This Mission Viejo HS vs. Long Beach Poly HS game was a highly anticipated rivalry game in the area. Both teams are very well-known for their football and fans. The Rivalry between always has a big turnout for both schools since it’s a highly anticipated game. Coming into this game, everyone knew it was going to be another one for the record books. Fox Sports West was even there to do a live broadcast of the game with 2 sideline reporters.

MVP

Colin Schooler

Mission Viejo

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Riley Russell

Mission Viejo

Riley is a 2-year varsity letterman who has participated in philanthropic support of PCRF and has overcome injury. He has consistently taken a rigorous academic course load while displaying character and leadership on and off the field.

Aaron Shampkin

Long Beach Poly

Aaron is a 3-year letterman on the varsity football and track team. He was a First Team All Moore League Selection at both running back and defensive utility for the 2015 season. Aaron is also a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and is being recruited by Ivy League schools including Harvard and Columbia. He plans to pursue a degree in Business.

GAME SUMMARY

In the first half, the Poly defense gave up scores on the first two drives of the game, as the Jackrabbit offense went three-and-out twice to start the game. Before fans were even in their seats it was 14-0 Diablos five minutes in. Poly battled back to tie it, as Kejuan Markham grabbed an interception to set up an the Great American Scholar Athlete from Poly, Aaron Shampklin rushing touchdown. The defense smothered the Diablos for the rest of the half, as Josh Brown and Edgar Frost had sacks, and Mission Viejo managed just 49 yards rushing. Pierce put the game on the line at the end of the first half, as his team had the ball on the ball on the eight yard line with just five seconds left. Pierce opted to go for it, and quarterback Nolan McDonald hit his brother Camren for a touchdown to tie the game. Coming out of the locker room with the game tied 14-14, the game changed completely. McDonald was intercepted and the Diablos returned it for a touchdown, then took control of the game on the ground, rushing for 165 yards, as opposed to 49 in the first half. Colin Schooler was sensational for the Diablos, finishing with four touchdowns and 62 yards on 13 carries, earning the MVP award from the United States Army and Great American Rivalry Series.