Santa Margarita to grow up quickly
Team of sophomores face Ontario varsity
Second-year school Santa Margarita, which was scheduled to play football against sophomore teams this year, will venture into varsity competition earlier than expected.
Not next year, when the Eagles are scheduled to compete in the Olympic League. Not at the end of this season in a scrimmage game. Is Friday soon enough?
The Eagles' sophomores will play the Ontario Christian varsity Friday at Saddleback College - night-time and everything. Just like a real game.
"There's about 20 “first things” we've never done before - presale tickets, first night game, first real pregame meal, ordering security." Athletic Director Richard Schaaf said. "We'll just be happy if the whole game comes off."
It came about when Fontana's sophomores canceled their game with Santa Margarita and the Eagles listed an opening with the CIFSouthern Section office. Ontario Christian's varsity coach called. Santa Margarita swallowed hard, huddled and debated, then said yes.
And the Eagles are looking to do more than just complete the game. Coach Jim Hartigan said the Eagles, with freshmen and sophomores, think they can win against Ontario Christian, which two years ago finished second in the Olympic League and reached the second round of the Inland Conference playoffs.
Hartigan's optimism stems from Santa Margarita's success already. The Eagles went 10-0 as a freshman team last year. In its opener last week, Santa Margarita defeated the sophomores from Mountain View continuation high school in Cerritos, 56-0.
That is why Hartigan said he thinks the Eagles will hold their own in a varsity game. That's also why he and Schaaf decided to schedule a varsity game rather than take a bye.
"I think we're ready for a taste of competition," Hartigan said, claiming no intention of sounding cocky. "I think we're ready for a small (school) varsity football team. I think our kids want a taste of competition after last week's game. They want to play someone tough. I think they want to be in a ballgame.
"We're going after the win. That's what we're thinking here all week, that's what we're planning on. If all goes well, hopefully, we'll come out with a “W.” I know it's easy for me to sit here and say that, and that when we're on the field, it's a whole new situation. But I took a look at (Ontario Christian) last week and I don't think we'll be blown out. I think we'll be in the game."
Ontario Christian, 2-8 last year, lost its opener, 7-6, to Rim of the World last week.
After Friday's game, Santa Margarita returns to the sophomore level for the rest of the season.
By Randy Franz
Thursday, September 15, 1988
The Orange County Register - C10
