News Summary
Mission Viejo High School’s football team secured a 7-3 victory over Santa Margarita High School in their season opener, showcasing impressive skills under the guidance of new head coach Chad Johnson. Quarterback Luke Fahey’s pivotal touchdown pass helped the team overcome an early deficit, while a strong defense ensured the win. This victory extends Mission Viejo’s win streak against Santa Margarita to six games, reinforcing their status as a leading contender in Orange County high school football.
Mission Viejo, CA – Mission Viejo High School’s football team opened their season with an impressive 7-3 victory over Santa Margarita High School at Trabuco Hills High School, marking the coaching debut of former NFL star Carson Palmer. Under the leadership of head coach Chad Johnson, Mission Viejo showcased a combination of talent and intensity that rivaled a playoff matchup.
The pivotal moment of the game came in the third quarter when Luke Fahey, an Ohio State commit and considered one of the top quarterbacks in Southern California, connected with Jack Junker for a 33-yard touchdown pass. This score helped Mission Viejo erase a 3-0 deficit, which had been established earlier by a 23-yard field goal by Santa Margarita’s Tyler Wiegand just before halftime.
Fahey put together a solid performance for Mission Viejo, completing 16 of 22 passes for a total of 188 yards. His ability to avoid multiple sacks demonstrated his impressive mobility and instincts, which were critical in maintaining control throughout the game. The Eagles, however, struggled to recover following the touchdown, ultimately unable to respond as time wound down.
Defensively, Mission Viejo contributed significantly to their victory, as players like JD Hill, Jordan Hicks, and Jeron Jones played key roles in thwarting Santa Margarita’s attempts, particularly in crucial goal-line situations. The mission was clear: contain standout player Trent Mosley, who had a notable 67-yard touchdown run nullified earlier in the game due to a penalty.
The final moments saw Santa Margarita pushing to narrow the gap, but their last drive concluded with an incomplete pass on a fourth-down attempt from the eight-yard line, sealing the win for Mission Viejo with just 26 seconds left on the clock.
This victory extends Mission Viejo’s win streak against Santa Margarita to six games, enhancing their series record to 7-2. The implications of this win reinforce Mission Viejo’s status as a formidable contender, with MaxPreps ranking them No. 2 in Orange County and Santa Margarita following closely at No. 3.
Across the board in high school football, notable performances included a significant 35-0 loss for JSerra against Sierra Canyon, while Servite faced defeat at the hands of Corona Centennial. This season opener for Mission Viejo sets a promising tone for what lies ahead, as they look to build on their momentum in the weeks to come.
The opening match not only serves as a testament to the talent within Mission Viejo’s roster but also reflects the teamwork and strategic planning showcased by the coaching staff. Moving forward, they will aim to maintain their competitive edge and work towards further achievements this season.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Southern California Week 1 High School Football Schedule
- Google Search: high school football California
- Sports Illustrated: Mission Viejo vs Santa Margarita Live Score Updates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: American football
- Orange County Register: Mission Viejo Football Rallies
- Google News: Mission Viejo 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.
