Defense keys Wolfpack's key win over Rams
Great Oak used a suffocating second-half defense and defeated host Murrieta Mesa 13-7 on Friday night in a pivotal Big West Conference Lower Division game.
The Wolfpack defense, after giving up a first-quarter touchdown, stopped the Rams on their final eight drives, held them to minus-14 yards on offense in the second half, forced three turnovers and had five sacks.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the defense,” said Great
Oak coach Scott Strosnider. “They have been going hard all year and tonight they were just phenomenal. I have to give credit to my defensive coordinators as they put together a great game plan.”
Murrieta Mesa took a 7-0 lead on its second drive, going 55 yards in three plays as running back Ian Montoya sprinted 43 yards for a touchdown.
With 0:59 left in the first half, the Rams tried to add to their lead, but linebacker Ryder Chapin intercepted Julian Silva’s pass and returned the ball to the Rams’ 15-yard line with 8 seconds left. Wolfpack quarterback Cole Vasquez connected with receiver Troy Bean on the next play to tie the score at 7-7.
Great Oak took the opening possession of the second half and drove 70 yards in 15 plays to take a 13-7 lead on a 2-yard touchdown run by Isaiah Lopez. With the win, Great Oak (5-3, 3-0) took sole possession of first place. Murrieta Mesa dropped to 4-4 and 2-1 in league.
“It’s just another game, but it’s great to be in this position. The kids have worked very hard all year. But now, we just need to prepare for next week at Santiago,” said Strosnider.
Midway through the third quarter, Ryder Smith sacked Silva, who was injured on the play and did not return.
The Rams had a great opportunity to take the lead at the beginning of the final quarter when Murrieta Mesa recovered a Wolfpack fumble on the Great Oak’s 27-yard line. But on fourth down, Chapin sacked backup quarterback Ty Albao. Vasquez led the Wolfpack, completing 25 of 39 passes for 174 yards to seven different receivers.