News Summary
A highly anticipated high school football matchup is scheduled as the Folsom Bulldogs clash with the Mission Viejo Diablos. Both teams, undefeated this season, are ranked in California’s top ten, making this game crucial for maintaining their records. Folsom’s Ryder Lyons and Mission Viejo’s Luke Fahey have been standout players, with significant contributions in their previous games. Expectations run high for this thrilling encounter as both teams prepare to showcase their elite talent and strategies on the field.
Mission Viejo, CA – A thrilling high school football matchup is set for Friday at 7 p.m. as the Folsom Bulldogs (2-0) face off against the Mission Viejo Diablos (2-0) at Mission Viejo High. Both teams are undefeated this season and ranked among the top ten in California, making this game a highly anticipated showdown of elite talent.
The Bulldogs currently hold the No. 9 spot in the California rankings according to HSratings.com, while the Diablos are at No. 4. In the state rankings by CalHiSports.com, Mission Viejo is positioned at No. 3, slightly ahead of Folsom at No. 4. This intense competition underscores the significance of this game, as both teams look to maintain their perfect records.
Folsom enters the match following a nail-biting 56-42 victory over San Mateo Serra, where they demonstrated resilience by scoring two touchdowns in the final two minutes of the game. Senior Ryder Lyons, who stands at 6-4 and weighs 205 pounds, played a pivotal role in Folsom’s success. Committed to BYU, he showcased his skills by throwing for 389 yards and four touchdowns against the Serra defense.
On the other side, Mission Viejo also had an impressive last game, dominating St. Paul with a score of 58-14. Senior quarterback Luke Fahey, who has committed to Ohio State, contributed significantly with 375 passing yards and three touchdowns. Prior to the victory against St. Paul, Mission Viejo narrowly defeated Santa Margarita 7-3 in a defensive battle in Week 0, revealing their strong defensive capabilities which will be vital against Folsom’s potent offense.
Adding to Mission Viejo’s offensive arsenal is their All-County receiver, Vance Spafford, who is expected to return after missing the previous game due to illness. His presence will likely enhance the Diablos’ passing game, complemented by reliable receivers such as Jack Junker and Luke Karby.
To secure victory, Mission Viejo’s strategy will hinge on effectively pressuring Folsom’s quarterback, Ryder Lyons, while also covering Folsom’s talented receivers. This defensive effort could prove crucial as both teams look to exploit weaknesses in each other’s strong lineups.
In addition to the Folsom vs. Mission Viejo game, several other notable high school football matchups are on the schedule this week. The Western Pioneers (2-0) will face the Huntington Beach Oilers (1-1) at Huntington Beach High on Thursday at 7 p.m. Both teams are looking to solidify their seasons after competitive games; Western narrowly won against Villa Park with a score of 27-20 thanks to a last-minute touchdown, while Huntington Beach lost a close match against Trabuco Hills, finishing 20-19.
Friday’s line-up also includes Capistrano Valley (2-0) challenging Crean Lutheran (2-0) at Crean Lutheran High, alongside Los Alamitos (3-0) squaring off against Serra (2-0). Capistrano Valley has shown strength this season with victories over Barstow (41-21) and Campo Verde (26-16), while Serra has registered shutouts in its last two games, defeating opponents with scores of 26-0 and 37-0.
Another highlight of the week includes a match featuring Franklin, who is off to a strong start with victories against Johnson (66-0) and Edison (40-29).
The forthcoming Folsom vs. Mission Viejo game is expected to draw significant attention, with spectators eagerly anticipating this clash of talented teams driven by high stakes and the promise of thrilling football action. The spotlight will be on both coaching staffs, especially with the intriguing family connection between Mission Viejo’s coach Chad Johnson and Capistrano Valley’s coach Sean Curtis, who are father and son.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Folsom Bulldogs Prepare for Showdown Against Mission Viejo Diablos
Orange County Football Preview: Alpha League Competition
Orange County High School Football Season Preview
Mission Viejo High School Football Prepares for Competitive Season
Additional Resources
- SI.com: Mission Viejo vs. Santa Margarita Live Updates
- Google Search: Mission Viejo High School Football
- LA Times: Mission Viejo vs. Santa Margarita Football
- Wikipedia: High School Football in the United States
- OC Register: Football Previews and Predictions
- Google News: California High School 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.