Mission Viejo vs.Capistrano Valley

The records--Mission Viejo (3-0, 7-0), Capistrano Valley (3-1, 6-1).

The site--Cougar Stadium.

The standings--Mission Viejo is the South Coast League leader, and Capistrano trails by a half game.

Mission Viejo update--The Diablos are scoring an average of 29.2 points and allowing an average of only 9.4 points per game with a solid group of veteran players, many of whom have played together since seventh grade. Quarterback Brendan Murphy’s passing yardage (700 yards) pales in comparison to Cougar quarterback Scott Stark (1,946 yards), but Murphy has thrown only two interceptions and Stark has 12. The Diablos’ running game has been impressive with backs Todd Yert (126 carries, 620 yards) and Darrin Sweazy (53 carries, 410 yards) combining for 1,030 yards. Defensively, the Diablos’ secondary figures to be tested by Stark. “We’re going to have to accept the fact Stark is going to complete some passes,” said Bill Crow, Mission Viejo coach. “I’m also impressed with their defense. Eric Patton does a great job and gets very little credit.”

Capistrano Valley update--The Cougars are passing for an average of 278 yards per game but overlooked is the fact they’ve allowed an average of only nine points per game. Last year, Capistrano Valley handed Mission Viejo its worst loss of the season, 28-0, and Cougar Coach Dick Enright said his team dominated play to the point that “the score could have been 58-0.” The Cougars are coming off an impressive 36-7 win over Irvine. Afterward, Enright said was it was his team’s best hitting game in a couple of years. The Cougars offensive line, anchored by veteran David Berkeley, has been cited for holding only twice on 202 pass attempts. Fullback Tom Greico, who gained 66 yards on 13 carries last week, could play a key role if the Diablos concentrate on containing Stark.

Key to the Game--Turnovers. Mission Viejo has thrived on interceptions and fumble recoveries. Stark threw five interceptions in Capistrano Valley’s only loss, a 17-14 setback to El Toro. Dennis Erk and Jay Phillips are the leaders of the Diablos’ secondary, one of the county’s best. If the game is close, both teams have outstanding kickers. Don Roberson has three field goals for Mission Viejo and Erik Hannah has two for Capistrano Valley.

Consensus--Mission Viejo’s strength at every position gives the Diablos an edge.

El Modena vs. Santa Ana

The records--El Modena (6-1), Santa Ana (4-3).

The site--Santa Ana Stadium.

The standings--Both the Vanguards (3-1) and Saints (3-1) are tied for second place in the Century League with Villa Park, a game behind Foothill (4-0).

El Modena update--Since losing to Foothill three weeks ago, the Vanguards have defeated Villa Park (41-10) and Orange (39-0) behind the running of Ross Bauer, who has gained 346 yards and scored 7 touchdowns in the two games. Quarterback Chris Gallego also has had two strong games, combining for 266 yards and 3 touchdowns against the Spartans and Panthers. Gallego has thrown only 98 passes in 7 games, but he has completed 57 of them (58%) for 699 yards. The El Modena line, which features two-way starters Don Gibson, Allen Ennis and Grant Grable, has been outstanding, giving Bauer plenty of running room and Gallego ample protection to pass.

Santa Ana update--The Saints have won three straight since opening league play with a 17-10 loss to Foothill. In three losses--to Foothill, Saddleback and Newport Harbor--Santa Ana has led entering the fourth period. Offensively, the Saints rely on quarterback Eric Turner, who has completed 52 of 111 attempts for 859 yards and 11 touchdowns. But Turner is coming off a poor performance against Tustin last week, in which he was limited to 2 completions for 29 yards. He’ll have to improve tonight, because it’s doubtful the Saints will be able to run against the Vanguards.

Key to the game--Turner must have a big night passing, so he’ll need better protection from his line, which allowed Tustin five sacks last week. Gallego needs to mix the passing game with the run to keep the Saints’ defense guessing.

Consensus--In 1983, Santa Ana beat El Modena, 9-7, in the final game of the season to win the Century League and the top spot in the final Orange County Sportswriters Assn. poll. That game was played in the mud, following a rainstorm. Barring a similar storm, El Modena should be able to defeat Santa Ana tonight.

Fullerton vs. La Habra

The records--Fullerton (1-1, 5-2), La Habra (2-0, 5-2).

The standings--La Habra is in first place in the Freeway League. Fullerton is in a four-way tie for second.

The site--La Habra Stadium.

Fullerton update--The Indians started quickly this season, winning five of their first six games, and outscoring opponents 169-95. However, the fast start is a little deceiving. Fullerton’s five wins have come against teams with a combined record of 13-17. The Indians have lost two of their last three games, including a 42-13 defeat last week to Troy. In that game, the Indians were unable to get their big-play offense--led by quarterback Victor Williams and receiver Curt Daggett--going. Instead, Fullerton’s defense could not stop Troy, as the Warriors accumulated 278 yards rushing. Troy quarterback David St. Clair threw for 135 yards as the Warriors scored five consecutive touchdowns. Williams is fourth in Orange County in total passing yards with 1,396. Daggett is averaging more than 20 yards a reception.

La Habra update--The Highlanders, preseason favorites to win the Freeway League, struggled to a 3-2 mark before league play. But in league La Habra has performed as expected. The Highlanders shutout Sonora, 28-0 and beat Buena Park, 43-16. The team is led by running back Chuck Weatherspoon, judged by some as the county’s best back, who has gained 809 yards--7.9 yards per carry--this season. Weatherspoon ran for 163 yards on 15 carries against Buena Park. But Weatherspoon has performed well all season. The key to La Habra’s development may be the improved play of sophomore quarterback Matt Shackelford. After a slow start, Shackelford has come on to throw for 819 yards and 7 touchdowns. His growth has helped to balance an offense that could depend too much on Weatherspoon.

Key to the game--Fullerton must shut down La Habra’s new-found passing attack, and try to contain the explosive Weatherspoon. Also, the Indians passing game--curiously absent against a inexperienced and injured Troy defensive secondary--will have to return.

Consensus--Considering the Indians could not stop Troy’s running game, it figures Weatherspoon may have a big game. Even if Fullerton returns its passing game to form, it may not be enough to compete with a powerful, and now balanced, La Habra offense.