News Summary
Mission Viejo High School triumphed over Santa Margarita High School with a score of 7-3 in their season opener at Trabuco Hills High. The win marks Mission Viejo’s sixth consecutive victory over their rivals, enhancing their historical advantage to 7-2. The game featured key performances, including a touchdown by senior quarterback Luke Fahey, and showcased the competitiveness of both teams. Despite facing injuries, Mission Viejo’s defense excelled in critical moments, securing their early season momentum as they look ahead to their next match against St. Paul.
Mission Viejo, California – Mission Viejo High School celebrated a thrilling victory on Friday night, defeating Santa Margarita High School 7-3 in a closely contested opening football game at Trabuco Hills High. This result extends Mission Viejo’s winning streak over Santa Margarita to six games, giving them a significant upper hand in their historical rivalry, now standing at 7-2.
The game marked the coaching debut of Carson Palmer for Santa Margarita, which added another layer of excitement to the season opener. Santa Margarita had a brief lead going into halftime, thanks to a 23-yard field goal by Tyler Wiegand as time expired, putting the score at 3-0.
However, the momentum shifted in the second half when Luke Fahey, a senior quarterback for Mission Viejo and an Ohio State commit, threw a decisive 32-yard touchdown pass to Jack Junker late in the third quarter. This pivotal play not only secured the victory for Mission Viejo but also underscored Fahey’s promising season ahead.
Despite the outcome, the game was not without its challenges for Mission Viejo. The team lost key player Vance Spafford to an ankle injury during the first half, while starting linebacker Cash Gervase sustained a serious knee injury, complicating the team’s defensive strategy for the remainder of the match. Nevertheless, Mission Viejo’s defense managed to perform when it mattered most, making a critical stop on a fourth-and-1 attempt from their own 7-yard line in the game’s final moments.
Statistics from the game demonstrate the competitiveness of both teams. Fahey completed 15 out of 22 passes for a total of 188 yards, showcasing his effectiveness as a leader on the field. Meanwhile, Santa Margarita’s quarterback, Trace Johnson, who was making his first start after transferring from Florida, completed 21 out of 31 passes for 212 yards, illustrating the offensive prowess of both squads.
In terms of rushing performance, however, Santa Margarita outpaced Mission Viejo, gaining a total of 94 rushing yards compared to Mission Viejo’s 29. The game featured numerous players poised for future Division I careers, highlighting the caliber of talent present on both sides.
Leading up to the match, Mission Viejo was ranked No. 2 in Orange County and No. 14 nationally by MaxPreps, while Santa Margarita held a No. 3 ranking in Orange County and No. 16 nationally. The close ranking and quality of play added to the intensity and anticipation surrounding the game.
Looking ahead, Mission Viejo will face St. Paul on August 29 for their next matchup, a game in which they will aim to build upon their momentum from this opening victory. Santa Margarita, on the other hand, is set to host Centennial on August 28 as they seek redemption after a challenging opener.
Coaching staff from both teams highlighted the resilience demonstrated throughout the game. Mission Viejo’s coach expressed pride in his players for persevering through injuries and maintaining their focus, despite the adversities they faced. With both teams showcasing exceptional talent and determination, fans can expect an exciting season ahead.
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Additional Resources
- Orange County Register
- Sports Illustrated
- Los Angeles Times
- MaxPreps
- Wikipedia: 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.
