Punt Rolls in Mission Viejo’s Favor

MISSION VIEJO —  Strangely enough, a 10-yard punt by Mission Viejo quarterback Payson LeMeilleur was the Diablos’ key play in a 21-14 victory over Rancho Buena Vista Saturday night at Mission Viejo High School.

Mission Viejo (2-0), Orange County’s No. 1-ranked team, broke a 14-14 tie in the fourth quarter on Deron Drake’s third touchdown run of the game, but it was LeMeilleur’s punt on the final play of the third quarter which set up the victory.

On fourth and 10 from the Diablo 32-yard line, LeMeilleur dropped into punt formation and then scrambled after a bad snap that sailed over his head to the Mission Viejo five. With several defenders in pursuit, LeMeilleur managed to pick up the ball and kick it in one motion to the Diablo 42.

As a result, Rancho Buena Vista (0-2), which had tied the score on its previous possession, had to start this one near midfield instead of near the goal line.

On their first play after the punt, the Longhorns fumbled, and Mission Viejo’s Mark Howerton recovered to set up the Diablos’ game-winning drive.

LeMeilleur, who was 12 of 18 for 194 yards, completed three of three passes in Mission Viejo’s 58-yard march, including a 23-yarder to Anthony Ramirez.

Drake rushed 19 times for 82 yards and three touchdowns.