Diablos Escape, Get Back Into Playoffs

Mission Viejo returned to the playoffs for the first time in three years and mercifully ended Capistrano Valley’s worst season by grinding out a 27-14 victory Friday at Capistrano Valley.

Before an estimated crowd of 3,500, who patiently sat through several rain showers, the Diablos broke a 7-7 tie with three third-quarter touchdowns.

Mission Viejo (8-2, 3-2) qualified for the Division I playoffs for the first time since 1994.

“I guess I can tear up that three-page letter I wrote to [the Southern Section] begging for an at-large berth,” Diablos Coach Bill Denny said.

Meanwhile, the Cougars (2-6-2, 0-5), a preseason top 10 selection, just needed the season to end. Friday’s loss completed the first losing season for Capistrano Valley in the school’s 21-year history. It’s only the second time that the Cougars missed the playoffs.

“A very disappointing year,” Cougar Coach Dave Brown said.

For a while it appeared Capistrano Valley might upset one of its traditional rivals.

After recovering a second quarter fumble by Diablo quarterback Jake Fitch on the Mission Viejo 28, Capistrano Valley endured a couple of penalties, then struck for six on a 35-yard touchdown pass from Garrett Gray to Craig Tortorici. Bobby Taghavi kicked the extra point.

But Mission Viejo came right back to tie the score on a 60-yard run by Scott Carr, who rumbled down the right sideline, staying out of the muddy middle of the field.

In the third quarter the Diablos took control.

Dan Bowling, who rushed for a game-high 92 yards, completed Mission Viejo’s quarter-opening 64-yard drive with a 30-yard sprint to the end zone, also down the right sideline.

Then came the game’s key play. Capistrano Valley had moved the ball from its 23 to the Mission Viejo 34, when Ryan Gustafson had the ball punched out of his arms for a fumble. Defensive back Nick Gilliam returned the dropped ball 64 yards for a touchdown.

“The play of the game,” Denny said.

Mission Viejo running back Mike Chavis then wrapped up the Diablos big quarter with a one-yard touchdown run with 36 seconds left in the third quarter.

Capistrano Valley’s final score game on an 11-yard touchdown pass from Garrett to Tortorici with four seconds left in the game.