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CIF STATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
OPEN DIVISION
Santa Margarita (10-3) vs. De La Salle (12-0)
Where, when: Saddleback College, Saturday, 8 p.m.
TV: Spectrum News
Live coverage: NFHS Network (stream)
Tickets: $6.25-$16.75 at gofan.co
Parking: $5
Outlook: Santa Margarita rolls into its first state final since capturing Division I in 2011. Under first-year coach and Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer, the Eagles outscored their three opponents in the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs a combined 94-22 en route to the title. Santa Margarita is ranked second in the nation by HSratings.com and fourth by High School Football America.
The Eagles showed their explosive offense and stout defense in a 42-7 win against Centennial in the Division 1 final on Nov. 28. Senior receiver Trent Mosley, a USC signee, led the offense with 10 catches for 293 yards and scored four touchdowns. Quarterback Trace Johnson, who signed with Tulane, completed 16 of 25 passes for 386 yards and four TDs. The Eagles’ defense recorded seven sacks, including three by lineman Isaia Vandermade.
Santa Margarita features its most experience on defense, and it shows. The Eagles allow an average of 12.2 points per game. Linebackers Leki Holani (Sacramento State) and Dash Fifita (Arizona) lead the team in tackles with 98 and 95, respectively.
De La Salle has reached a record 18th state final, including a second consecutive Open Division. Last season, the Spartans pushed Mater Dei before falling 37-15.
Mark Tennis, editor and publisher of Cal-Hi Sports, said De La Salle is better on both sides of the ball this season but is the underdog against Santa Margarita. De La Salle is ranked seventh in California by HSratings.
The Spartans’ veer attack features multiple running threats in speedy Jaden Jefferson (1,048 yards), Brady Smith (793) and Duece Jones-Drew, the son of former NFL running back and De La Salle great Maurice Jones-Drew. Jefferson, who is committed to North Carolina, is the reigning state champion in the 100 meters (10.27 seconds) and also plays cornerback.
St. John Bosco coach Jason Negro, whose Braves have defeated De La Salle three times in the state Open Division final, sees important matchups for both defenses. Negro believes one is how Santa Margarita’s defense handles an offensive scheme it hasn’t seen this season. The other is how De La Salle’s defense fares in limiting long gains by Mosley.
“I would have to stick with our Trinity League brethren to win in a close one because they have been battled-tested more than any team in the country,” Negro said.
Prediction: Santa Margarita is the pick. A Trinity League school wins a ninth straight Open Division state crown and the storybook first season for Palmer ends with a state title.
Trent Mosley’s talent, determination lift Santa Margarita football to new heights