Mission Viejo Turns Back Century

Mission Viejo ran its offense to perfection Saturday afternoon against Century. The results were impressive as the Diablos scored on every possession in the first half of a 49-6 nonleague victory at Santa Ana Stadium.

Only the Diablos’ quarterback, a running back and one receiver touched the ball in the first two quarters as Mission Viejo (5-0) scored five touchdowns. Junior Dustin Crane opened the scoring on the second play of the game, catching a 35-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jake Fitch.

After running back Mike Chavis added a 27-yard touchdown run, which was set up by Steve Reindl’s fumble recovery, Fitch and Crane connected again, this time for a 60-yard scoring pass that made it 21-0 with 6:17 left in the opening quarter.

Chavis, who led all rushers with 89 yards in eight carries, extended the lead to 28-0 with a 15-yard scoring run early in the second quarter. Chavis and Crane each scored three touchdowns for Mission Viejo, which opens South Coast League play Friday at Trabuco Hills.

Century (2-3) came to life on the next series as Fortino Rivera capped a 12-play drive with an eight-yard touchdown run. The extra-point attempt failed and the score was 28-6.

The Centurions’ excitement was short-lived, however, as Crane took the ensuing kickoff and ran in for a 75-yard touchdown and a 35-6 halftime lead.

“We’re getting more and more balance from our offense each week,” Diablo Coach Bill Denny said. “When we do that, it makes things that much easier.”

Mission Viejo got 148 yards rushing from Chavis and Denis Bittke and 195 yards passing from Fitch, who completed eight of 10 passes.

Chavis scored his third touchdown of the game, a 12-yard run, midway through the third quarter. Bittke closed the scoring with a four-yard run late in the game.

The Centurions were led by running back Ramiro Carasa, who gained 42 yards in 14 carries. The Diablo defense kept Century’s passing game in check the entire game.