Football: Don’t mess with Mission Viejo

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Yes, there are some people who actually think Santa Ana Mater Dei has a chance to beat Mission Viejo on Friday in a Pac-5 Division semifinal.

Not me. Mission Viejo has been No. 1 in The Times’ rankings from day one, and there’s a reason. The Diablos are strong everywhere.

Mater Dei has risen up and played well in its playoff victories over Long Beach Poly and Tesoro, but Mission Viejo is in another class level.

Let’s see how well the Monarchs can block. Let’s see how the Monarchs are going to stop Mission Viejo’s wildcat formation.

I just don’t see it happening.

Of course, the Southern Section wouldn’t mind a Servite-Mater Dei final. That would bring out fans en masse at Angel Stadium.

-- Eric Sondheimer