News Summary
Mission Viejo High School officially began its 2025 football season with a practice session under cloudy skies. Senior quarterback Luke Fahey, an All-Alpha League player, leads the team with high expectations after a strong previous season. The team emphasizes player safety with new practice guidelines focusing on concussions and heat illnesses. Additionally, they prepare for an exciting season opener against rival Santa Margarita, featuring a newly appointed head coach. The team seeks redemption after last year’s playoff disappointment as they gear up for challenging matchups ahead.
Mission Viejo – The official kickoff for the 2025 high school football season commenced on Monday, with Mission Viejo High School among the first teams to start practice. Under overcast skies and mild temperatures, the team engaged in player-coach meetings at 7:30 a.m. before stepping onto the field for drills at 8:20 a.m.
As practice got underway, players began stretching around 8:30 a.m., accompanied by an energetic playlist featuring music from artists like Michael Jackson and the Commodores. This lively atmosphere provided a positive start to a season promising high expectations and intense competition.
Leading the initiative on the field was senior quarterback Luke Fahey, recognized as an All-Alpha League first-team player and a commitment to Ohio State. Fahey has already been a key asset for Mission Viejo, playing a central role during summer tournaments, including guiding the team to victory in the championship at the Battle at the Beach passing tournament held at Edison High.
Another significant player is senior receiver Vance Spafford, who faced limitations in practice due to ongoing recovery from mononucleosis. Despite this setback, he is anticipated to resume full participation later in the week. Additionally, all-county second-team defensive lineman JD Hill brought a light-hearted demeanor to practice, standing out with his playful attire that elicited laughter from coaches and teammates alike.
Head coach Chad Johnson shared insights on the shift in practice intensity this year, focusing more on player safety, particularly concerning concussions and heat-related illnesses. In line with safety protocols, only helmets are allowed during the first three days of practice, while shoulder pads will be introduced on the fourth day.
As the team prepares for its season opener against Santa Margarita on August 22 at Trabuco Hills High School, anticipation builds given the teams’ rankings. Mission Viejo holds a respectable No. 14 spot nationally according to MaxPreps.com, while Santa Margarita is closely trailing at No. 16. This matchup is particularly compelling as Santa Margarita has made significant changes, including the hiring of alum Carson Palmer, a former Heisman Trophy winner from USC, as their head coach. Palmer’s leadership, coupled with the strong roster of Santa Margarita, which features senior talents like receiver Trent Mosley and quarterback Trace Johnson, a notable transfer from Florida, sets the stage for a highly competitive season opener.
Mission Viejo’s journey this season aims for redemption following a 10-1 record last year, which ended in a disappointing playoff exit. The team’s schedule is packed with formidable opponents, including a game against powerhouse Folsom from NorCal and a clash with McCallie High from Tennessee, promising excitement and challenges ahead.
This year’s new practice guidelines have significantly altered the approach to the initial week of football practice compared to years past, emphasizing a more structured and safety-focused routine. With optimism in the air, the players and coaching staff are geared up for what they hope will be a successful and safe season ahead.
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: Mission Viejo Kicks Off Season
- SI: Mission Viejo Takes on Heavyweights
- LA Times: Luke Fahey Leads Mission Viejo
- Wikipedia: Mission Viejo High School
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football
Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER
MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
