It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Aliso Creek Adobes, County Of Orange Historical Site No. 44 gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Mission Viejo, CA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Oso Viejo Community Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Domenico's on the Lake or visit Juan Avila Adobe Historical Monument, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Mission Viejo, CA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Mission Viejo, CA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Mission Viejo, CA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
MISSION VIEJO – Summer ended and fall began at Mission Viejo High School on Monday.Monday was the first practice day for Orange County high school football teams that play their 2025 season-opening games the week of Aug. 21-23.Summer 7-on-7 passing tournaments and linemen competitions started in June and continued through mid-July, but the “first official day of football practice,” as the CIF Southern Section words it, was Monday.The day started early at Mission Viejo, with player-coach meetings at 7:30...
MISSION VIEJO – Summer ended and fall began at Mission Viejo High School on Monday.
Monday was the first practice day for Orange County high school football teams that play their 2025 season-opening games the week of Aug. 21-23.
Summer 7-on-7 passing tournaments and linemen competitions started in June and continued through mid-July, but the “first official day of football practice,” as the CIF Southern Section words it, was Monday.
The day started early at Mission Viejo, with player-coach meetings at 7:30 a.m. The players started to matriculate to the school’s on-campus stadium for their on-field work at 8:20 a.m. Stretching began at 8:30 and various drills followed under a welcomed early-morning marine layer.
Music, starting with Michael Jackson’s “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)” and later the Commodores’ “Brick House” and more, added to the energy.
Quarterback Luke Fahey, a senior who was All-Alpha League first team last season and an Ohio State commit, threw to receivers short and long, and offered instruction to receivers to make sure they were running the correct routes. He led Mission Viejo to great success during the summer passing tournaments, including the championship of the Battle at the Beach at Edison High.
Senior receiver Vance Spafford’s work was limited to a few routes. Spafford, All-Orange County first team for a second year in a row last season, is recovering from mononucleosis that kept him out of summer passing activity.
Mission Viejo coach Chad Johnson said Spafford’s progress is such that the University of Miami commit could be cleared later this week to resume full participation.
All-County second-team defensive lineman JD Hill (6-2, 270) wore a plain black T-shirt and beige sweatpants to Monday morning’s workouts, which drew some good-natured ridicule from an assistant coach because every other player was in a practice jersey and more traditional football pants. Hill, committed to Northern Arizona and also Diablos basketball player, is such a jovial guy, one of those kids loved by everyone on campus, that it’s got to be difficult to ever get mad at him.
The first week of football practice is not the grueling, two-practices-a-day ordeal it was years ago. Mission Viejo coach Chad Johnson, who went through all of that as an All-County player at El Toro, is fine with that because he sees it as being good for the game and its players.
“i think our sport has been under attack,” Johnson said. “Instead of letting it go into a downward spiral and having fewer kids playing football, we’ve changed the way we deal with concussions and head injuries and heat-related illnesses. This makes our sport safer and will help it survive the test of time, and for that I say ‘Bravo, we did the right thing.’ “
Helmets are the only type of protective gear that can be worn on the first three days of practice. On the fourth day, shoulder pads can be worn. A couple of days later, full gear and tackling and blocking will be added.
Mission Viejo has a big opening game to kick off the season. The Diablos play Santa Margarita on Aug. 22, a Santa Margarita home game at Trabuco Hills High. Mission Viejo is No. 14 in the MaxPreps.com preseason national rankings and Santa Margarita is No. 16.
Santa Margarita has revved up its football program, starting with the hiring of alum Carson Palmer as head coach. Palmer won the Heisman Trophy at USC before a long and fruitful NFL career.
Santa Margarita has a fine group of returnees led by All-Orange County receiver Trent Mosley who will be a senior this school year. The Eagles got a transfer with outstanding potential, senior quarterback Trace Johnson (6-0, 180), who passed for 6,366 yards 64 touchdowns over his two years of varsity football in Florida. He has committed to Tulane.
Mission Viejo has plenty of work to do to get ready its season opener, work that officially got underway Monday.
A 60-year-old nurse was convicted Tuesday of sexually assaulting three women under his care at Providence Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo.MISSION VIEJO, CA — A 60-year-old nurse was convicted Tuesday of sexually assaulting three women at Providence Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo.Paul Alden Miller was convicted of three felony counts of sexual battery by fraud and three misdemeanor counts of touching an intimate part of another person, according to court records.He is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 7.M...
MISSION VIEJO, CA — A 60-year-old nurse was convicted Tuesday of sexually assaulting three women at Providence Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo.
Paul Alden Miller was convicted of three felony counts of sexual battery by fraud and three misdemeanor counts of touching an intimate part of another person, according to court records.
He is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 7.
Miller was convicted of assaults on women aged 56, 68 and 22.
The then-56-year-old woman came into the hospital on March 19, 2021, for dizziness, said Deputy District Attorney Kelcie Anne Wiemann.
The woman testified that she went to the emergency room because, "I was having vertigo that wouldn't go away."
She said she relieved herself in the bathroom before she was called in for an exam. When Miller suggested an external catheter because she was going to have an MRI done, she said, "I think I agreed it was a good idea."
Miller tugged her yoga pants off and placed the external catheter on her, she testified.
"There was a lot of fiddling to get it in place," she testified. "It felt like there was inappropriate touching. ... I felt really uncomfortable."
Miller was "very touchy feely," and he caressed her, she testified.
Initially, "I thought he was trying to be comforting," but then he decided to place an internal catheter in her, she testified.
"There was a lot of fondling and touching," as the internal catheter was inserted, she testified. "He was rubbing on my clitoris."
At some point, "I finally just said, `What are you trying to do? I just went to the bathroom,"' she testified.
Miller appeared to brush off the question, she said.
"He just asked me if I felt relaxed now," she testified.
The way he handled the catheter "seemed more like an intimate way," she testified.
The then-22-year-old woman went into the hospital to be treated for injuries she suffered in a car crash, Wiemann said in her opening statement of the trial. She returned on March 31, 2021, with her father and Miller sexually assaulted her with a catheter, Wiemann said.
"She was feeling dizzy at first but she was able to walk," the prosecutor said.
She had never had a catheter inserted before and asked if it would hurt, Wiemann said. As he inserted it, she said, "Ow that hurts," the prosecutor said.
Miller also manipulated her clitoris, Wiemann said. He also asked her "does this feel better," as he touched her clitoris "over and over again with his thumb," the prosecutor said.
That woman came forward and filed a report with law enforcement the next day, the prosecutor said.The 68-year-old woman came to the emergency room on April 9, 2021, with her husband to be treated for vomiting and anxiety, Wiemann said.
"She was yelling, screaming at times," the prosecutor said.
On that day, Miller was being "job shadowed" by a nursing student who helped place a catheter in the woman.
Later, Miller returned to the woman alone and also molested her vagina, the prosecutor said.
"When he said, `Does that feel good?' it was at that point she realized she was being sexually assaulted," Wiemann said. "She started screaming. ... Everybody then runs into her room and she tells the defendant you know what you did to me. You touched me."
The woman had catheters inserted in her about 30 times over the years, but never had an experience like the one with Miller, the prosecutor said.
Miller's attorney, Sharon Beth Marshall, told jurors in her opening statement of the trial, "There are bad eggs in every profession, but Paul Miller is not one of them. Nurse Miller is a great nurse with solid character. He is still a working, great nurse."
Ohio State pledge Luke Fahey tosses 3rd-quarter TD for game-winning points to spoil Carson Palmer's debut as head coachMission Viejo will play Santa Margarita in a battle of nationally-ranked teams Aug. 22. Joe Duncan / Joe DuncanWeek 1 features a number of good matchups on paper in California.Tonight, No. 3-ranked Mission Viejo will face No. 8-ranked Santa Margarita Catholic.Mission Viejo went 11-1 last year and lost in the Division I quarterfinals to Corona Centennial.The bottom half of that playoff brack...
Ohio State pledge Luke Fahey tosses 3rd-quarter TD for game-winning points to spoil Carson Palmer's debut as head coach
Mission Viejo will play Santa Margarita in a battle of nationally-ranked teams Aug. 22. Joe Duncan / Joe Duncan
Week 1 features a number of good matchups on paper in California.
Tonight, No. 3-ranked Mission Viejo will face No. 8-ranked Santa Margarita Catholic.
Mission Viejo went 11-1 last year and lost in the Division I quarterfinals to Corona Centennial.
The bottom half of that playoff bracket saw Santo Margarita fall to St. John Bosco in the quarterfinals. The Eagles finished last year with a 5-7 mark.
Santa Margarita is No. 16 and Mission Viejo is No. 19 in our national top 25 poll.
This game will be the head coaching debut for former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL standout Carson Palmer. He was hired by his alma mater in December, according to previous High School on SI coverage.
Palmer starred at Santa Margarita, where he led the Eagles to back-to-back CIF titles and earned All-American, All-State, All-Southern Section, and All-CIF State honors before graduating in 1998, according to EaglesFootball.com. He went on to play at USC, where he won the Heisman Trophy in 2002, before becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals.
The game will feature more than a dozen future Division I players. Here are some notable players:
WR — Vance Spafford, sr. — 4-star recruit; Miami (Fla.) pledge
CB — Jeron Jones, sr. — 4-star recruit; Washington pledge
QB — Luke Fahey, sr. — 3-star recruit; Ohio State pledge
DL — JD Hill, sr. — 3-star recruit; Northern Arizona pledge
WR — Jack Junker, jr. — 3-star recruit
DL — Simote Katoanga, sr. — 4-star recruit; USC pledge
WR — Trent Mosley, sr. — 4-star recruit; USC pledge; both parents played sports at Notre Dame, older brother plays football at Texas
S — Logan Hirou, sr. — 3-star recruit; UCLA pledge
WR — Jonah Smith, sr. — 3-star recruit; UCLA pledge
DL — Manoah Faupusa, sr. — 3-star recruit; Arizona pledge
CB — Jayden Crowder, sr. — 3-star recruit; California pledge
OL — Niniva Nicholson, sr. — 3-star recruit; Arizona State pledge
QB — Trace Johnson, sr. — 3-star recruit; Tulane pledge; his dad, Doug, played in the NFL from 2000-06.
LB — Ivrick Carrigan, sr. — 3-star recruit
DL — Isaia Vandermade, jr. — 3-star recruit
Let us know who you believe will win by trying your hand at our Pick 'Em challenge.
Matt Stephen thinks this will be a close game. Check out his thoughts here.
Mission Viejo gets the ball to start this game
Fahey scrambles and connects with Spafford for a first down to move the ball to midfield on 3rd down.
Mission Viejo punts to end the first drive. Santa Margarita takes over at the 10-yard line. 9:10 left.
Trent Mosley with a catch on the 1st play; his 29th straight game with at least 1 catch, tying school record held by former NFL WR Brian Finneran.
Santa Margarita punts and Diablos will take over at own 46 7:11 left in 1st
Fahey hits Junker -- a former Santa Margartia player -- for a a 30-yard gain and the ball in the Eagles' territory.
Pass interference on Santa Margarita makes it 1st and goal from the 5.
4th and goal from the 1 coming up for MV.
Fumble on the play by RB Davonte Curtis and Fahey recovers for the Diablos. Turnover on downs. 3:27 left. Eagles take over at the 5.
End of 1: Santa Margarita 0, Mission Viejo 0
Johnson had a long pass that set up a 1st and goal at the 1 but called due to holding.
Johnson hits Gazzaniga to move the ball closer to the first down marker at the 42-- they connected on the long play that was called back.
SM decided to punt from the 42-yard line. MV taking over with 7:28 left in 2nd at the 20-yard line.
Fahey to Luke Karby for a long gain to move the ball inside SM territory. Fahey follows up with a pass to Carson Vandermade for a a first-down. Ball at the 33-yard line.
A sack by Van Manutai pushes the ball back and MV facing a 4th-and-23.
SM taking over at the 20-yard line with 3:56 left. Good effort by Jeron Jones that almost got the ball down pinned at the 1.
Trent Mosley with a 71-yard TD catch but it is coming back on another penalty. SM could easily be up 14-0 or 14-7 but penalties are killing them.
Trent Mosley with a big catch and the ball is down to the MV 29-yard line
Johnson to Jake Martin to move to the 20-yard line with 31 seconds left.
Johnson to Trent Mosley down to the 6-yard line with 5 seconds left. Timeout by SM but clock runs down to 0:00. Refs talking with Palmer now.
Jordan Hicks with what almost an INT for Mission Viejo. He was called out of bounds on the catch.
Tyler Wiegand coming out for a FG but SM calls a timeout with the ball at the 6 to talk things over.
23-yard FG good at the buzzer.
End of 2nd: Santa Margarita Catholic 3, Mission Viejo 0
Santa Margarita facing a 3rd-and-14 on the opening drive of 2nd half
Freshman Adrian Petero with a 14-yard run to get a first down. Bold play by Palmer on that situation.
Johnson to Jalon Smith for a 20-yard gain. 1st and 10 at the 19
Wiegand misses a 32-yard FG with 4:49 left in the 3rd. Looked like maybe it went over the top of the goal post, but it is waved no good. Eagles ran 7 minutes, 21 seconds off the clock
Missoin Viejo stalls out on offense again and punting again. However, Jones downs the ball at the 4-yard line.
Santa Margarita has to punt from own end zone and Mission Viejo has ball at 32-yard line. 1:40 left in the 3rd. Diablos have a chance to take the lead
Fahey to Junker in corner of the end zone. 32-yard score with 1:32 left. Mission Viejo is up now. Mission Viejo 7, Santa Margarita 3
End of 3: Mission Viejo 7, Santa Margarita Catholic 3
Late hit gives Diablos a first down on what would've been likely a punting situation for Mission Viejo. 9:30 left
Fahey to Karby for a first down to get the ball to the 21-yard line. TV announcer noted that Spafford -- a Miami pledge -- is not on the field this drive.
Mission Viejo facing 4th and 10 with 8:05 left. They call a timeout before kicking a FG.
38-yard FG by Isaiah Murguia pushed wide right but the angle was tricky for even pros. 7:30 left
Smith with a first-down run for Santa Margarita. Less than 5 minutes to go and the clock is running. Ball near midfield
Face mask penalty on Mission Viejo. Big play that turned into a 25-yard gain after 10-yard gain. Eagles at the 32-yard line now with 4:06 left
Pass interference on Mission Viejo gives Santa Margarita a 3rd-and-1 from the 8.
A run for no gain. 4th down coming up with 44 seconds left.
Mission Viejo calls timeout with 33 seconds left.
Bad snap leads to a hurried throw by Johnson. Incomplete pass. That'll do it.
Diablos take over at the 8-yard line with 26 seconds left. Santa Margarita with 2 timeouts left.
California's high school football season jumps right in on Friday with one of the most highly-anticipated non-league games of the regular season. Santa Margarita hosts Mission Viejo (at Trabuco Hills High School) in a matchup of No. 6 and No. 5 in The Sporting News' California preseason rankings.Additionally, Mission Viejo is ranked No. 22 in SN's national rankings, whereas Santa Margarita narrowly missed the top 25 and would likely come flying in with a win over the Diablos.Between a few key injuries and an overwhelming streng...
California's high school football season jumps right in on Friday with one of the most highly-anticipated non-league games of the regular season. Santa Margarita hosts Mission Viejo (at Trabuco Hills High School) in a matchup of No. 6 and No. 5 in The Sporting News' California preseason rankings.
Additionally, Mission Viejo is ranked No. 22 in SN's national rankings, whereas Santa Margarita narrowly missed the top 25 and would likely come flying in with a win over the Diablos.
Between a few key injuries and an overwhelming strength of schedule, Santa Margarita was one of the best 5-7 teams you'll ever see last season. In 2025, the Eagles look to make a big leap in Carson Palmer's coaching debut, and they have the talent to do it between returners and inbound transfers. USC-bound receiver Trent Mosley is on a shortlist of statewide MVP candidates and will help assimilate new QB Trace Johnson, a Tulane commit who threw for 6,366 yards and 64 touchdowns in two seasons at Buccholz (FL). Blue chip sophomore running back Jaion Smith helps the cause too. Dash Fifita and Leki Holani (Sacramento State) might comprise the best linebacker tandem in California, and Santa Margarita has a plethora of additional stars throughout the trenches and defensive backfield. The Eagles aren't a sure thing with so much turnover, but the sky is the limit.
For Mission Viejo, QB Luke Fahey (Ohio State) and WR Vance Spafford (Miami) have a chance to prove themselves as the best battery in high school football with two dominant years under their belts already. Fellow seniors DB Jeron Jones (Washington) and DE JD Hill (NAU) are also among California's best players. DL Kane Noelte, LB Brady Bowman, and DB Zachary Foeldi are also coming off strong junior seasons on defense. That constitutes an outstanding core, but the Diablos will need more players to break out as stars for a chance to make the CIF-SS D1 semifinals. Senior RB Davonte Curtis is a top candidate, and junior Santa Margarita transfer Jack Junker is a budding star at receiver.
Here’s everything you need to know about live streaming Santa Margarita vs. Mission Viejo.
Santa Margarita vs. Mission Viejo will air live on the NFHS Network. You can subscribe to NFHS Network on a monthly basis or an annual subscription.
The opening kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. PT on Friday, Aug. 22. The game will be played at Trabuco Hills High School in Mission Viejo.
California position rankings: Top 20 QBs | Top 20 RBs | Top 20 WRs | Top 10 TEs |Top 20 OLs | Top 20 DLs | Top 20 LBs | Top 25 DBs
Ranking the top 10 quarterbacks in Orange County going into the high school football season:TOP 10 QUARTERBACKS1. Luke Fahey, Mission Viejo, Sr.The Ohio State commit continues to build an impressive skill set. After completing 77 percent of his passes last season, Fahey (6-1, 185) showcased his growing leadership in leading the Diablos to three passing tournament titles in the summer. With his leadership and solo role this fall, Fahey is the clear choice at No. 1.2. Ryan H...
Ranking the top 10 quarterbacks in Orange County going into the high school football season:
TOP 10 QUARTERBACKS
1. Luke Fahey, Mission Viejo, Sr.
The Ohio State commit continues to build an impressive skill set. After completing 77 percent of his passes last season, Fahey (6-1, 185) showcased his growing leadership in leading the Diablos to three passing tournament titles in the summer. With his leadership and solo role this fall, Fahey is the clear choice at No. 1.
2. Ryan Hopkins, Mater Dei, Sr.
The Wisconsin commit looked comfortable in summer passing competition following his transfer from JSerra. He displayed a quick release and accuracy, two qualities that will complement his running ability. There are questions, however, regarding his eligibility. As of July 23, he was listed by the CIF-SS as a transfer required to sit out the first five games. If Hopkins is not on the field, look for junior Furian Inferrera at QB.
3. Timmy Herr, San Juan Hills, Sr.
Confidence is an important skill for quarterbacks, and Herr’s self-belief appeared on the rise in 7-on-7 competition over the summer. Herr’s demeanor was especially revealing considering his success as a dual-threat quarterback on Friday nights. Last season, Herr (6-0, 210) completed 69 percent of his passes for 2,230 yards and rushed for nine TDs.
4. Brady Edmunds, Huntington Beach, Jr.
The county’s collection of quarterbacks is deeper than some might believe if Edmunds (6-5, 225) — a first-team All-County selection last season — starts at No. 4. Edmunds, who is also committed to Ohio State, is transitioning to a new coach in Matthew Hatchette. The duo showed some areas for growth at the South County passing tournament but Edmunds’ track record is impressive. He passed for 3,222 yards and 36 TDs last season.
5. Trace Johnson, Santa Margarita, Sr.
The transfer from Buchholz in Florida arrives with strong credentials for his transition to the Trinity League. Johnson (6-1, 191), who is committed to Tulane, passed for 3,522 yards and 29 TDs last season for a squad that finished ranked No. 31 in the Florida by MaxPreps. “(Our schedule will be) a little more competitive from what he’s used to in Florida,” Santa Margarita coach Carson Palmer said, “but he looks great.”
6. Chance Thomas, Western, Jr.
At 6-foot-3, 195 pounds, Thomas’ stock continues to rise with his accuracy and ability to move in the pocket. He was limited to seven games last season because of injury but still passed for 1,738 yards and 17 TDs. “He will be a playmaker with his arm and legs,” Pioneers coach Dan Davidson said.
7. Travis Frazier, Esperanza, Sr.
The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Frazier plays in the middle-of-the-pack Kappa League but stands out with his production and ability to throw on the run. He passed for almost 2,700 yards and 31 TDs last season. “I am very impressed with how he is spreading the ball out,” Aztecs coach JP Presley said.
8. Tristan Zale, Trabuco Hills, Sr.
Orange County features several motivated senior quarterbacks, and Zale fits the profile. The 6-foot-2 Zale passed for 2,908 yards and 30 TDs last season in the Mustangs’ Air Raid offense. “He is going to put up great numbers once again,” Trabuco Hills coach Mark Nolan said.
9. DJ Mitchell, La Habra, Jr.
After splitting time the past two seasons, Mitchell (6-2, 173) is the Highlanders’ QB1. He is a dual threat who likes to attack down field but can also break off long runs. La Habra plans to throw the ball more, so expect a rise in production.
10. Alexander Lundsberg, Canyon, Sr.
The Comanches anticipate another big season from Lundsberg, who led Orange County quarterbacks in yards (3,646), touchdowns (43) and attempts (466) last season. He brings more than eye-popping statistics. At 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, he’s a well-rounded athlete who also excels in lacrosse.
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