Mission Viejo Rolls Past San Clemente to Earn Third

SAN CLEMENTE — Mission Viejo High School captured the South Coast League’s third playoff spot by defeating San Clemente, 38-0, Thursday at San Clemente.

The Diablos (8-2 overall, 3-2 in league) took a 35-0 halftime lead against the Tritons (3-7, 0-5).

It was Mission Viejo’s second consecutive league victory after losing to El Toro and Capistrano Valley, Orange County’s top two-ranked teams.

Mission Viejo Coach Mike Rush said he warned his team not to underestimate San Clemente.

“We talked to them about being intense and not letting up,” Rush said.

By the time the Diablos did let up, they were far ahead.

Mark Gaw opened the scoring with a 54-yard touchdown run less than two minutes into the game. Then defensive lineman Alex Diaz recoved a San Clemente fumble at the Triton one on their first possession.

After Ryan Darke scored on the next play to give Mission Viejo a 14-0 lead, it only got worse for San Clemente.

Darke scored a second touchdown on a seven-yard run near the end of the first quarter. To open the second, quarterback Tim Snowden completed a looping 18-yard touchdown pass to Mike Boucher.

Finally, Bryce Williams intercepted a pass by San Clemente quarterback Ken Dolan and returned it 79 yards for a touchdown.

San Clemente couldn’t get going in the second half either, at least on the scoreboard. With a new quarterback, Mario Watkins, for most of the second half, the Titons stayed on the ground and gave the ball to Juan Maldonado.

Maldonado, a senior playing in his final game, gained 133 yards in 11 carries during the half and 165 yards in 21 carries for the game.