Diablos' defense pursues ball, shot at title

MISSION VIEJO - Mission Viejo's end-of-practice chat with Coach Bob Johnson was almost over when two players took center stage.

Just like in games, the Diablos' linebackers hit their marks.

Nick Dzubnar challenged his teammates to make the next practice even better than the one that just ended.

Zach Hoffman reminded them of the stakes for Friday night when the second-seeded Diablos (12-0) play No. 3 Servite (11-1) in the Pac-5 Division semifinals at Cerritos College.

"One more game 'til Anaheim," barked Hoffman, referring to the Dec. 12 finals at Angel Stadium.

Yes, Mission Viejo's linebackers deliver a lot more than pad-crunching blows to opponents. The group, which includes rising junior Tre Madden, has been arguably Mission Viejo's greatest source of leadership.

"Their leadership is off the chart," Johnson said.

Hoffman and Dzubnar have been vocal leaders throughout the season.

"We just feel it's the seniors' responsibility to take charge and make sure everyone knows that we care," he said.

"It's not just a game. We look at it as a job mentality. We're out here to do a job and if everyone does their job, we're going be victorious."

Led by its linebackers on and off the field, Mission Viejo's defense has been doing its job well. The Diablos are holding opponents to an average of 9.8 points a game.

The past two seasons, Mission Viejo allowed 20.3 and 21.4. But this fall, the Diablos haven't allowed more than 17 points in one game.

"Our (defense's) nickname is 1DOC," Dzubnar said. "No. 1 defense in Orange County."

The defense isn't blessed with tremendous size. The Diablos find their success by using their speed to pursue the ball together.

In football speak, when an entire defense swarms toward ball, it known as "team pursuit." Johnson knew early on that this defense had a knack for it.

"They absolutely, from the onset of practices, ran to the football without coaches screaming at them," he said. "They want to do it. It's coming from within (their hearts). That's the biggest difference I've seen from a lot of defenses. ... And we built on that."

Madden (6-1, 215) isn't as vocal as Dzubnar or Hoffman but he sets a fast pace with his actions on the field. He helps anchor the unit at middle linebacker. He pursues sideline-to-sideline but does plenty of the dirty work, too.

"Beat up the fullback and fill the holes," he said of his responsibilities. "Don't get blocked by the big guys up front."

Dzubnar (6-1, 210) plays the strong-side linebacker, which means most teams try running toward his side of the field. "Beating up the tight end – that's my main job," said Dzubnar, who has been offered a scholarship by Cal Poly. "Don't let anything outside me on a sweep or toss."

Hoffman (5-9, 200) is the weak-side linebacker and is receiving recruiting from Air Force. On plays to the strong side, his job is to pursue the ball. A former free safety, Hoffman has the potential to make big plays.

"We think we're the fastest in the county," Madden said the defense. "We're just looking to prove it every week – for all the doubters."

Madden, Dzubnar and Hoffman have recorded so many tackles and big hits, all three have no room left on their helmets for the stickers they receive as rewards. The three are the Diablos' top tacklers with a combined 245 total tackles.

"Build around those 'backers – that's what we did," Johnson said.

Mission Viejo's linebackers are quick to praise their coaches for having them well prepared. Brett Paton is the team's defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. Dan Brandenburg, a former NFL linebacker with Buffalo and Philadelphia, also coaches the linebackers and specializes in speed training.

"I should be paying for that," Dzubnar said of Brandenburg's instructions at linebacker. "But I'm getting it free every day."

Madden also prepares on offense. He is the backup quarterback to senior Dallin McEwen but plays a lot with the offense.

To take advantage of Madden's athleticism, the Diablos implemented a zone-read offense similar to what Oregon runs. Johnson said the Diablos' studied the Ducks' offense in the summer in preparation for unleashing Madden, a powerful runner who also has a strong arm.

"(He's) the only reason (we added the offense)," Johnson said of Madden, who already is receiving recruiting interest from Oregon and Washington.

In another tribute to his athleticism, Madden recently began long snapping for the Diablos.

He considers himself a linebacker first but said he is willing to help where needed. Mission Viejo's defense is just as committed – especially when it comes to pursuing the ball.

"The best part about our defense is that everybody is a little psycho when it comes to game time," Hoffman said.