{"id":446170,"date":"2025-12-14T09:23:15","date_gmt":"2025-12-14T09:23:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/446170\/"},"modified":"2025-12-14T09:23:15","modified_gmt":"2025-12-14T09:23:15","slug":"santa-margarita-football-rolls-de-la-salle-to-win-state-open-division-title-orange-county-register","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/446170\/","title":{"rendered":"Santa Margarita football rolls De La Salle to win state Open Division title \u2013 Orange County Register"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/checkout.ocregister.com\/subscriptionpanel\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Subscribe now<\/a><\/p>\n<p>MISSION VIEJO \u2014 Santa Margarita\u2019s football program completed the final stage of a radical transformation Saturday at a destination many believed wasn\u2019t possible before the season.<\/p>\n<p>The Eagles played for the CIF State Open Division championship one season removed from a 5-7 finish, and just more than a year since an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ocregister.com\/2025\/12\/12\/santa-margarita-reaches-state-final-a-year-after-being-rocked-by-hazing-scandal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">alleged hazing incident surfaced.<\/a><\/p>\n<ul class=\"mng-gallery-initialized mng-gallery-slider\">\n<li data-index=\"1\" class=\"mng-ge mng-gallery-active\" id=\"mng-ge-0\" aria-hidden=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Santa Margarita wide receiver Trent Mosley holds up the CIF...\" class=\"size-article_inline\"   src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/OCR-L-HSFB-STATE-OPEN-121405.jpg\"\/>\n<p>Santa Margarita wide receiver Trent Mosley holds up the CIF State Open Division football championship trophy in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 13, 2025. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"2\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-1\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Santa Margarita defensive end Kingston Jimmerson celebrates after the Eagles...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/OCR-L-HSFB-STATE-OPEN-121406.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/OCR-L-HSFB-STATE-OPEN-121406.jpg\"\/>\n<p>Santa Margarita defensive end Kingston Jimmerson celebrates after the Eagles won the CIF State Open Division football championship over De La Salle in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 13, 2025. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"3\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Santa Margarita middle linebacker Leki Holani is embraced by coach...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/OCR-L-HSFB-STATE-OPEN-121410.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/OCR-L-HSFB-STATE-OPEN-121410.jpg\"\/>\n<p>Santa Margarita middle linebacker Leki Holani is embraced by coach Carson Palmer as they celebrate winning the CIF State Open Division football championship in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 13, 2025. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"4\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Santa Margarita defensive back Siua Holani, left, celebrates his pick...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/OCR-L-HSFB-STATE-OPEN-121417.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/OCR-L-HSFB-STATE-OPEN-121417.jpg\"\/>\n<p>Santa Margarita defensive back Siua Holani, left, celebrates his pick six with free safety Logan Hirou, right, in the CIF State Open Division football championship in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 13, 2025. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"5\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-4\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Santa Margarita players celebrate after winning the CIF State Open...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/OCR-L-HSFB-STATE-OPEN-121409.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/OCR-L-HSFB-STATE-OPEN-121409.jpg\"\/>\n<p>Santa Margarita players celebrate after winning the CIF State Open Division football championship in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 13, 2025. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"6\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-5\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Santa Margarita defensive back Siua Holani runs to the end...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/OCR-L-HSFB-STATE-OPEN-121416.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/OCR-L-HSFB-STATE-OPEN-121416.jpg\"\/>\n<p>Santa Margarita defensive back Siua Holani runs to the end zone for a pick six late in the fourth quarter against De La Salle in the CIF State Open Division football championship in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 13, 2025. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"7\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-6\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Santa Margarita wide receiver Trent Mosley, right, makes the reception...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/OCR-L-HSFB-STATE-OPEN-121412.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/OCR-L-HSFB-STATE-OPEN-121412.jpg\"\/>\n<p>Santa Margarita wide receiver Trent Mosley, right, makes the reception in front of De La Salle\u2019s Duece Jones-Drew in the CIF State Open Division football championship in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 13, 2025. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"8\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-7\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Santa Margarita quarterback Trace Johnson looks to fire a pass...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/OCR-L-HSFB-STATE-OPEN-121419-1.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/OCR-L-HSFB-STATE-OPEN-121419-1.jpg\"\/>\n<p>Santa Margarita quarterback Trace Johnson looks to fire a pass against De La Salle in the CIF State Open Division football championship in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 13, 2025. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"9\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-8\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Santa Margarita running back Adrian Petero, left, pulls along De...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/OCR-L-HSFB-STATE-OPEN-121415.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/OCR-L-HSFB-STATE-OPEN-121415.jpg\"\/>\n<p>Santa Margarita running back Adrian Petero, left, pulls along De La Salle Jelani Dyer as he gains yardage in the CIF State Open Division football championship in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 13, 2025. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"10\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-9\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Santa Margarita running back Jaion Smith runs into the end...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/OCR-L-HSFB-STATE-OPEN-121401-1.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/OCR-L-HSFB-STATE-OPEN-121401-1.jpg\"\/>\n<p>Santa Margarita running back Jaion Smith runs into the end zone to score a touchdown against De La Salle in the CIF State Open Division football championship in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 13, 2025. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"11\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-10\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Santa Margarita wide receiver Trent Mosley, center, is congratulated by...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/OCR-L-HSFB-STATE-OPEN-121403.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/OCR-L-HSFB-STATE-OPEN-121403.jpg\"\/>\n<p>Santa Margarita wide receiver Trent Mosley, center, is congratulated by tight end Griffin Brahm, left, after scoring touchdown late in the second quarter against De La Salle in the CIF State Open Division football championship in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 13, 2025. Santa Margarita center Aaron Klatt is at right. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"12\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-11\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"De La Salle wide receiver Jayden Nicholas, right, makes the...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/OCR-L-HSFB-STATE-OPEN-121413.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/OCR-L-HSFB-STATE-OPEN-121413.jpg\"\/>\n<p>De La Salle wide receiver Jayden Nicholas, right, makes the catch over Santa Margarita\u2019s Titus King in the CIF State Open Division football championship in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 13, 2025. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"13\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-12\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"De La Salle wide receiver Trisshon Wright, center, is stopped...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/OCR-L-HSFB-STATE-OPEN-121402.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/OCR-L-HSFB-STATE-OPEN-121402.jpg\"\/>\n<p>De La Salle wide receiver Trisshon Wright, center, is stopped and brought down by Santa Margarita defenders in the CIF State Open Division football championship in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 13, 2025. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"14\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-13\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Santa Margarita middle linebacker Leki Holani, right, tries to keep...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/OCR-L-HSFB-STATE-OPEN-121414.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/OCR-L-HSFB-STATE-OPEN-121414.jpg\"\/>\n<p>Santa Margarita middle linebacker Leki Holani, right, tries to keep De La Salle running back Jaden Jefferson, left, from scoring a touchdown in the CIF State Open Division football championship in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 13, 2025. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"15\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-14\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"De La Salle quarterback Brayden Knight runs into Santa Margarita...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/OCR-L-HSFB-STATE-OPEN-121404.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/OCR-L-HSFB-STATE-OPEN-121404.jpg\"\/>\n<p>De La Salle quarterback Brayden Knight runs into Santa Margarita linebacker Dash Fifita, right in the first quarter in the CIF State Open Division football championship in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 13, 2025. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"16\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-15\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Santa Margarita players celebrates as time runs out in their...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/OCR-L-HSFB-STATE-OPEN-121408.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/OCR-L-HSFB-STATE-OPEN-121408.jpg\"\/>\n<p>Santa Margarita players celebrates as time runs out in their win over De La Salle in the CIF State Open Division football championship in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 13, 2025. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"17\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-16\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Santa Margarita defensive end Kingston Jimmerson, right, celebrates after the...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/OCR-L-HSFB-STATE-OPEN-121407.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/OCR-L-HSFB-STATE-OPEN-121407.jpg\"\/>\n<p>Santa Margarita defensive end Kingston Jimmerson, right, celebrates after the Eagels won the CIF State Open Division football championship in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 13, 2025. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"18\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-17\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Santa Margarita players pose for a photo with their CIF...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/OCR-L-HSFB-STATE-OPEN-121411-1.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/OCR-L-HSFB-STATE-OPEN-121411-1.jpg\"\/>\n<p>Santa Margarita players pose for a photo with their CIF State Open Division championship trophy in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 13, 2025. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"19\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-18\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"De La Salle running back Jaden Jefferson bobbles a kickoff...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/OCR-L-HSFB-STATE-OPEN-121418.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/OCR-L-HSFB-STATE-OPEN-121418.jpg\"\/>\n<p>De La Salle running back Jaden Jefferson bobbles a kickoff return early in the game but is able gain control against Santa Margarita in the CIF State Open Division football championship in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 13, 2025. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"20\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-19\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"De La Salle running back Jaden Jefferson, right, tries to...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/OCR-L-HSFB-STATE-OPEN-121420.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/OCR-L-HSFB-STATE-OPEN-121420.jpg\"\/>\n<p>De La Salle running back Jaden Jefferson, right, tries to gain yardage but comes up against Santa Margarita free safety Logan Hirou in the CIF State Open Division football championship in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 13, 2025. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Show Caption<\/p>\n<p>1 of 20<\/p>\n<p>Santa Margarita wide receiver Trent Mosley holds up the CIF State Open Division football championship trophy in Mission Viejo on Saturday, December 13, 2025. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#\" class=\"icon-enlarge mng-gallery-fullscreen-expand\" aria-label=\"Expand fullscreen slideshow\">Expand<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Along the improbable run, the Eagles held their season-ending awards banquet, planned during the season, on Dec. 6.<\/p>\n<p>They have much more to celebrate.<\/p>\n<p>Before a large showing by its faithful, Santa Margarita followed Trent Mosley, its defense and first-year coach Carson Palmer one more time for a 47-13 victory against previously undefeated De La Salle at Saddleback College.<\/p>\n<p>Santa Margarita (11-3) won its first state title since 2011 in Division 1. The Eagles were on the undercard of that championship weekend headlined by De La Salle\u2019s victory in the Open Division final.<\/p>\n<p>But with its impressive victory against De La Salle (12-1), Santa Margarita punctuated its rise as a tight-knit, national title contender with playmakers on both sides of the ball.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s love. That was really the main recipe,\u201d Santa Margarita offensive tackle Niniva Nicholson said. \u201cA lot of us transferred, came from different schools, but we all bonded together and we loved each other. If you love each other, you\u2019re going to hold each other accountable. We love our culture. Our coaches love us.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe head guy, Carson Palmer, he\u2019s a great guy,\u201d the senior added about the Heisman Trophy winner and former NFL quarterback. \u201cCoach brings love and brings people together.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The Eagles, ranked No. 2 in the nation by HSratings.com and No. 4 by High School Football America, led 35-7 at intermission and didn\u2019t punt in the first three quarters.<\/p>\n<p>Santa Margarita\u2019s defense held the Spartans\u2019 veer attack to 78 yards on 35 carries.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI would put my guys against any others in the nation, any day, any week,\u201d Mosley said. \u201cI think we\u2019re national champs.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Mosley, who signed with USC earlier this month, picked up where he left off against Centennial in the CIF-SS Division 1 final on Nov. 28.<\/p>\n<p>The senior finished with 11 receptions for 183 yards, and scored three touchdowns.<\/p>\n<p>Against Centennial at the Rose Bowl, Mosley had 10 catches for 293 yards in a 42-7 win.<\/p>\n<p>Mosley scored just 58 seconds into Santa Margarita\u2019s first possession with a 7-yard run from the Wildcat with eight minutes left in the first quarter.<\/p>\n<p>After Santa Margarita defensive lineman Simote Katoanga \u2014 another USC signee \u2014 blocked a field goal, Mosley caught a 34-yard touchdown from Trace Johnson just 59 seconds later.<\/p>\n<p>With its quick-strike offense warmed up, Santa Margarita employed a trick play for its third score in as many possessions in the first quarter.<\/p>\n<p>Nicholson lined up at wide receiver and raised his arms on the snap before Johnson found tight end Luke Gazzaniga open over the middle for a 20-yard touchdown with 42 seconds left in the first period.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe call it the fake and bake for a reason,\u201d said Nicholson, who signed with Arizona State. \u201cMy teammates were holding me accountable to be a Division 1 actor, and I believe I did that.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Santa Margarita also showed its Trinity League toughness.<\/p>\n<p>After Mosley caught a 6-yard touchdown from Johnson with 1:07 left in the opening half, he barreled through defenders for the 2-point conversion.<\/p>\n<p>Linebacker Leki Holani then ended the first half with his second sack.<\/p>\n<p>Santa Margarita\u2019s players received a standing ovation from their fans, who filled the home grandstand, as they left for the locker room at halftime.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIncredible support,\u201d Palmer said. \u201cOur school loves football. We\u2019ve been down a little while and now we\u2019re back. We\u2019re so unique. We\u2019re out there all by ourselves. There\u2019s no other schools around us, so the community embraces us.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Safety Siua Holani helped highlight the second half with a 43-yard interception return for a touchdown late in the fourth.<\/p>\n<p>Johnson finished 17 of 20 for 247 yards and four TDs.<\/p>\n<p>In many ways, the Eagles dominated with the speed and power displayed by Mater Dei and St. John Bosco in combining to capture the Open Division the past eight years.<\/p>\n<p>Santa Margarita advanced to the state final after outscoring its three opponents in the section playoffs by a combined 94-22.<\/p>\n<p>The Eagles captured their first section crown since 2011 and earned a share of their first Trinity League title since 2001.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber.\u00a0Subscribe now MISSION VIEJO \u2014 Santa Margarita\u2019s football&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":446171,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5123],"tags":[1582,276,194652,18131,3102,2961,224,5337,1036,205392,62,52],"class_list":{"0":"post-446170","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-los-angeles","8":"tag-ca","9":"tag-california","10":"tag-dan-albano","11":"tag-high-school-football","12":"tag-high-school-sports","13":"tag-la","14":"tag-los-angeles","15":"tag-losangeles","16":"tag-orange-county","17":"tag-rancho-santa-margarita","18":"tag-sports","19":"tag-top-stories"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@us\/115717200574285167","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/446170","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=446170"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/446170\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/446171"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=446170"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=446170"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=446170"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}