Mission Viejo all-league linebacker Matthew Dalhover transfers to Downey

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Mission Viejo all-league linebacker Matthew Dalhover, who had a breakout sophomore season in the fall, has enrolled at Downey, he confirmed.

A first-team All-Alpha League selection, Dalhover (6-0, 215) finished as Mission Viejo’s fourth-leading tackler last season with 81.

He recorded 13.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks as the Diablos (9-2) won the Alpha League and reached the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs. They lost to Mater Dei 20-0 in the first round.

At Downey, Dalhover will join former Servite and Mission Viejo quarterback Kale Murphy.

Murphy, a junior, confirmed his transfer to Downey last month.

Last season, Murphy (6-3, 180) passed for 1,606 yads and 20 touchdowns to help Servite (6-5) reach the Division 1 playoffs. The Friars lost to Centennial 41-6 in the first round.

Please send football news to Dan Albano at dalbano@scng.com or @ocvarsityguy

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This story was originally published April 14, 2026 at 10:54 PM.