Prediction: Mission Viejo (Calif.) falls in CIF D-I quarterfinals

The 2025 high school football season will be getting underway in less than six weeks, which means it’s officially preview season. Rivals is breaking down the nation’s top teams from coast-to-coast, and today we make our way to California to take a look at one of the state’s top high school football teams in Mission Viejo. The Diablos play in California’s Alpha League, heading into its second year, which Mission Viejo goes up against teams from the Trinity League, one of the nation’s toughest leagues, as well.

Player Spotlight: QB Luke Fahey

Luke Fahey might be one of the most underrated high school quarterbacks in the country. Word out west is how impressive Fahey has been in various 7-on-7 passing tournaments and the senior is primed for a big 2025 season behind center. The Ohio State commitment shared time at quarterback with Drai Trudeau in 2024, combining together for 33 touchdowns through the air. This fall, the offense will be all Fahey’s as he has a very experienced wide receiver corps back on the field. Fahey threw for 1,638 yards, 17 touchdowns and zero picks last year and we can see these numbers exploding this year.

Others to watch: WR Vance Spafford, CB Jeron Jones, WR Jack Junker, WR Markus Kier

Season Prediction: 10-0

Expectations at Mission Viejo are such that the success of a season is determined entirely on the postseason. When it comes down to playing in a conference like the Alpha League, basing anything postseason wise on what the Diablos do during the regular season would be premature at best. That’s because when you have to prepare for nationally-ranked opponents like Corona Centennial, Mater Dei and St. John Bosco, the gauntlet you have to go through in order to reach the mountain top is very unforgiving. We expect another undefeated season for the Diablos, but our prediction is another opening-round bow out in facing one of the nation’s top teams. Yes, Mission Viejo is a nationally-ranked program themselves, but not of the caliber of the aforementioned teams ahead of them.

Game-By-Game Predictions

Aug. 22 – at Santa Margarita Catholic (Calif.) Eagles – W
What better opener than going up against Carson Palmer’s Eagles? The Diablos spoil the former NFL Pro Bowler’s debut and hand Santa Margarita a loss.

Aug. 29 – at St. Paul (Calif.) Swordsmen – W
The second game of the season is a polar opposite of the opener, with a rout of the Swordsmen.

Sept. 5 – Folsom (Calif.) Bulldogs – W
Ryder Lyons and Luke Fahey facing off. Say no more if you’re someone that is a fan of the passing game. Mission Viejo defeats Folsom by two scores at home.

Sept. 12 – at Lincoln (Calif.) Hornets – W
Going on the road for their third road game in the first four weeks, but the Diablos cruises in a 21-point victory.

Sept. 19 – at McCallie School (Tenn.) Blue Tornado – W
Making a rare trip to the Volunteer State, Mission Viejo plays at an hostile environment but comes away with a narrow win over a very good McCallie School group.

Sept. 26 – Chaparral (Calif.) Pumas – W
It’s taken six weeks to get to their second home game of the season, but the Diablos has no problems whatsoever with the Pumas in a 48-14 decision.

Oct. 3 – at Long Beach Poly (Calif.) Jackrabbits – W
Just as the Diablos get a home visit, they get right back on the road. No worries, as they hand the Jackrabbits a loss and improve to 7-0.

Oct. 17 – San Clemente (Calif.) Tritons – W
Playing in the Alpha League certainly brings challenges throughout the season, but the Tritons are no match for the Diablos in a 42-14 decision.

Oct. 24 – at Edison (Calif.) Chargers – W
Second to last game of the season poses no threat to the undefeated record as Mission Viejo rolls into the finale.

Oct. 31 – Los Alamitos (Calif.) Griffins – W
The regular season concludes with a blowout victory and securing another undefeated campaign. On to the CIF Southern Section Division I postseason.