After a historic win over St. John Bosco, the unbeaten Eagles return home tonight with another championship milestone within reach.
Santa Margarita backed up its No. 1 national ranking with a statement win over St. John Bosco. Now, the Eagles have a chance to turn that momentum into another Trinity League championship.
It was the recent 21–7 win over the St. John Bosco Braves at the away game held at Bosco’s Panish Family Stadium that continued the team’s undefeated season. The Santa Margarita victory was the Eagles’ fourteenth in a row and ended a 16-game losing streak against St. John Bosco, earning their first road victory in the series since 2010.
However, the Braves showed up, taking a 7–0 lead. It was sophomore cornerback Rayshawn Brandon who returned an interception for a touchdown to tie the game. Junior cornerback Ca’ron Williams followed with another acrobatic interception in the second quarter, setting up a scoring drive capped by Adrian Petero’s one-yard touchdown run.
It was Petero’s 14th touchdown of the season.
The Eagles also delivered on special teams. Jake Martin blocked a field-goal attempt before halftime, keeping a 14–7 lead. Santa Margarita then shut out the Braves throughout the second half.
St. John Bosco finished with just 59 rushing yards on 21 attempts, while quarterback Koa Malau’ulu was held to 113 passing yards.
Santa Margarita’s young defenders continue to contribute. Freshman linebacker Aydan Steen recorded six tackles against the Braves and shared a sack with junior linebacker Curren King, who added five tackles.
The Eagles’ offense, meanwhile, showed it can create a big play when needed.
Junior quarterback Fletch Palmer connected with Grant Mosley on a 49-yard flea-flicker touchdown in the third quarter, extending the lead to 21–7. Mosley finished with five receptions for 76 yards, while freshman receiver Kiyan Calliscaught six passes for 81 yards.
Petero added 47 rushing yards on 15 carries, helping Santa Margarita control possession during a late drive that ran out the clock.
The Eagles will put their unbeaten record on the line against JSerra Catholic on Friday, October 23, at 7 p.m. PT at Saddleback College Stadium in Mission Viejo.
Head coach Carson Palmer’s Eagles enter 8–0 overall and 3–0 in league play. A victory would secure at least a share of their second consecutive Trinity League title.
JSerra is 4–4 and 0–3 in the Trinity League, looking to rebound from a 48–13 loss to Orange Lutheran. The Lions face a Santa Margarita defense that has made scoring difficult for nearly every opponent this season.
Friday is also the Eagles’ final regular-season home game, and the program will honor its 1996 CIF championship team at halftime to mark the title’s 30th anniversary.