The Brave News

by Michael Barba

The St. John Bosco Braves are prepared to take on the Mission Viejo Diablos on the road and propel themselves to CIF Southern Section Finals.

The Braves are only two games away from being CIF-SS Champions, but Bosco Football is staying focused on the task ahead of them, as Mission Viejo is ranked number 25 in the nation.

Heading into this contest, both semi-finalists have a record of 10-1. The Braves are currently riding a four game winning-streak, while the Diablos are on a eight game winning streak. So without a doubt, both teams are going into this game riding high with confidence.

“Everybody has been locked in. Our coaches have done a great job with helping us prepare for the playoffs, and this week is no different,” said senior wide receiver DeAndre Moore.

This is going to be one competitive game, and both teams are going to be seeing familiar faces heading into this matchup, as the Braves took on the Diablos in a seven-on-seven match over the Summer. The match ended in a loss for the Braves, but they’re now itching to face the Diablos in pads, where it counts most. 

A familiar face in particular on the opposing sideline is Mission Viejo Head Coach Chad Johnson, who used to be the Offensive Coordinator of the Braves during their first National Championship run.

Both of these competitors have some of the best stats in the country this season on both sides of the ball. The Braves currently have 149 pass completions, 69 touchdowns, 853 total tackles and 32 sacks, while the Diablos have 177 pass completions, 62 touchdowns, 930 tackles and 41 sacks. The national averages of these stats, according to MaxPreps, are 75 pass completions, 60 touchdowns, 450 tackles and 13 sacks, numbers both teams comfortably exceed.

If the Braves win this match, it will be their first time heading into CIF-SS Finals since their seven year streak of playing in the championship was broken last season. This allows them to have a competitive edge heading into the big game this Friday at Mission Viejo, as the Braves seek redemption. 

“Heading into this game, we have had a quiet confidence, which is what most of our team exudes and has been led by our senior group, as they have come together over the last few months.” said receiver coach Nate Munson. “So, we’re really excited to compete against some of the best teams in the state and that’s why we’re looking forward to tomorrow night.” 

Prior to this game against Mission Viejo, the Braves played their quarterfinal game against a familiar Trinity League foe, the Orange Lutheran Lancers, at the Panish Family Stadium last Friday. The contest ended in a dominant 49-14 win for the Braves. 

The Braves completed 22 passes and scored a total of seven touchdowns, which were scored by senior quarterback Pierce Clarkson, senior wide receiver DeAndre Moore, senior tight end Matayo Uiagalelei and senior wide receiver Israel Polk. The Braves defense also showed out with 38 tackles and five sacks.

Don’t forget to get your tickets to the game tonight, which starts at 7 p.m. at Mission Viejo High School.