SOUTH COAST LEAGUE : Mission Viejo’s Defense Shuts Down Dana Hills

MISSION VIEJO — Coach Marty Spalding said his Mission Viejo defense has “played well all year.” Friday night was no exception.

Mission Viejo held Dana Hills to 129 yards of offense, recorded eight sacks, grabbed an interception and recovered a fumble to lead the Diablos to a 42-0 homecoming victory over Dana Hills at Mission Viejo High.

The Diablo defense set the tone early when a Joshua Johnson sack forced Dana Hills to punt. Mission Viejo quickly drove 74 yards on 10 plays and scored when John Higashi ran six yards.

After Mission Viejo recorded another sack that forced Dana Hills to punt--Higashi returned 35 yards to the Dolphin nine--the Diablos scored two plays later on a one-yard run by Higashi.

Higashi added his third touchdown on another one-yard run, and then quarterback Austin Moherman got into the act, connecting with Matt Denny for a 24-yard touchdown. Less than two minutes later, Moherman threw 23 yards to Jeff Williams to make it 35-0 at the half.

The Diablos closed the scoring after Higashi returned the second-half kickoff 71 yards to the Dolphin 22. Two plays later, Mike Myers ran seven yards for the score.