Mission Viejo Erases Memories of Last Season With Big Victory

Mission Viejo scored three touchdowns in less than two minutes midway through the second quarter and coasted to a 49-0 victory over Santa Ana at Mission Viejo High Friday night.

The Diablos limited Santa Ana to 130 yards total offense and forced six turnovers to key the victory, their first since November, 1994, when they defeated San Clemente.

“When you have a season like we did last year, no one lets you forget it,” said Mission Viejo Coach Bill Denny of their 0-10 season. “And the way the game started, I thought we were in for a dogfight, but we got a couple of breaks that gave us the edge.”

After taking a 14-0 lead on Brad Fielding’s 57-yard run, the Diablo defense forced an interception when Scott Schweer hit Santa Ana quarterback Francisco Martinez as he was throwing. Brock Amos picked off the pass and fumbled the return, but Gerry Delin recovered at the one. Jake Fitch scored for a 21-0 lead.

Santa Ana’s Sergio Tarin fumbled on the kickoff, giving Mission Viejo the ball at the Saint 29. On the next play, Fitch threw to Dustin Crana for the score.

The Saints got the ball at the 20 on their next possession but Martinez fumbled on the second play of the drive and Delin recovered the ball at the one. This time Mike Chavis ran it in to make it 35-0.

On the following possession, Tom Baribeau intercepted a Rigo Godinez pass to put Mission Viejo at the 50. Six plays later, Fitch found Crane from four yards out for the score to make it 42-0.

Nick Gilliam closed out the scoring when he--fittingly--ran a interception 53 yards for the touchdown. Gilliam’s kick made it 49-0.