News Summary
The Mission Viejo Diablos secured a thrilling victory over the University Trojans with a score of 19-14 in a CIF playoff matchup. Bailey McNeal showcased his talent by throwing for 256 yards and three touchdowns, while Leah Vanderveen and Mia Psarras contributed significantly to the offense. The Diablos’ defense intercepted two passes and recorded strong tackles, leading to their sixth win in seven games. This win propels Mission Viejo into the playoffs, while the Trojans conclude their season after facing setbacks in recent games.
Mission Viejo, CA – The Mission Viejo Diablos triumphed over the University Trojans with a score of 19-14 in a dramatic CIF playoff matchup. This victory marks the second time this year that Mission Viejo has defeated University, having previously secured a close win with a score of 12-7.
The game was highlighted by the outstanding performance of Bailey McNeal, who achieved a career-high of 256 yards in passing along with three touchdowns. He found Leah Vanderveen frequently, who was his top receiving target, racking up 100 receiving yards and one touchdown. Another key contributor was Mia Psarras, who also accumulated 100 receiving yards in a standout showing for the Diablos.
The Diablos’ defense played an essential role in securing the win, intercepting two passes during the game. Noteworthy contributions came from Emma Eldred and Brooklyn Koedel, with Koedel making significant defensive plays over the last three games. Additionally, Emily Johnson stood out on defense with eight total tackles, which included one tackle for a loss and three defended passes.
With this victory, Mission Viejo continues to show strong momentum, having won six out of their last seven games. Their season record now stands at 15-14, reflecting their consistent performance. On the other hand, the University Trojans have encountered challenges recently, suffering three losses in their last four games, which brought their season record to 10-14.
During the game, University managed to score two touchdowns, credited to players Charlotte Beckman and Elyse Mills, yet their efforts fell short against the Diablos’ offensive and defensive prowess. The University team’s own defense displayed solid efforts, achieving three sacks with Ella Carmichael leading the charge with two sacks of her own.
Looking ahead, Mission Viejo is set to face Santiago at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday for the next playoff round. The Diablos are riding a home game winning streak, currently at four games. As for the University Trojans, their season has ended with no further games scheduled, leaving them with time to regroup for the next season.
This playoff showdown not only solidified Mission Viejo’s presence in the CIF playoffs but also showcased remarkable individual talents that could prove pivotal as they advance in the tournament.
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St. John Bosco Defeats Santa Margarita in High School Football
Mission Viejo Diablos Secure Victory Over San Clemente Tritons
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Additional Resources
- MaxPreps: Mission Viejo vs University Recap
- MaxPreps: University Trojans Defense Recap
- OC Sports Zone: CIF Girls Flag Football Playoffs
- Los Angeles Times: High School Flag Football Scores
- MaxPreps: Mission Viejo Recap of Winning Streak

Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER
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