By Steven Spiewak
MaxPreps.com
De La Salle rarely loses. The Spartans lose more than once to the same team even more infrequently.
That is what makes Mission Viejo's 2-1 record against Spartans over the past three seasons so impressive, and adds much intrigue to Saturday night's 8 p.m. showdown at Mission Viejo.
Perhaps atypical of a De La Salle program that has accumulated wins in southern California against teams the ilk of Mater Dei and Long Beach Poly, the De La Salle squads of recent years have endured both a loss at Mission Viejo in 2005, and a defeat at the hands of southern California's Canyon in last year's CIF bowl game.
This year's Spartan squad is determined to re-establish a track record of success in the lower half of the state.
"The history of De La Salle is going to southern California and playing our best game," said senior linebacker Brady Amack. "I've played down there twice and never really played well. I want to go down and bring some of the tradition back."
Amack has been stalwart in solidifying a Spartan defense that has allowed a mere 12 points per game in three wins. The offense for Coach Bob Ladouceur's squad has not disappointed either. Third-year starter Mike MacGillivray, the most seasoned of the triad of quarterbacks who have taken snaps, says that having help his senior season has taken pressure off of his shoulders.
"When I was an underclassman, I always wanted to play for our seniors," he said. "Blake's a fun QB and fun to play with, so I'm just having fun right now."
In addition to the contributions of Blake Wayne, senior transfer Nate Montana has been a viable third option at quarterback, having completed 6 of 8 passes this season.
"Anytime Joe Montana's son is your third string quarterback, you know you're doing something right," said Ben Enos, a writer for the Contra Costa Times who has followed the team for years.
However, this Mission Viejo squad is no slouch, and will certainly not roll over for the Spartans. Despite a loss to Vista in its last game, head coach Bob Johnson believes his team will be as fired up as ever to host De La Salle.
"It won't take any juice out of it at all. It might add to it," the long-time coach said.
Mission Viejo undoubtedly has the ability to stretch the De La Salle defense, with a balanced offense led by 6-5 junior quarterback Allen Bridgford. Bridgford has two targets, Warren Reuland and Kevin Chandler, who are capable of making the big play. Running back Craig Woods has the speed to break runs into the secondary.
Junior Alex Mascarenas is also a playmaker, but will likely have a bigger impact at cornerback. If Mission Viejo brings eight in the box to stifle De La Salle's veer attack, Mascarenas will be tested. No one has been able to stop De La Salle this season, but if there's a team to do it in the regular season, it will be Mission Viejo.
Mission Viejo has already defeated one storied program this season. It came from behind to knock off Ohio's Moeller at the Ohio vs. USA Kirk Herbstreit Challenge.
Although geographically improbable, it seems as if Mission Viejo-De La Salle has grown into a cross-state rivalry between two talented programs on opposite ends of the state.
"We're love the relationship with them, and we're looking forward to it," said Johnson.
Similarly, Ladouceur enjoys the competition.
"They have been the team to beat down there for the last 3 or 4 years," he said. "We always seek out the best competition for our team."
If De La Salle can get the recent SoCal monkey off its back with a win on Saturday, it could spell trouble for the rest of the state and perhaps another undefeated state championship season for the Spartans.
If, however, Mission Viejo can come away with the win, the Diablos will be like kryptonite to Superman. And you can bet every Northern California coach will take notice.