Football: Mission Viejo holds 14-0 halftime lead

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Mission Viejo did everything it could to keep Loyola in the game, fumbling at its own 25-yard line and inadvertently touching a ball that was punted to the Diablos for a second turnover.

But two big-strike scoring plays in the second quarter have given Mission Viejo a 14-0 halftime lead over the offensively challenged Cubs at L.A. Valley College. Quarterback Alex Bridgford hooked up with Austin Reuland on a 72-yard touchdown pass and Tre Madden later ran for a 78-yard touchdown.

Loyola has mustered only 71 yards of total offense, with running back Jared Baker gaining 28 yards in 11 carries. Quarterback Ryan Develle, filling in for Jerry Neuheisel as the starter, completed six of 11 passes for 50 yards.

The Cubs had an opportunity to score first after a Mission Viejo fumble gave them the ball at the Diablos’ 25-yard line early in the game. On third and goal from the one, Develle was stopped for no gain. On fourth down, Baker was stuffed for no gain.

Mission Viejo has used Bridgford and Madden at quarterback, with Bridgford completing six of 11 passes for 164 yards and a touchdown and Madden rushing for 90 yards and a touchdown in five carries.

--Ben Bolch