Ekdahl Helps Mission Viejo to Victory

Eric Ekdahl, replacing injured John Burns, gained 146 yards in 16 carries and scored 2 touchdowns Friday night as the Diablos defeated Dana Hills, 35-3, in a South Coast League game at Mission Viejo.

Mission Viejo (8-1, 4-0), ranked sixth in Orange County, clinched a playoff berth with the victory. The Diablos play unbeaten and top-ranked Capistrano Valley for the league championship next Friday.

Ekdahl was playing his first full game at running back. Burns, who had gained 674 yards this season, broke his collar bone early in last week’s victory over San Clemente. Ekdahl, a 5-foot 8-inch junior who played wingback until Burns’ injury, scored on runs of 16 and 19 yards. He also converted four of four extra points.

Dana Hills (5-4, 1-3), which lost its third straight, played without leading rusher and receiver Jason Burden for most of the game. Burden sprained an ankle in the first half and finished with 2 yards rushing on 4 carries and 4 receptions for 21 yards.

Mission Viejo led, 14-3, at halftime, then scored three second-half touchdowns after interceptions in Dana Hills territory.