This past August 24th, the highly anticipated 2024-2025 Varsity football season opener game between the California rank 3 Mission Viejo Diablos and the California rank 8 Santa Margarita Catholic High School Eagles. The game, held at Mission Viejo High School, ended with the Diablos taking a decisive and dominating 35-7 win over the Eagles.
The Diablo Defense was a standout, effectively shutting down the Eagles offense. The defense, led by standout performances such as Dijon Lee Jr., played a crucial role in the victory for the Diablos. Dijon Lee Jr. had a significant impact, with 6 solo tackles, 6 assists, and 1 interception. Lee didn’t stop his impact there and added a 42-yard reception on the offensive side.
Flipping to the offense for the Diablos, a crucial key player of the Diablos’ victory was Phillip Bell III. Bell, with 3 receptions, 32 yards, and 2 touchdowns, showcased his ability to find the end zone multiple times. Another notable player on behalf of the Diablos’ win is Vance Spafford, with 6 receptions for 42 yards. Spafford’s consistent grabs and yards helped the Diablos carry their momentum throughout the game.
This game, dubbed the “Battle of South Conty,” lived up to its name and expectations, with both teams showcasing their talents and competitive spirits. The Mission Viejo Diablos took an early lead, by forcing turnovers and their offense capitalizing on it. By halftime, the Diablos had a 14-0 lead over the Eagles. In the second half, the Diablos only further extended their lead, with Bell III’s pivotal touchdowns and Lee Jr.’s lockdown defense. The Diablos’ defense would maintain their pressure on the Eagles. In the fourth quarter, the Eagles’ James Johnson would score a touchdown, but it was too little too late, and the Diablos gained a critical 35-7 win over the Eagles.
Next matchups:
The Mission Viejo Diablos will play Liberty, on September 6th at 7pm at Mission Viejo.
The Santa Margarita Eagles will play at Centennial, Friday August 30th at 7pm.
This season opener set the tone for the 2024-2025 season for the Diablos, showing their strength and depth as a team on both sides of the ball. Santa Margarita will be looking to bounce back in their upcoming game vs Centennial, aiming to improve their standing and showcase the Eagles’ resilience.
