Servite blasts Mission Viejo in Pac-5 title game; Bowl bid likely awaits

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Malik Felton and the rest of the Servite (Anaheim) Friars know how to keep a good thing going. Two key pieces of evidence: their offense kept pouring on the points Saturday at Angel Stadium and their win streak has now reached 25 games.

The 41-27 triumph over Mission Viejo in the Pac-5 title game moved Servite to 14-0 this season and put the onus upon the CIF State Championship Bowl selection committee to decide if the Friars are worthy of the Open Division berth for the upcoming state championship games, or if they fit better in the Division I game.

That will be determined today, as the selection committee will release the matchups on the CIF's Web site.

Felton led a Friars offense that reminded observers not to assume Servite gets by with only defense and special teams. The senior receiver-turned-running back used dazzling displays of athleticism to post three rushing touchdowns and 184 yards on 24 carries, while in the passing game, he grabbed a swing pass from Cody Pittman and rambled 45 yards for another score.

"He runs with so much heart and desire. He's not a big guy but he has so much inside of him that he brings with him on Friday and Saturday nights," Friars coach Troy Thomas said.

Felton's first touchdown was of the banal variety, a simple 2-yard run through a big hole on the right side that made it 14-7 Friars with 10:55 left in the second quarter. After that, his scoring touches were anything but boring.

Felton took a handoff from Pittman in the shotgun formation and made four would-be tacklers miss on his way to a 21-yard score off left tackle that ran the lead up to 21-7. Up 24-14 with 2:41 left in the third, he hauled in a swing pass from his quarterback around the 45-yard line, split two defenders and planted his off hand in the turf to keep his balance after a Diablos defender nearly tripped him up at the 17.

And then to make sure a Mission Viejo comeback attempt didn't mature, Felton took the first handoff of a drive and raced 48 yards down the far sideline to make it 41-27 with 3:11 left.

"I just wanted to get those yards," Felton said. "We've been working hard all year lifting weights, getting stronger legs, and I just knew that would help me with my balance today."

Servite came in ranked No. 20 in the MaxPreps Xcellent 25 presented by the Army National Guard, while Mission Viejo was No. 9. What made the rankings not hold true was a combination of Felton and early Diablos mistakes.

Mission Viejo (13-1) tossed two interceptions in the first half and the receiving group dropped or mishandled at least seven passes over the course of the game. A false start penalty on a fourth-and-1 in the opening quarter also hurt the Diablos.

"The first half was a disaster for us and it's hard to come back from a disaster," Mission Viejo coach Bob Johnson said. "We made horrendous mistakes on both sides of the ball. You don't get a second chance."

Running back Dallas Kessman carried 21 times for 102 yards and a pair of touchdowns for the Diablos but Mission Viejo's other weapon in the running game, wildcat formation weapon and USC recruit Tre Madden, was rendered ineffective by the Servite defense. Madden was credited with three rushes for minus-9 yards and threw one of his team's interceptions. Jahleel Pinner used a nifty spin move as part of a 28-yard scoring run for Mission Viejo in the fourth quarter as part of a 54-yard game.

Servite kicker Connor Loftus was good from 28 yards to form the 24-7 hafltime advantage, then booted a 40-yarder with 10:33 left in the game to make it 34-14. Pittman, who went 9-for-15 with 213 yards, found Robert Abeyta for a 34-yard scoring pass to open the scoring.

Now the Friars will wait and see if they are in the bowl games. It's nearly impossible to find a scenario that leaves Servite, the defending Division II champions, out of the festivities — the only question is if they or Centennial (Corona) will get the Open Division berth.

For linebacker Matt Inman, the possibility of meeting up with De La Salle (Concord) in the Open Division contest is one he wants to experience. He may have his wish, as the Spartans are also the heavy favorite for the Northern California Open Division spot.

Playing in a Pac-5 title game with a shot at a state title game the second time around was much easier, Inman added.

"There was a little bit more of an ease to it this time, I'm not going to lie," said Inman, who made seven tackles. "Last year I couldn't even walk, I was sick to my stomach I was so nervous.

"De La Salle is a great program and everybody has heard of them. I'd like to get a shot at those guys just to say I did it."