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LONG BEACH — Imposing linemen. Aggressive linebackers. Swift defensive backs. Several players committed to colleges and tons of experience.
Santa Margarita’s strengths on defense are numerous but the unit believes its biggest advantage isn’t measured in categories such as height, weight, 40-yard dash or recruiting stars.
It’s the players’ tight-knit bond.
“We just play as a family and that helps us succeed,” senior linebacker Dash Fifita said. “You can see it on the field on Friday nights. We fly around. We celebrate together.”
Santa Margarita (9-3) has leaned on its defense throughout the fall, and will again Friday when it plays Centennial (11-1) in the CIF-SS Division 1 championship game at the Rose Bowl at 7 p.m.
The Huskies, ranked No. 1 in the state and nation by HSratings, average 46.4 points per game. Led by coach Matt Logan, the team’s no-huddle, spread attack pressures defenses with pace and read-option plays.
Santa Margarita’s defense is holding opponents to 12.6 points per game but surrendered well above that in a 33-27 victory against Centennial in overtime on Aug. 28.
“Centennial is an amazing team,” Fifita said. “Their offense is one-of-one. They have a fast tempo. They know their offense very well with Dominick Catalano, the quarterback, running his own brother’s offense (under assistant coach Anthony Catalano).”
Santa Margarita’s defense features considerable size on the defensive line. There’s USC commit Simote Katoanga (6-5, 250), Arizona commit Manoah Faupusa (6-3, 350), senior Jason Perez (6-1, 230) and juniors Isaia Vandermade (6-4, 270) and Tonga Uhila (5-10, 270).
The linebackers run well. Fifita (Arizona commit) and Leki Holani (Sacramento State commit) lead the defense in tackles for loss and have combined for eight sacks.
Senior linebackers Ivrick Carrigan and Vai Manutai are returning starters.
In the secondary, speedy cornerbacks Jayden Crowder (USC commit) and Ca’ron Williams, along with safeties Logan Hirou (UCLA commit) and Siua Holani, are all returning starters.
Williams grabbed two interceptions against Centennial earlier this season, including one returned for a score. Crowder added a pick.
In the playoffs, Santa Margarita held Sierra Canyon and Orange Lutheran to a combined 15 points.
“We’re playing great,” Katoanga said. “As a defensive line, we started stepping up and helping out the linebackers and the corners.”
Santa Margarita coach Carson Palmer agreed: “They just get better and better and better every week. They work for it. They prepare for it, and they’re a lot to fun to watch play. They play with pride. They play with passion, and they play violently.”
The Eagles’ defense considers “culture” its strength. The unit is coordinated by Fifita’s uncle Steve Fifita, a former standout at Fountain Valley.
The Fifitas also are related to defensive line coach Kelly Talavou (Fountain Valley) and count linebacker coach Rob Thomas as a close family friend.
“We play for each other,” Dash Fifita said of the defense. “We love each other.”
On the technique side, Talavou has a strong reputation for his work with NFL first round draft pick Mason Graham (Cleveland Browns) while at Servite.
“It’s how he goes into the little details,” Katoanga said of Talavou. “Working on our hands, working on our get-offs.”
Dash Fifita is quick to point out that the Eagles’ chemistry extends to the offense. He said the offense “saved us” in the nonleague win against Centennial.
“This team is something to talk about, not just the defense, the whole team,” he said. “(We) look forward to putting together a team game and putting on a show Friday night.”