NOTEBOOK

No one played more snaps this year for Mission Viejo than Ryan Powdrell, the Diablos’ starting fullback and linebacker. But now, Powdrell is watching the Division II playoffs from the sidelines after suffering a broken leg against San Clemente in the regular-season finale.

“It’s a devastating blow for us,” Mission Viejo Coach Bob Johnson said. “About the only other guy more valuable to us is [halfback] Robbie Dubois. Ryan never left the field.”

Powdrell, a 6-1, 225-pound junior who averaged nearly nine yards a carry, is being replaced at fullback by junior Jared Darensbourg. Senior Jacob Ho will start tonight against Chino in Powdrell’s middle linebacker spot.

Johnson said there is a slight chance Powdrell, who has a hairline fracture of his fibula, could return if Mission Viejo reaches the championship game in two weeks.