Murrieta Mesa's historic 2024 campaign came to a close the evening of Friday, Dec. 6, as the Rams fell to Frontier 39-7 in the CIF State Division 3-AA regional championship in Bakersfield.

The Rams, known for forcing turnovers all season with 34 takeaways in total, were undone by uncharacteristic mistakes, committing four turnovers -- two on offense and two on special teams. Those miscues handed Frontier 20 points, as the Titans exploded to a 33-0 lead by halftime, ultimately cruising to victory.

Murrieta Mesa started the game with promising field position after Derrick Hart's 47-yard kickoff return. But a stagnant offense forced an early punt, setting up Frontier for a seven-play, 93-yard drive capped by Brady Campbell's 18-yard touchdown pass to Kobie Watson. Campbell struck again soon after, hitting Malcom Watkins with a 50-yard bomb for a 13-0 lead.

Things unraveled quickly for the Rams. Frontier linebacker Brandon Thomas returned a fumble 44 yards for a touchdown, and on the ensuing kickoff, Frontier's Xander Holts forced and recovered another fumble, setting up a 10-yard touchdown pass from Campbell to Watson. The Titans extended their lead to 39-0 before halftime, as Watson hauled in his third touchdown of the half with a spectacular one-handed grab.

To their credit, the Rams continued to fight in the second half, holding Frontier scoreless after the break. Murrieta Mesa's defense allowed just 47 yards on 23 plays in the second half, while sophomore running back Royal Randolph provided a spark on offense. He tallied 90 rushing yards on 13 carries and scored the Rams' lone touchdown with a 13-yard run in the third quarter.

Despite the loss, Murrieta Mesa concludes a record-setting season, having claimed the Big West Lower Division title, a CIF Southern Section Division 6 championship, and a berth in the state playoffs.

Frontier (10-4) advanced to face Amador Valley in the Division 3-AA state championship Friday, Dec. 13, at Veterans Stadium in Long Beach.