Mission Viejo secured a thrilling victory over El Modena with a late touchdown in the CIF-SS Division 3 flag football playoffs, winning the quarterfinal match 13-6 on October 28, 2025, at Fred Kelly Stadium in Orange, California. The Diablos’ quarterback, Bailey McNeal, played a pivotal role, leading two critical scoring drives, including the decisive touchdown with just 42 seconds remaining in the game.
The match began with a strong defensive performance from both teams, particularly from El Modena, which showcased a secondary adept at intercepting passes. Throughout the game, El Modena’s defense recorded five interceptions, with Madison Gallegos contributing two of those crucial takeaways. Despite this, the Vanguards struggled to capitalize on their defensive gains, managing only a single touchdown.
McNeal’s first score came in the first quarter on a 4-yard run that capped a 56-yard drive, giving the Diablos an early lead of 6-0. The senior quarterback, who is in her first year playing the position, demonstrated remarkable poise and skill. Her second touchdown came after a 24-yard drive, solidifying the Diablos’ position in the semifinals, where they will host Roosevelt High School of Eastvale.
Key Moments and Contributions
The game-winning drive was marked by a key reception from Cody Lambert, who caught a pass for 19 yards, setting the stage for McNeal’s final run. Reflecting on her team’s effort, McNeal stated, “I couldn’t do it without my teammates. I have so much respect for each of them. They will fight every single minute for me, and I’ll fight every single minute for them.” This sentiment was echoed by Darrel Letcher, Mission Viejo’s head coach, who praised McNeal’s ability to thrive under pressure, emphasizing the complexities of the Diablos’ offense.
El Modena’s only score came in the third quarter, following a series of fortunate events that included an interception from Aryanna Alcala and a personal foul penalty against Mission Viejo. Quarterback Halle Calderon executed a pump fake before running into the end zone for a 3-yard touchdown. Despite their efforts, the Vanguards faced challenges in converting their defensive interceptions into additional scores, leaving them to reflect on missed opportunities.
Coaches’ Perspectives
El Modena’s head coach, Steve Tafua, expressed disappointment over his team’s inability to capitalize on their defensive strengths, stating, “We had opportunities. The defense gave us a lot of interceptions. We didn’t capitalize on offense. We were in the red zone a number of times. We just didn’t execute. When it comes down to the third round, it’s all the little things that matter. We just fell short.”
As the Diablos prepare for their semifinal matchup, they carry the momentum of this hard-fought victory. This playoff run marks a significant milestone for Mission Viejo, who is participating in the playoffs for the first time since flag football became a sanctioned sport in the Southern Section in 2023. With their sights set on the championship, the Diablos look to build on this success and continue their quest for glory in the CIF-SS Division 3 playoffs.
