Mission Viejo’s defensive line contributed all season to the team’s success, and it played a big role in the outcome of the CIF State Division 1-AA final Friday.
Before his team’s state championship game Friday against Concord De La Salle, Mission Viejo football coach Chad Johnson was asked to identify his team’s unsung unit.
Johnson quickly replied: “The defensive line.”
The defensive line quickly presented what Johnson was talking about in the early moments of Mission Viejo’s 27-14 win over De La Salle in the CIF State Division 1-AA championship game at Saddleback College.
De La Salle’s third play from scrimmage after taking the opening kickoff was a 3-yard loss on a running play, with Diablos defensive linemen Kane Nolte and Jaden Williams making the tackle.
Defensive linemen often tie up the blockers on the opposing offensive line so that others can make the tackles.
Mission Viejo’s safety had back-to-back tackles for loss on second and third downs, forcing De La Salle to punt.
Mission Viejo would score its only first-half touchdown on the ensuing possession to tie the game 7-7.
After that touchdown, Diablos defensive linemen Titus Miller and Damian Coblentz teamed to stop De La Salle quarterback Toa Fa’avae for a 2-yard loss on a third-down play that put the Spartans into another punting situation.
