News Summary
Mission Viejo kicked off its football season with a narrow victory against Santa Margarita, winning 7-3 in a hard-fought battle. Luke Fahey’s standout performance, including a crucial touchdown pass to Jack Junker, turned the tide of the game after falling behind initially. Both teams showcased strong defensive efforts but faced challenges, including injuries and penalties. The win marks Mission Viejo’s sixth consecutive victory against their rivals, reinforcing their competitive edge ahead of their next game against St. Paul.
Mission Viejo began its football season with a thrilling victory over Santa Margarita, securing a 7-3 win in a closely contested match on Friday. This win marks Mission Viejo’s sixth consecutive triumph against Santa Margarita, showcasing their dominance in recent matchups.
Key to the game’s outcome was Luke Fahey, who played exceptionally well, throwing for 179 yards and completing 75% of his passes. His performance was highlighted by a crucial 33-yard touchdown pass to Jack Junker late in the third quarter, which helped Mission Viejo overcome a 3-0 deficit that the Eagles had held since halftime. The touchdown was pivotal, giving Mission Viejo the momentum needed to secure the win.
Both teams exhibited solid defensive strategies throughout the game, but Mission Viejo managed to balance its offensive attack effectively. Santa Margarita took the lead in the first half through a 23-yard field goal by Tyler Wiegand that came at the last moment before halftime, putting them ahead 3-0. However, the Diablos’ offense responded well after the break, ultimately leading to their victory.
Despite several challenging moments, including key injuries that sidelined critical players for Mission Viejo, the team’s resilience was evident. Coach Chad Johnson expressed pride in his team’s ability to face adversity, a sentiment that resonated throughout their performance against Santa Margarita.
On the other hand, Santa Margarita, under new head coach Carson Palmer, faced difficulties in executing their plays effectively. Their offensive line, featuring transfers Simote Katoanga and Manoah Faupusa, contributed to a strong defensive effort. However, penalties hampered their progress, including a long touchdown catch by Trent Mosley that was unfortunately nullified. Santa Margarita’s quarterback, Trace Johnson, making his debut after transferring from Florida, managed to pass for 212 yards, yet his efforts could not transform into points on the board.
The game, played at Trabuco Hills High School, showcased the talents of several players who are expected to perform at the collegiate level. Both teams featured future Division I players, including wide receiver Vance Spafford and cornerback Jeron Jones, creating a compelling matchup for spectators.
Moving forward, Mission Viejo’s next challenge will come against St. Paul on Friday at 7:00 p.m., while Santa Margarita will look to bounce back as they host Centennial at the same time on Thursday. The outcome of the opening game serves as a promising start for Mission Viejo, reinforcing their reputation as a competitive force in high school football.
With both teams eager to make their mark this season, fans can expect intense matchups ahead as each team navigates the challenges and triumphs that come with competitive athletic play.
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Orange County High School Football Season Kicks Off
Carson Palmer Makes Coaching Debut at Santa Margarita High School
California High School Football Season Kicks Off
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Additional Resources
- SI.com
- Los Angeles Times
- USA Today High School Sports
- MaxPreps
- Orange County Register
- Wikipedia: High School Football in the United States
- Google Search: Mission Viejo Santa Margarita football 2025
- Google Scholar: High School Football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Football
- Google News: Mission Viejo Santa Margarita
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.
