Football

GAME OF THE WEEK RECAP AND TOP PHOTOS FROM THE WEEK: Fahey, Diablos get past Santa Margarita with 2nd Half Touchdown in Defensive Battle

by
jpwestmedia
August 26, 2025

Photo: Joey Gray/JPWest Media

Click here to view all photos by Joey Gray

High School Football was back at Trabuco Hils High School on Friday night, as the Santa Margarita Eagles hosted the Mission Viejo Diablos in the JPWest Media Game of the Week. As NFL Hall of Famer Carson Palmer made his head coaching debut for the Eagles.

The defenses took center stage early. Neither team scored in the first quarter, with Santa Margarita’s goal-line stand halting Mission Viejo’s drive near the one-yard line. The deadlock finally broke late in the second quarter when Eagles kicker Tyler Wiegand drilled a 23-yard field goal to put his team ahead, 3‑0, just before halftime.

Late in the third quarter, Mission Viejo quarterback Luke Fahey, under heavy pressure, found running back Jack Junker in the corner of the end zone for a 34‑yard touchdown. Isaiah Murguia’s PAT gave the Diablos a 7‑3 lead — their only touchdown of the night.

Santa Margarita mounted a late push, driving deep into Mission Viejo territory. However, they came up short on a critical fourth‑down play at the eight‑yard line with just 26 seconds remaining, sealing the Diablos’ 7‑3 opening victory.

Standout Performers

Mission Viejo: QB Luke Fahey completed 15-of-20 passes for 179 yards and the game-winning touchdown, playing through relentless pressure.
Santa Margarita: QB Trace Johnson was efficient, completing 20-of-29 for 205 yards and a touchdown. On the ground, sophomore Jaion Smith led the rushing attack with 56 yards on 19 carries.
Defense: Mission Viejo’s front (JD Hill, Jeron Jones, Jordan Hicks) consistently disrupted the Eagles’ rhythm and stifled playmakers like Trent Mosley — whose 67-yard breakout was erased due to a penalty. Santa Margarita defenders, including Vai Manutai and Manoah Faupusa, delivered several timely plays and a missed Mission Viejo field goal in the fourth quarter kept their hopes alive.

Mission Viejo opens up the season at 1-0 and will head back on the road next week to face St. Paul out in Santa Fe Springs. While Santa Margarita stays at Trabuco Hills on Thursday night and looks to bounce back under head coach Carson Palmer against a tough Corona Centennial team.