Mission Viejo’s girls flag football team secured a thrilling 13-6 victory over El Modena in the CIF-SS Division 3 playoffs on October 28, 2025, at Fred Kelly Stadium. Quarterback Bailey McNeal led the way, orchestrating two pivotal scoring drives, including a decisive touchdown in the final minute of the game.
Facing a formidable El Modena defense known for its interception capabilities, McNeal demonstrated remarkable poise. Despite the challenges, she successfully guided her team to victory, marking Mission Viejo’s first playoff run since flag football became a sanctioned sport in the Southern Section in 2023. The Diablos improved their record to 17-14 and will now host Roosevelt of Eastvale in the semifinals.
Critical Plays Define the Match
McNeal, a senior playing quarterback for the first time this season, opened the scoring with a 4-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. This initial score capped a strong 56-yard drive and gave Mission Viejo a 6-0 lead. As the clock wound down, McNeal struck again, executing a 5-yard touchdown run with just 42 seconds remaining, solidifying the team’s win.
“I couldn’t do it without my teammates,” McNeal said post-game. “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.”
On the game-winning drive, Cody Lambert made crucial catches totaling 19 yards, showcasing the teamwork that propelled the Diablos forward. The offensive strategy implemented by head coach Darrel Letcher proved effective, despite the pressure McNeal faced from El Modena’s defense.
El Modena’s Defensive Struggles
El Modena’s defense, while successful in securing five interceptions, struggled to convert these opportunities into points. Quarterback Halle Calderon managed to score the Vanguards’ only touchdown on a 3-yard run in the third quarter. This score was set up by an interception from Aryanna Alcala and a subsequent personal foul against Mission Viejo, giving El Modena favorable field position.
Despite their defensive prowess, El Modena’s coach, Steve Tafua, expressed disappointment in the team’s inability to capitalize on multiple red zone opportunities. “We had opportunities. Defense gave us a lot of interceptions. We didn’t capitalize on offense. We just fell short,” he stated.
As Mission Viejo prepares for the semifinals, both teams reflect on a match that highlighted resilience and the critical importance of execution in high-stakes playoff scenarios. The excitement surrounding this playoff journey underscores the growing popularity and competitive spirit within girls’ flag football.
