Mistakes Are Costly to Diablos

In time, Mission Viejo might prove to be a good football team. The Diablos have good size in their linemen and some quality people at the skill positions.

But few teams, no matter how good, could overcome the numerous mistakes made Friday by Mission Viejo in a 17-6 loss to host Santa Fe Springs St. Paul.

The errors ranged from the obvious--five interceptions by quarterback Bob Young, a midfield fumble by running back Dan Bowling--to the glaring--allowing the Swordsmen to recover the second-half kickoff more than 50 yards downfield to set up the second of Manuel Murillo’s two one-yard touchdowns. There was also an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that curtailed a fourth-quarter push.

Mission Viejo was also unable to convert a couple of fourth downs inside the St. Paul 30.

In the process the Diablos wasted a great night by receiver Joey Reid, who caught nine passes for 152 of Young’s 197 passing yards.

“Offensively we didn’t really get anything done,” Coach Steve Carnes said. “I thought our defense really only gave up three points; we put them in bad holes a couple of times.

“But it is a long season. I saw some things we can build on. We’re going to need someone to step up and play fullback, of course, cut down on interceptions.”

Mission Viejo’s touchdown came early in the fourth quarter, on a one-yard run by Bowling. The Diablos then converted an on-side kick, recovering the ball at the St. Paul 47. But on the first play, Young’s pass was intercepted by Abraham Cruz, who picked off Young twice Friday.

“That play and the missed kickoff were killers,” Carnes said.

Although St. Paul moved from Division I to Division III this season, Murillo--who rushed for 118 yards in 20 carries--said, “We don’t play like a Division III team. We’ve got some pretty good athletes, and we feel we can compete with anyone.”

Carnes was eager for the Diablos to play their first game. “I need to see where we are, physically and emotionally,” Carnes said. “We need to see what kind of players we have.”

Carnes and his staff could not have been pleased with the first half.

The offense had only one sustained drive (13 plays), and it came up empty when Ken Williams’ 23-yard field-goal attempt was wide left. Three drives, including the final one, ended with Young being intercepted.

The Swordsmen got on the board at the end of the first quarter with a 22-yard field goal by Jack Thomas. Midway through the second quarter, a 38-yard pass by quarterback Jon Montes to Mike Holloway set up a one-yard touchdown run by Murillo.