2021 Orange Lutheran Game Notes - Santa Margarita Eagles Football

Orange Lutheran - Game Notes

SMCHS Eagles (5-4) vs Orange Lutheran Lancers (6-3)
at Saddleback JC (Mission Viejo, California)
Friday, October 29, 2021 7:00 p.m.
Original PDF

Last Game Vs. St. John Bosco

Santa Margarita Catholic finished the most grueling three-game stretch of its regular schedule versus the “Top 3” of the Trinity League. Friday’s game was a tough battle with highly touted St. John Bosco. The Eagles had trouble early and couldn’t escape some miscues, and the Braves’ ability to capitalize on them, and fell, 41-16. SMC kept the game close, trailing only 21-3 at half, but two Bosco scoring drives in the third quarter put the game out of reach. Jaxon Potter did throw two touchdown passes in the fourth quarter (to Ty Benefield and Blain Eiseman). Blake Wilson led the defense with 10 tackles while Donovan Comestro snagged his third interception of the season. Also, Hero Kanu registered his eighth quarterback sack of the year. The Eagles play their final Trinity League regular season game and home game this week against Orange Lutheran. Both schools will be looking to improve their records in preparation for the CIF-Southern Section Playoffs.

MaxPreps.com: Eagles Have Second-Toughest Prep Football Schedule in the Nation
Of the top nine teams in the nation with the toughest strength of schedule, six are from the Trinity League, according to MaxPreps.com based on the computer calculation by calpreps.com:
1. St. John Bosco - 63.5
2. Santa Margarita Catholic - 63.0
3. Punahou (Honolulu) - 62.2
4. Mater Dei - 59.7
5. Orange Lutheran - 58.7
6. JSerra Catholic - 58.6
7. St. Louis (Honolulu) - 52.9
8. Kamehameha (Honolulu) - 52.9
9. Servite - 55.6

Current Santa Margarita Catholic Poll Rankings - As of 10/24/21
MaxPreps.com - State: 6 / Southern Section: 6 / County: 4
calpreps.com - State: 6 / Southern Section: 6 / County: 4
calhisports.com - State: 12 / Section: 8 / County: 4
yahoo.com / Los Angeles Times - Southland: 7
scorebooklive.com - State: 10 / Southern Section: 6 / County: 3
Orange County Register - County: 4
Dan Albano (ocvarsity.com) - County: 4
High School Football America - Nation: 93 / State: 8 / Section: 6 / County: 3

Santa Margarita Catholic - Overall Statistical Leaders - 9 Games
Passing: Jaxon Potter - 188 / 339, 55.5% 2, 241 yards & 20 touchdowns
Rushing: Jake Foye - 93 atts / 437 yards, 4.7 average
Receiving: Niko Lopez - 51 receptions, 519 yards, 10.2 average & 7 touchdowns
Touchdowns Scored: Niko Lopez and Jalen Jones - 7 each
Total Tackles: Donovan Comestro - 61 /
Quarterback Sacks: Hero Kanu - 8.0 /
Interceptions: Blake Wilson - 4

SANTA MARGARITA PLAYERS TO WATCH

Israel Solomon
#1 | Defensive Back | Junior | 5-10, 170

Collected an interception in win at JSerra Catholic

Jaxon Potter
#5 | Quarterback | Junior | 6-3, 170

Ranked the No. 4 quarterback in Orange County by Steve Fryer in his “First and 10 for High School Football’s Week 7” (10/04/21) -- Top 10 in order: 1. Noah Fifita - Servite, 2. Elijah Brown - Mater Dei, 3. Malachi Nelson - Los Alamitos, 4. Jaxon Potter - Santa Margarita Catholic, 5. Darius Cowens - Pacifica, 6. Kadin Semonza - Mission Viejo, 7. Trey Kukuk - Capistrano Valley, 8. David Rasor - Corona del Mar, 9. Logan Gonzalez - Orange Lutheran and 10. Parker Awad - Edison. Honorable Mention: Dylan Eldredge - Cypress (Injured - out for season). Described by Fryer as “Better than ever”
Threw for a new career-high 387 yards in win at JSerra Catholic. That represents the eighth-most in a game in SMC history. Awarded a weekly “Helmet Sticker” by Michael Huntley in the Orange County Register
Threw four touchdown passes -- all in the second half -- in stunning upset win over Los Alamitos, which established a new career-high
Completed 29-of-43 passes (67.4%) and set new season-high marks for passing yards (311 - since broken), attempts (43), completions (29) and tied for touchdowns (3 - since broken) in resounding win over Nolan Catholic. Also rushed for one score. Recognized by the Orange County Register’s with “Huntley’s Hits” for Week 4
Named Team Offensive Player of the Week vs. St. Augustine
Recognized by PrepRedzone.com for one of the Top Passing Performances for Weeks 0, 2, 3, 4 and 6
Threw for the second-most passing yards ever by an SMC quarterback in debut game in season-opening win versus San Juan Hills -- 294-yards. Connected for three touchdown passes
Ranked the No. 82 overall prospect in the state by PrepRedzone.com for Class of 2023
Cal-Hi Sports Fall 2021 Preseason All-State Second-Team - Offense (QB)
Ranked No. 22 by Orange County Register of Hot-150 Top Impact Players for Fall 2021
Ranked No. 5 quarterback in Orange County for Fall 2021 by the Orange County Register
Cal-Hi Sports 2021 Preseason Hot 100 - No. 71 in state for Class of 2023
Selected to the Summer Showcase Academy Prospect Watch list
Demonstrated poise and confidence in helping lead the Eagles to the championship of the 7-on-7 “Battle at the Beach” Passing Tournament at Edison (Huntington Beach) in July

Most Passing Yards in First Career Game at SMCHS - All-Time
Quarterback	Yards	Opponent	Date	Class
Peter Costelli	325	Downey	08/16/18	Sophomore
Jaxon Potter	294	San Juan Hills	08/20/21	Junior
K.J. Costello	243	@ Bishop Amat	08/30/13	Sophomore
Josiah Norwood	243	@ Downey	08/25/17	Senior
Ryan World	222	@ Mater Dei	10/19/07	Junior

Nicholas “Niko” Lopez
#0 | Tight End | Junior | 6-4, 210

Was selected Team Co-Offensive Player of the Week in upset win over Los Alamitos with two receiving touchdowns. Streak has now extended to each game this season -- 5 (School record is 10, set by John Minardi overlapping the 1996 and 1997 seasons)
Tallied a receiving touchdown in win over Nolan Catholic and in loss at Servite
Tied career-high in receptions with nine versus St. Augustine, including a touchdown
Tallied a team-high six receptions and scored one touchdown in loss at Norco
Recognized by PrepRedzone.com for one of the Top Receiving Performances for Weeks 0 and 2
Achieved new career-highs in pass receptions (9) and yards receiving (96) in season-opening win versus San Juan Hills
Ranked the No. 178 overall prospect in the state by PrepRedzone.com for Class of 2023
Ranked No. 63 by Orange County Register of Hot-150 Top Impact Players for Fall 2021
Los Angeles Times Potential Breakout Star in the Southland for Fall 2021
A significant contributor in the Eagles’ championship run at the 7-on-7 “Battle at the Beach” Passing Tournament competition at Edison (Huntington Beach) in July. Named event Most Valuable Player by PrepRedzone.com
Spring 2021 All-Trinity League Second-Team - Offense
Had 14 receptions for 164 yards (11.7 average) and two touchdowns in Spring 2021 season
Called-up to varsity for the CIF-Southern Section Division 2 playoff game at Sierra Canyon in 2019 and had one catch for 11 yards
A member of the Eagles basketball program who is described as having sound basketball instincts that transfer to the football field, especially when going after and securing the ball

Nick Gallegos
#7 | Wide Receive/Defensive Back | Senior | 5-11, 175

Led team with 94 yards receiving in loss at Norco
Named to OCVarsity.com Orange County “Bonus List of Top Contenders & Overlooked Players”
Hauled-in 6 receptions for 106 yards (17.7 average) in season opening win against San Juan Hills. Also scored one touchdown. This included his longest reception -- 52-yards
Recognized as an outstanding player at the 7-on-7 “Battle at the Beach” Passing Tournament at Edison (Huntington Beach) in July by PrepRedzone.com

Ben Durham
#9 | Defensive Back | Junior | 5-11, 195

Registered a team-high 12 tackles (tied with teammate Donovan Comestro) in loss at Norco
Spring 2021 Letterman
Listed on PrepRedzone.com’s “Watch List” of state prospects for Class of 2023

Ryan Zolnick
#10 | DE/LB | Senior | 6-1, 215

Notched one sack in upset wins over Los Alamitos and at JSerra Catholic
Registered a team-high 1 1/2 sacks in win over St. Augustine
Ranked No. 85 by Orange County Register of Hot-150 Top Impact Players for Fall 2021
Spring 2021 All-Trinity League First-Team - Defense
Registered 17 total tackles and two sacks in spring 2021 season

Levar Talley
#11 | Defensive Line | Sophomore | 6-3, 205

Enjoyed an outstanding game on defense in loss at Mater Dei -- logged five tackles (four for loss) and three quarterback sacks
Had one quarterback sack in win over Nolan Catholic. Recognized by the Orange County Register’s with “Huntley’s Hits” for Week 4
Named No. 4 “Defensive Riser” for Class of 2024 selection by PrepRedzone.com fro California
Spring 2021 Letterman
Ranked No. 84 overall prospect in the state by PrepRedzone.com for Class of 2024

Ranked No. 132 by Orange County Register of Hot-150 Top Impact Players for Fall 2021
Recognized as an outstanding player at the 7-on-7 “Battle at the Beach” Passing Tournament at Edison (Huntington Beach) in July by PrepRedzone.com
Spring 2019 Empire League Co-Defensive Player of the Year at Tustin High School - Strong Safety
Saw significant action at quarterback and strong safety for the Tillers who finished in a three-way tie for the Empire League title with Pacifica (Garden Grove) and Cypress
As a quarterback, completed 63.8% of pass attempts and threw 10 touchdowns. Rushed for three touchdowns and added one receiving
Connected for four touchdown passes in each of the final two games of spring 2021 season for the Tillers versus Kennedy (La Palma) and Valencia (Placentia)

Donovan Comestro
#13 | Defensive Back | Junior | 6-0, 160

Had an interception and team-high 14 tackles in loss at Servite and also registered an interception in loss to St. John Bosco
Credited with four passes defended to help preserve upset win over Los Alamitos
Had one quarterback sack in win over Nolan Catholic
Registered a team-high 12 tackles (tied with teammate Ben Durham) in loss at Norco
Collected one interception in win over San Juan Hills in season-opener
Spring 2021 All-Trinity League Second-Team - Defense
Notched 16 total tackles (4 for loss), a half sack, one interception, three pass defenses and forced two fumbles in Spring 2021

Jalen Jones
#18 | Wide Receiver | Senior | 5-10, 180

Has received an offer from Morehead State
Notched one touchdown reception in win at JSerra Catholic and was selected Team Offensive Player of the Week
Recognized by PrepRedzone.com for one of the Top Receiving Performances for Week 4
Registered two touchdown receptions in upset win over Los Alamitos
Receiving touchdown versus Nolan Catholic was his fourth of the season
Ranked No. 58 by Orange County Register of Hot-150 Top Impact Players for Fall 2021
Listed on PrepRedzone.com’s “Watch List” of state prospects for the Class of 2022
Spring 2021 All-Trinity League Second-Team - Offense
Caught 15 passes for 195 yards (13.0 average) and two touchdowns in Spring 2021
Has received offers from Valparaiso and Davidson
A speed-burner, has run 10.9 in the 100-meters
A member of the Eagles track team, participating in the 100, 200 and 4x100 meter relay

Ian Grogan
#19 | Wide Receiver | Senior | 6-0, 185

Notched one touchdown reception in win at JSerra Catholic
Executed a 2-point conversion on a run vs. St. Augustine
Rushed four times while appearing at running back in Spring 2021, scoring two touchdowns. Also added one receiving
2019 All-Trinity League Second-Team - Offense
Team leader with 511 receiving yards (21.3 average) in 2019 with two touchdowns
Notched career highs with five receptions along with 113 yards receiving in loss at Cherry Creek in 2019

Romen Christensen - #24 | Linebacker/Punter | Senior | 5-10, 180

Had six punts for a 41.0 average and a long of 57 yards in loss at Mater Dei
Collected an interception in win at JSerra Catholic
Launched a 51-yard punt in upset win over Los Alamitos
Had one quarterback sack in win over Nolan Catholic
Selected Team Special Teams Player of the Week vs. San Juan Hills
Led the team with nine total tackles in season-opening win against San Juan Hills

Blake Wilson - #34 | Defensive Back | Junior | 5-11 , 170

Had team-high 10 tackles is loss versus St. John Bosco
Registered one interception in upset win over Los Alamitos and at JSerra Catholic
Was selected Team Special Teams Player of the Week in win over Nolan Catholic
Connected for a successful 46-yard field goal in loss at Norco
Recognized by PrepRedzone.com as one of the Top Defensive Performances for Week 0
Selected Team Defensive Player of the Week vs. San Juan Hills and St. Augustine
Registered 2 interceptions in win over San Juan Hills in season-opener -- first two of his career
Spring 2021 All-Trinity League Second-Team - Defense
Second on team in Spring 2021 in total tackles with 32
Handles the team’s kick-off duties

Jake Foye
#42 | Running Back | Junior | 5-10, 190

Was selected Team Co-Offensive Player of the Week in upset win over Los Alamitos
Named to OCVarsity.com Orange County “Bonus List of Top Contenders & Overlooked Players”
Selected Team Offensive Player of the Week vs. San Juan Hills
Rushed for a career-high 181 yards on 21 attempts (8.6 average) in season opening win against San Juan Hills. Also scored one touchdown

Noah Sulick
#43 | Linebacker | Sophomore | 5-10, 180

Enjoyed the best game of his young career against Nolan Catholic: four tackles, three tackles-for-loss and one-and-a-half QB sacks. Recognized by the Orange County Register’s with “Huntley’s Hits” for Week 4

Jacob Bower
#44 | Linebacker | Junior | 6-2, 175

Registered a career-high 10 tackles in loss at Servite
Had another monster game on defense in win at JSerra Catholic - two sacks and one interception
Enjoyed the best game of his career thus far with two interception, a 27-yard fumble recovery and return for a touchdown and nine tackles in upset win over Los Alamitos in Week 4
Named the Cal-Hi Sports (calhisports.com) SoCal “Defensive Player of the Week”
Awarded a weekly “Helmet Sticker” by Michael Huntley in the Orange County Register
SBLive (scorebooklive.com) nominee for “Southern California High School Athlete of the Week”

Hero Kanu
#45 | Defensive Tackle | Senior | 6-5, 300

A Top-100 national and Top-10 California 5-star prospect currently with 26 offers from Division 1 Power Five conference schools. On July 9, officially narrowed down to ten: Alabama, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Clemson, LSU, Oklahoma, USC, Georgia, Washington and Texas. After the win over JSerra Catholic on October 1, announced that the list was whittled down to five: Ohio State, Oklahoma, Notre Dame, Georgia and LSU
Web feature profile on americanfootballinternational.com (AFI) / Hero Kanu: Europe’s First Five-Star NCAA Prospect? (Alex Malchow - 10/21/21)
Ranked No. 1 defensive lineman in state by scorebooklive.com -- 10/15/21. Criteria = 2021 spring and fall statistics, film review, discussions with coaches and college interest
Nominated for Cal-Hi Sports (calhisports.com) State and SoCal Defensive “Player of the Week” for performance in win at JSerra Catholic. Selected as a “State Stat Star of the Week”
Web feature profile on rivals.com / California Preps: Four-Star DL Hero Kanu Ready to Announce Top List (Adam Gorney - 09/28/21)
Enjoyed the most dominating game of his prep career in win at JSerra Catholic: 2 1/2 sacks, two tackles (both for loss), a blocked PAT and two quarterback hurries
Experienced a solid game with two sacks, four tackles (two for loss) and one quarterback hurry in upset win over Los Alamitos
Registered first full quarterback sack of the season in victory over Nolan Catholic
Numerous profile and highlight videos on youtube.com - 2021
Feature on E:FB Insider | Episode 3 (03/31/21)
Web feature profile on theathletic.com: Suh Comparisons: DT Goes from Geltendorf, Germany (pop: 5,600) to 10 Quick Scholarship Offers
Web feature profile on: seismicsportscoverage.com: German Import @HeroKanu Is a Hero at Santa Margarita Catholic
Television / Web feature interview on Bally’s Sports West / SoCal Prep Zone: “From Germany to So Cal High School Football”
Web feature interview on Spectrum News 1: “Santa Margarita Eagles Build New Culture Centered on Diversity, Family”
Newspaper / Web feature interview in Orange County Register: “Hero Kanu is a Marvel”
scorebooklive.com Fall 2021 State Defensive Player of the Year nominee
Recognized by PrepRedzone.com for one of the Top Defensive Performances for Week 2
Led team with three tackles-for-loss in win over St. Augustine (Also notched 1/2 sack)
Featured in four 247Sports.com online highlight videos in 2021
Ranked No. 1 Top Prospect for Class of 2022 by Europe’s Elite / europeselite.com
Ranked No. 1 Prep Prospect from Germany for Class of 2021 / 2022 by Europe’s Elite / europeselite.com
Ranked No. 9 football recruit in state for Class of 2022 by stacker.com
MaxPreps.com Fall 2021 Preseason All-State Team - Defense (DL)
rivals.com Prospect Rankings: National: 80, Position: 8 and State: 8
Ranked No. 6 by USA Today High School Sports in Top 25 Class of 2022 High School Players from California
Ranked No. 6 by yahoo.com Sports in Top 25 Class of 2022 High School Players from California
Ranked No. 7 prospect by ESPN / ESPN 300 in Class of 2022 High School Players from California
Cal-Hi Sports Fall 2021 Preseason All-State First-Team - Defense (DL)
Cal-Hi Sports Fall 2021 Preseason All-Orange County First-Team - Defense (DL)
scorebooklive.com Fall 2021 Preseason All-State Team - Defense (DL)
scorebooklive.com Fall 2021 Preseason All-CIF - Southern Section Team - Defense (DL)
SI.com All-American Watch List - Top Interior Defensive Linemen - “Notable”
Ranked No. 10 by Orange County Register of Hot-150 Top Impact Players for Fall 2021
Ranked No. 1 defensive lineman in Orange County for Fall 2021 by the Orange County Register
Ranked No. 12 prospect in the state and No. 189 in the nation on the On300 2022 (on3.com) Football List
Los Angeles Times Top 10 Defensive Linemen to Watch in Fall 2021
Los Angeles Times Prep Rally: “Big Men to Watch” in Fall 2021
MaxPreps.com compares to Kanu to Cameron Hayward of the Pittsburgh Steelers
Ranked No. 8 overall prospect in the state by MaxPreps.com
Ranked No. 1 prospect in the state and No. 7 in the nation at defensive tackle by MaxPreps.com
Ranked No. 9 overall prospect in the state and No. 1 at defensive tackle by PrepRedzone.com for Class of 2022
Cal-Hi Sports Fall 2021 Preseason Hot 100 - No. 11 overall in state for Class of 2022
Orange County Register’s - “Juniors Who Will Reign in the Fall of 2021”
2022 San Antonio Sports All-Star Football Game invitee -- January 8, 2022: Will announce college selection
Spring 2021 All-Trinity First-Team League - Defense
Ranked No. 8 defensive lineman in the state after Spring 2021 season by scorebooklive.com
scorebooklive.com Spring 2021 All-State Football Team (DL)
Cal-Hi Sports Spring 2021 All-State Second-Team - Defense (DL)
Cal-Hi Sports Spring 2021 All-State First-Team - Defense - Junior Team (DL)
MaxPreps.com Spring 2021 All-State Second-Team - Defense (DL)
Los Angeles Times Spring 2021 All-Star High School First-Team - Defense (DL)
Class of 2022 “Stock Risers” selection by PrepRedzone.com for California
Cal-Hi Sports Winter 2021 Class of 2022 Top-100 recruit

Taurian Nash
#47 | Running Back | Freshman

Was selected Team Special Teams Player of the Week after upset win over Los Alamitos. Also scored one rushing touchdown
Gained 68 yards rushing and scored his first-career touchdown on a 46 yard romp in win over St. Augustine

Jalani Liva
#62 | Offensive Line | Junior | 6-4, 320

Has received an offer from Arizona Christian
Recognized as a “Lineman on the Rise” in Orange County for Fall 2021 by the Orange County Register
Spring 2021 Letterman
Ranked the No. 124 overall prospect in the state by PrepRedzone.com for Class of 2023 and Outstanding Newcomer

Kilian O’Connor
#67 | Offensive Line | Senior | 6-2 , 285

Has received an offer from Columbia
Cal-Hi Sports Fall 2021 Preseason All-State Second-Team - Offense (OL)
Ranked No. 5 offensive lineman in Orange County for Fall 2021 by PrepRedzone.com
Ranked No. 61 by Orange County Register of Hot-150 Top Impact Players for Fall 2021
Ranked No. 6 offensive lineman in Orange County for Fall 2021 by the Orange County Register
Listed on PrepRedzone.com’s “Watch List” of state prospects for the Class of 2022
Spring 2021 All-Trinity League Second-Team - Offense
Cal-Hi Sports Winter 2021 No. 63 state prospect for Class of 2022
Cal-Hi Sports Summer 2020 No. 59 state prospect for Class of 2022
2019 All-Trinity League First-Team - Offense

Kyle Brody
#88 | Tight End | Sophomore | 6-4 , 230

Ranked No. 84 overall prospect in the state by PrepRedzone.com for Class of 2024

THIS WEEK’S OPPONENT: Orange Lutheran

SMCHS Season Game No. 10 / Trinity League Game No. 5
Game Day / Date: Friday, October 29, 2021 @ Saddleback College (Mission Viejo), 7:00 p.m.
School Location: Orange
Nickname: Lancers
Head Coach: Rod Sherman 6-3 (.667) - First Season as Head Coach School
2021 Fall Record: 6-3 Overall | 1-3 Trinity League
Last Week: Won @ JSerra Catholic (San Juan Capistrano), 9-7
2021 Spring Season: 1-4 Overall | 1-4 Trinity League (5th)
2019 Season: 5-6 Overall | 1-4 Trinity League (5th) | 0-1 CIF-SS Playoffs
All-Time Series: Orange Lutheran leads 9-8 (Including forfeit in Spring 2021) / Note: No game in 2007 due to Trabuco Canyon fire
Last Game: On-Field - OLu won 28-14 in 2019 / SMC won by forfeit in Spring 2021, 2-0 (due to COVID issues)
Last SMCHS Win: On-Field - 38-31 in 2017 / Forfeit win in Spring 2021, 2-0
Players to Watch:

Anthony Tena | Senior | Offensive Tackle
Brendan Hale | Senior | Cornerback
Bryce Brown-Johnson | Senior | Safety / Wide Receiver
Desmin Jackson | Senior | Running Back
Gabe Morin | Junior | Running Back / Linebacker
Jaylen Lynch | Senior | Wide Receiver
Logan Gonzalez | Senior | Quarterback
Malik Blackmon | Senior | Wide Receiver / Cornerback
Pierce Brown | Senior | Wide Receiver
Zack Miller | Senior | Offensive Line

In Brief: First-year Head Coach Rod Sherman returned to OLu this season where he enjoyed much success as offensive coordinator during the Lancers’ successful playoff run in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Now, he is extremely focused on injecting more confidence and drive into the program that had challenges over the past few seasons. The Lancers have revamped their program with new, key support staff. Notably they hired former OLu star quarterback Aaron Corp as offensive coordinator, former Mater Dei standout Chris Ward as an offensive line coach and former Mater Dei strength coach Bubba Reynolds. At the start of the season, Sherman indicated that protecting returning quarterback Logan Gonzalez was the top priority. Gonzalez is blessed with numerous talented receivers that can catch the football including: Desmin Jackson, Pierce Brown, Jaylen Lynch and Malik Blackmon. The responsibility for protecting Gonzalez falls to very capable offensive tackles Anthony Tena and Zack Miller. The defense is led by returners Gabe Morin at linebacker and Brendan Hale at cornerback.

NEXT WEEK’S OPPONENT: CIF Southern Section Playoffs

Day / Date / Time: Friday, November 5, 2021, 7:00 p.m.
Opponent: To be determined (See selection information below)
Location: To be determined (See selection information below)
Game Information Detail: www.cifss.org or www.smhs.org/athletics/teams-page/football or twitter: @SMCHS_Football
Broadcast: Check ballysports.com or twitter: @prepzone for details if game is televised or streamed live

CIF-Southern Section Playoff Details and Selections
Sunday, October 31 @ 10:00 a.m.

Trinity League schools are projected to be placed in either Division 1 or Division 2 based upon final ranking
Division 1 will be either an 8 or 10 team bracket and Division 2 will be a 16 team bracket
Rankings utilized in selection process will be taken from calpreps.com

* * * Santa Margarita Catholic - calpreps.com - State: 6 / Southern Section: 6 / County: 4

All brackets will be released by the CIF-SS office and available online at www.cifss.org
Game locations and times to be announced

CIF-Southern Section Football Playoff Game Schedule
1st-Round Games (of 16): Friday, November 5
Quarterfinals: Friday, November 12
Semifinals: Friday, November 19
Championship Games: Friday, November 26 and Saturday, November 27 (Thanksgiving Weekend)

CIF-Southern California Regional Championship Bowl Game Schedule
Friday, December 3 and Saturday, December 4

CIF-State Championship Bowl Game Schedule
Friday, December 10 and Saturday, December 11
Note: Division 1 Championship Game will be at Cerritos College

Trinity League

Regular season complete

CIF-Southern Section Playoffs - Friday, November 5, 2021: Schools, match-ups and locations to be determined

HEAD COACH Anthony Rouzier

Anthony Rouzier begins his second season as the Head Varsity Coach at Santa Margarita Catholic High School. Prior to taking the reigns of the program in the spring of 2021, Rouzier coached at SMC for three seasons, first serving as the linebacker coach and then as the Eagles’ defensive coordinator. The path to Head Coach started on August 27, 2020 when Rouzier was named on an interim basis. He replaced Tim Walsh after his resignation from the position to focus on a medical issue. On February 5, 2021, Rouzier was named fulltime Head Coach by school President Andy Sulick.

Rouzier played collegiately at the University of Connecticut in 2005. There he was the first true freshman walk-on to start in the Division-era of the school. He then transferred to the University of Massachusetts as a scholarship athlete and was a member of two Colonial Athletic Conference championships teams. In the classroom, Rouzier earned All-Academic All-Conference honors in 2007 and 2008.

After his collegiate playing days, in 2014, Rouzier coached at Amherst Regional High School (Massachusetts) where he started as the linebacker coach and was promoted to Defensive Coordinator mid-season. Rouzier then proceeded to coach the outside linebackers at Winston-Salem State University (North Carolina) in the spring of 2015. Shortly after that, he returned as a graduate assistant at his Alma Mater, the University of Massachusetts. There he worked with the defensive backs in 2015 and linebackers in 2016.

Rouzier then found his way to Europe to coach with the Hamburg Huskies of the German Football League. There, in 2017, he was the interim Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator. For his success, Rouzier was promoted to and accepted the Head Coaching position. Rouzier was also the Defensive Coordinator for the Under-17 Hamburg State All-Star team and worked with a recruiting service that helped European prospects earn Division 1 college scholarships in the United States. One of the other German coaches was current SMC assistant coach Sean Embree. It was Embree who convinced Rouzier that coaching at SMC would be worth his while and he soon found his way to South Orange County.

Born and raised in Massachusetts, Rouzier married his wife Elwira, who he met in Germany in 2018. He holds Juris Doctor and Master’s of Business Administration degrees from Florida International University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from the University of Massachusetts. He is the co-creator of a children’s book and non-profit organization that promotes health and wellness.

Compiled by Chuck Nan
Statistics by Shane Mielke

2021 EAGLES