Mater Dei junior quarterback Matt McDonald, who dueled with JT Daniels for the starting job and suffered an early-season injury, has transferred to Mission Viejo, Diablos football coach Bob Johnson confirmed Tuesday morning.
Johnson said McDonald (6-2, 194) — son of former USC and NFL quarterback Paul McDonald — started classes at Mission Viejo on Tuesday. The confirmation ended weeks of speculation that McDonald had left Mater Dei and was headed to the South Coast League powerhouse.
Mission Viejo is set to graduate quarterback and Register offensive player of the year Brock Johnson, who recently committed to Georgetown. Mission Viejo also lists junior Jake Reilly (6-1, 175) and sophomore Chase Petersen (6-2, 195) on its varsity roster. Petersen was considered the backup to Johnson.
The Diablos won consecutive CIF West Valley Division titles, the state Division 1-AA crown and 28 consecutive games under Brock Johnson.
The Diablos are expected to move to the Division 1/Pac-5 playoffs next season under the Southern Section’s competitive equity playoff system.
Please send football news to Dan Albano at dalbano@ocregister.com
