Mission Viejo defeats San Juan Hills in an Alpha League shootout

Mission Viejo secured its third consecutive Alpha League title by defeating San Juan Hills 54-44 on October 30, 2026. Led by head coach Chad Johnson, the Diablos relied on a dominant ground attack featuring senior running backs Carson Vandermade and Jack Junker. Vandermade posted 121 yards and three touchdowns, while Junker rushed for 132 yards and two scores, including an 11-yard clinching touchdown in the final minute.

San Juan Hills rallied in the fourth quarter under coach Robert Frith, cutting the deficit to 47-44 after an onside kick recovered by Trevor Koko. Backup quarterback Parker Armstrong led the Stallions with 343 passing yards and four touchdowns, highlighted by an 80-yard score to Luke Frith. Despite committing 18 penalties, Mission Viejo held on and is expected to advance to the Southern Section Division 1 playoffs.