieta Mesa High had a strong first half, the Rams were ultimately overwhelmed by Chaparral, 34-20, in their final game of the season Friday night.

Chaparral (2-3, 3-7) didn't waste any time and marched right down the field with a strong running attack that overpowered the Mesa defensive front and scored the first touchdown of the night.

On the following drive by Mesa (0-5, 4-6), quarterback Peyton Uhl carried the ball for some impressive gains and distributed the ball around the field all the way to the goal line, where he ran it in for a touchdown.

Chaparral's ensuing drive saw a touchdown pass called back due to an offensive penalty, so a field goal was set up. But it was a trick play in which the Pumas picked up a first down that eventually turned into a touchdown run by William Riley.

Mesa's second drive was almost cut short until Uhl made a huge pass on fourth and long to wide receiver Joseph Pinkava to keep the drive alive. Irvin Alfaro capped off the drive with a rushing score for the Rams with 6:30 left in the second quarter.

With 2:36 left in the second quarter, Mesa cashed in a fumble recovery when Mateo Thompson kicked a 33-yard field goal for a 17-14 halftime lead.

The momentum swung Chaparral's way in the second half. The only points for the Rams in the second half came on a field goal in the fourth quarter.