Diablos Try Something New, Win

Mission Viejo held off a second-half surge by Murrieta Valley to earn a 28-21 victory Saturday night at Mission Viejo.

The Diablos (3-1) had an impressive first half, using a balanced attack to slice through the Murrieta Valley defense. John Hudgins, making his first varsity start at quarterback in place of Bob Young, directed the offense to three touchdowns before the Nighthawks could score. Hudgins started over Young to gain experience.

“It was his first game and I’m impressed,” Mission Viejo Coach Steve Carnes said. “I think he has a lot of potential out there.”

Jason Bowling, splitting time in the backfield with Robert Bedraun because of Bedraun’s slight illness, got the Diablos on the board first with a 24-yard touchdown at the end of the first quarter. Bowling finished with 75 yards in 15 carries.

A two-yard run by Hudgins and a 32-yard touchdown reception by Young gave the Diablos a 20-0 lead at the half.

Murrieta Valley (1-3) came out strong in the second half, capping a 65-yard drive with a 10-yard touchdown run by Jake Davis.

The Nighthawks struck again at the beginning of the fourth quarter as Josh Kiel ran two yards for a touchdown, pulling Murrieta Valley within six points.

Mission Viejo then used its two-back combination to run eight minutes off of the clock and score another touchdown, this one by Bedraun, from two yards.

Sean Kujawa led Murrieta Valley back with a one-yard sneak, but the Nighthawks’ attempt to get the ball back failed when Mission Viejo recovered an onside kick and ran out the clock.