PREP FOOTBALL ROUNDUP : Mission Viejo’s Defense Too Tough for El Toro

Mission Viejo defeated El Toro, 21-9, Friday night before an overflow crowd of 8,000 at Mission Viejo High to move to within one victory of clinching the South Coast League title.

Mission Viejo stopped El Toro’s running game and managed to control its passing. Except for a touchdown on its first series, El Toro could manage only a safety.

The victory gave Mission Viejo, ranked No. 12 in the Times’ Southern Section poll, an 8-1 overall record. The Diablos are 4-0 in league play. El Toro (8-1 and 3-1) is the Times’ No. 2-ranked team.

The defense was led by safety Bill Denny and defensive end Beau LeBreton. LeBreton had three sacks and deflected a key third-down pass on the Mission Viejo 17-yard line late in the game. It was one of many times El Toro drove deep into Mission Viejo territory but came away without scoring.

In the second half, Mission Viejo:

--Held El Toro on downs at the Mission Viejo five.

--Intercepted a pass by Rob Johnson at its 36.

--Stopped El Toro twice more on downs before the game ended.