October 16, 2025

High School Football Heats Up in Orange County

News Summary

With league play kicking off in Orange County, high school football teams are gearing up for crucial matchups. Mission Viejo, Los Alamitos, Mater Dei, and Dana Hills are among the standout teams as expectations run high. Players like Luke Fahey and Ryan Hopkins are pivotal for their teams’ success, while coaching concerns loom for Mission Viejo. Fans eagerly anticipate matchups, including Edison vs. Los Alamitos and Corona del Mar vs. San Juan Hills, which could impact playoff positions and rankings.

Orange County is entering an exciting week of high school football as league play kicks off with several key matchups that could shape the standings for the remainder of the season. Notably, the Alpha League, which consists of four teams, has earned a reputation as the toughest all-public schools league in California, according to HSratings.

Current predictions indicate that Mission Viejo (5-1) is favored to secure first place in the Alpha League, followed closely by Los Alamitos (7-0), provided they can perform well against Edison (4-2). This matchup is eagerly anticipated by fans and experts alike.

Mission Viejo’s head coach has voiced concerns about the team’s depth following a recent 25-14 defeat to McCallie from Tennessee. The coach noted that the team is “very banged up” with several key starters unable to participate due to injuries, which could impact their performance in upcoming games.

Another player making headlines is Mater Dei’s quarterback, Ryan Hopkins, who is committed to Wisconsin. Despite some inconsistencies during the season, he delivered a remarkable performance against Bishop Gorman, completing 15 of 18 passes for 251 yards and three touchdowns. This favorable performance may help boost his confidence moving forward.

Meanwhile, Dana Hills is emerging as a potential breakout team, currently boasting a perfect record of 5-0. There is a growing belief that their strong performances could lead to an advancement to a higher league during the upcoming Orange County Football Conference realignment for the 2026-27 season.

Focusing on individual accolades, Mission Viejo’s quarterback Luke Fahey is a leading candidate for offensive player of the year. His impressive stats include a 73% completion rate, 1,464 passing yards, and 15 touchdowns, marking him as a key player to watch as the season progresses.

Defensively, JD Hill from Mission Viejo is also in contention for defensive player of the year with notable statistics such as 68 tackles and 8.5 sacks. His contributions have been essential to the team’s successes thus far.

Additionally, the Bravo League has garnered attention with a composite record of 20-10. Among its noteworthy teams are San Juan Hills (4-1) and an improved Corona del Mar (5-0), both expected to have significant impacts in the league’s standings as the season continues.

Upcoming pivotal games include Edison facing off against Los Alamitos at SoFi Stadium, and Corona del Mar hosting San Juan Hills at Newport Harbor High. These matchups are set to be crucial in determining playoff positions and league standings moving forward.

The latest Orange County football Top 25 rankings reveal Mission Viejo, Santa Margarita, and Mater Dei holding the top three positions, with Mission Viejo currently ranked No. 1 after a previous victory against Santa Margarita. These rankings reflect the competitive nature of the league and the explosive talent present in Orange County high school football.

As the league play commences, fans and players alike are watching closely. The upcoming games and individual performances will play a vital role in determining the eventual champions of Orange County football.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Mission Viejo Hosts Series of Blood Drives
Mission Viejo Takes the Lead in Orange County Football Rankings
Orange County High School Football Teams Compete This Week
Mater Dei Faces Defeat Against Santa Margarita in Close Game
Rising Star JD Hill Gains Attention from Major Colleges
Mission Viejo Prepares for League Match Against San Clemente
Mission Viejo and San Clemente Clash in Conference Showdown
Mission Viejo Reclaims Top Spot in Orange County Football Rankings
Mission Viejo Reclaims Top Spot in OC Football Rankings
Saddleback College Freshman Quarterback Shines in Double-Overtime Victory

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO 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.

ADD MORE INFORMATION OR CONTRIBUTE TO OUR ARTICLE CLICK HERE!

STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER

Stay Connected

More Updates

High school football players competing under stadium lights

Would You Like To Add Your Business?

Submit