Mission Viejo Holds On to Beat Aliso Niguel

Mission Viejo won its first game of the season, defeating Aliso Niguel, 31-17, Friday night at Aliso Niguel High.

Running back Dan Bowling raced 49 yards up the middle of the field for a touchdown to give Mission Viejo (1-1) a 7-0 lead in the first quarter.

After a 25-yard field goal by senior Jesse Harmon, Diablo quarterback Bob Young rushed in from three yards out to extend the lead to 17-0.

Midway through the second quarter, Mission Viejo struck again when senior Joey Reid returned a punt 36 yards for a touchdown to make it 24-0.

Late in the half, Aliso Niguel’s Josh Ivy recovered a fumble and returned it 46 yards for a touchdown. Mission Viejo led at halftime, 24-7.

Aliso Niguel (0-2) got back into the game early in the second half, when receiver Jeff Stanton scored on an 18-yard pass from Jared Hill.

Ryan Roy kicked a 25-yard field goal to cut the lead to 24-17.

However, with 36 seconds left to play, Mission Viejo fullback Will Redanz rushed in from three yards out to seal the victory for the Diablos.

Bowling finished with 125 yards and one touchdown in 25 carries.

Mission Viejo hosts Laguna Hills next Friday, and that same evening, Aliso Niguel plays at San Clemente.