Mission Viejo Wins With Defense and Dubois

Mission Viejo opened the Southern Section Division II playoffs Friday just like it finished the regular season.

The Diablos used a punishing running game and a stubborn defense to frustrate their opponent in their 36-3 victory over Rancho Cucamonga at Mission Viejo High.

Mission Viejo (9-2) will meet Chino (10-1) in the second round at a site to be determined.

Robbie Dubois led Mission Viejo with 195 yards rushing and three touchdowns in 28 carries in just over three quarters.

The Mission Viejo defense, which has allowed 13 points in its last four games, limited Rancho Cucamonga (5-5-1) to 127 yards in total offense and forced four turnovers, two of which led to fourth-quarter touchdowns.

Mission Viejo scored on its first possession following a one-yard punt by the Cougars. Dubois scored from one-yard with 9 minutes 27 seconds remaining in the first quarter for a 6-0 lead.

After both teams exchanged field goals, Dubois scored again, this time on a two-yard run and the Diablos led at halftime, 15-7.

The Diablos put the game out of reach on their first drive of the second half, driving 80 yards in seven plays. It was capped by Dubois’ third touchdown, a 38-yard run.

Mission Viejo’s final two scores came in the fourth quarter on a 29-yard interception return by Marcus Dailey and a 41-yard fumble return by Aaron Miller.

Diablo quarterback Billy Hart completed 13 of 26 passes for 152 yards and had two passes intercepted. He was sacked five times.