Orange Lutheran - Game Notes
SMCHS Eagles (4-1) vs Orange Lutheran Lancers (4-1)
at Orange Coast College (Costa Mesa, California)
Friday, September 30, 2022 7:00 p.m.
Original PDF
Last Game vs Los Alamitos
Last season, SMCHS trailed Los Alamitos by 14 points heading to intermission, only to mount a furious and unchallenged comeback to secure a 42-21 victory. This time, the Eagles led after one quarter and trailed only 35-30 at halftime, but that same spark did not emerge in this one, although the Eagles did score points. However, they allowed more in the 69-49 disappointment. While the SMCHS offense put points on the board, the Griffins were also enjoying offensive success. Eagle quarterback Jaxon Potter had a career game with 482 yards passing and 57 more yards rushing -- a new school mark for total offense (539). He threw five touchdowns and notched one more on the ground. Three of those tosses went to Emmett Mosley -- tying the school record for a single game. Mosley (146), Bain Eiseman (119) and Niko Lopez (104) all broke the century mark in yardage. Trent Mosley also scored a touchdown making he and brother Emmett the first pair to do so in the same game for SMCHS since Brad and Brian Finneran in 1992.
Linebacker Jacob Bower was one Eagles that Los Al couldn’t stop. The senior logged a new career-high 17 tackles and registered one sack to once again say “hello” to Griffin’s quarterback Malachi Nelson. That sack brought back memories of that 2021 game in which he collected nine tackles (1 for loss), notched two interceptions from Nelson and returned a fumble by Nelson for a touchdown. Bower had collected 16 tackles in each of his first two contests. Donovan Comestro contributed 13 tackles. It was also announced that star defensive end Collins Acheampong would be lost for the remainder of the season with a knee injury requiring surgery.
Despite the disappointing loss, there were huge individual statistical numbers amassed in the game. Some were immense in stature and established or came close to establishing new team or personal single game marks. Please see detailed section below.
MOST PASSING YARDS |
|||
| Quarterback | Pass Yards | Opponent | Season |
| K.J. Costello | 495 | Orange Lutheran | 2014 |
| Jaxon Potter | 482 | @ Los Alamitos | 2022 |
| Jaxon Potter | 462 | Orange Lutheran | 2021 |
| K.J. Costello | 446 | @ Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) | 2013 |
| Carson Palmer | 423 | Tustin (CIF Playoffs) @ Cal-State Fullerton | 1997 |
| K.J. Costello | 423 | @ Santiago (Corona) | 2015 |
MOST TOUCHDOWN PASSES |
|||
| Quarterback | Pass TDs |
Season | Opponent |
| Peter Costelli | 6 | 2018 | Downey |
| Jaxon Potter | 5 | 2022 | @ Los Alamitos |
| Colt Fulton | 5 | 2020 | @ Mayfair (Lakewood) |
| K.J. Costello | 5 | 2015 | @ Santiago (Corona) |
| Ryan World | 5 | 2008 | @ Poway |
| Carson Palmer | 5 | 1997 | Tustin (CIF) |
| Carson Palmer | 5 | 1997 | @ Corona del Mar |
MOST PASS ATTEMPTS |
|||
| Quarterback | Attempts | Opponent | Season |
| Jaxon Potter | 55 | Orange Lutheran | 2021 |
| Jaxon Potter | 51 | @ Los Alamitos | 2022 |
MOST PASS COMPLETIONS |
|||
| Quarterback | Completions | Opponent | Season |
| Jaxon Potter | 35 | Orange Lutheran | 2021 |
| Jaxon Potter | 34 | @ Los Alamitos | 2022 |
MOST TOTAL OFFENSE YARDS |
|||
| Player | Total Offense Yards |
Season | |
| Jaxon Potter | 539 | @ Los Alamitos | 2022 |
| K.J. Costello | 521 | Orange Lutheran | 2014 |
MOST TOUCHDOWNS ACCOUNTED FOR |
||||
| Player | TDs | Breakdown | Season | Opponent |
| Jaxon Potter | 6 | 5 Pass / 1 Rush | 2022 | @ Los Alamitos |
| K.J. Costello | 6 | 4 Pass / 2 Rush | 2014 | Orange Lutheran |
| Ryan Wolpin | 6 | 6 Rush | 2012 | Carson |
| Johnny Stanton | 6 | 4 Pass / 2 Rush | 2011 | Bellarmine (San Jose) |
| Carson Palmer | 6 | 5 Pass / 1 Rush | 1997 | Tustin |
MOST RECEIVING TOUCHDOWNS |
||
| Receiver | Rec TDs |
Times Achieved |
| John Minardi | 3 | 5 x |
| Emmett Mosley | 3 | 1 |
| Reymello Murphy | 3 | 1 |
| Chase Nenad | 3 | 1 |
| Grant Calcaterra | 3 | 1 |
| Kyle Sweet | 3 | 1 |
| Brad Finneran | 3 | 1 |
| Mike O’Gorman | 3 | 1 |
BROTHERS SCORING TOUCHDOWNS |
||
| Players | Opponent | Season |
| Emmett Mosley | @ Los Alamitos | 2022 |
| Trent Mosley | ||
| Brad Finneran | @ Newport Harbor | 1992 |
| Brian Finneran | ||
| Brad Finneran | @ Tustin | 1992 |
| Brian Finneran | ||
| Brad Finneran | Buena Park | 1992 |
| Brian Finneran | ||
| Brad Finneran | St. John Bosco | 1992 |
| Brian Finneran | ||
Note: All receiving touchdowns
100 YARDS RECEIVING |
|||
| Season | Receivers | Yards | Opponent |
2022 |
Emmett Mosley | 146 | @ Los Alamitos |
| Bain Eiseman | 119 | ||
| Niko Lopez | 104 | ||
| Total | 369 | ||
Note: 4th time overall in program history -- third-most total yards
PLAYER NOTES, HIGHLIGHTS & STATS
Nicholas “Niko” Lopez
#19 | Wide Receiver | Senior | 6-3 / 215
- Along with teammates Emmett Mosley and Bain Eiseman, notched over 100 receiving yards in loss at Los Alamtios
- Enjoyed a two touchdown performance, on two receptions for 57 yards, in victory over Norco
- scorebooklive.com (SBLive) 2022 Preseason All-State Third-Team - Offense selection
- scorebooklive.com (SBLive) 2022 Preseason All-Southern Section Second-Team - Offense selection
- Ranked No. 22 by Orange County Register of Hot 150 Top Impact Players for Fall 2022
- Cal-Hi Sports Fall 2022 Preseason All-Orange County Second-Team - Offense selection
- Ranked the No. 5 wide receiver in the County by the Orange County Register for 2022, while teammate Emmett Mosley was the No. 3 selection
- Recognized by Eric Sondheimer of the Los Angeles Times as a tight end to “watch” and “making an impact” in 2022 (July 31 / August 12)
- Has committed to Colorado State. Also received offers from Nevada, Portland State and Louisville
- Ranked the No. 73 overall and No. 9 position prospect in the state by PrepRedzone.com for Class of 2023 in Summer 2022
- Invited to and participated in the 3rd Annual Rose City Boyz 7v7 Classic in Pasadena, California. Club team won championship
- Cited by PredRedzone.com (Michael Huntley - April 11, 2022) as being part of the most improved team in the Trinity League for Fall 2022
- Invited to and participated in the Turf Wars 7v7 Tournament held in San Juan Capistrano in mid-March, playing for OC Elite. Recognized by 247sports.com as an “Offensive Standout” and PrepRedzone.com as a shining star
- Ranked No. 2 wide receiver prospect “riser” in state by PrepRedzone.com for Class of 2023 in Winter 2022
- Named an OCVarsity.com (Orange County Register) “Future 50” candidate for the 2023 Orange County All-Star Football Game
- Ranked No. 241 overall and No. 62 by position prospect in the nation and No. 55 prospect in state by QB Hit List (qbhitlist.com) for Class of 2023
- Named to “Huntley’s Hot List: Orange County’s Top 6 Available Football Recruits” on January 22
- Ranked the No. 112 overall prospect and No. 17 wide receiver in the state by PrepRedzone.com for Class of 2023 in Winter 2022
- Fall 2021 Cal-Hi Sports All-State Nominee - Offense
- Fall 2021 All-Orange County (by Orange County Register) Third-Team - Offense
- Fall 2021 All-Trinity League First-Team - Offense
- Led team with 65 pass receptions, 693 receiving yards and tied for receiving and overall touchdowns with eight. Was second in pass receptions and fourth in yards during the Trinity League regular season
- Caught 10 passes for 134 yards (13.4 average) and one touchdown in the win over Orange Lutheran in the regular season finale
- 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 in Fall 2021
- Ranked No. 63 by Orange County Register of Hot-150 Top Impact Players in Fall 2021
- Los Angeles Times Potential Breakout Star in the Southland for Fall 2021
- Spring 2021 All-Trinity League Second-Team - Offense
- 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
Bekkem Kritza
#1 | Quarterback | Sophomore | 6-6 / 190
- Saw first action at SMCHS in lopsided win over Mullen (Colorado). Was a perfect 7-for-7 passing for 84 yards and one touchdown
- Ranked the No. 56 overall prospect in the 247Sports Top 100 for the Class of 2025 (Carried on MaxPreps.com also)
- Has received offers from Colorado, Colorado State, Kansas, Texas State and Texas A&M. Has also received interest from USC, Texas and Alabama
- Participated in the Nike Elite 11 So Cal Regional Camp in Manhattan Beach in early-June
- Invited to the ESPN 300 Elite Underclassmen Camp in Las Vegas, Nevada
- Passed for 3,192 yards and 22 touchdowns as a freshman in 10 games in 2021. Also connected on 64.9 percent of his passes
- According to MaxPreps.com, ranked No. 3 in the nation for passing yards by a freshmen in 2021
Gage Burnett
#1 | Outside Linebacker / Defensive End / Long Snapper | Junior | 6-1 / 228
- Ranked the No. 107 overall and No. 14 position prospect in the state by PrepRedzone.com for Class of 2024 in Fall 2022
- Ranked No. 73 by Orange County Register of Hot 150 Top Impact Players for Fall 2022
- Ranked the No. 71 overall and No. 10 position prospect in the state by PrepRedzone.com for Class of 2024 in Summer 2022
- Named by Orange County Register as a 2022 Spring Football “Top Impact Transfer in Orange County”
- Cited by PredRedzone.com (Michael Huntley - April 11, 2022) as being part of the most improved team in the Trinity League for Fall 2022
- Invited to and participated in the Giant Skillz Athletics - (B.O.S.S.) National Lineman Showcase 2022 So Cal Regional in February, 2022. Recognized by 247sports.com’s Greg Biggins and PrepRedzone.com’s Michael Huntley for a “strong showing” at the event
- Ranked the No. 71 overall prospect and No. 10 at linebacker in the state by PrepRedzone.com for Class of 2024 in Winter 2022
- Has received offers from Arizona and Massachusetts
- Played in all 13 games for Servite in Fall 2021 and registered 38 tackles, two sacks and recovered two fumbles
Jaxon Potter
#5 | Quarterback | Senior | 6-5 / 185
- Had a incredible statistical game in disappointing loss at Los Alamitos. Set the all-time record for total offense in a single game with 539 yards, established a new career-high for passing yards with 482 yards (2nd all-time for SMC) and touchdown passes (5) and came very close to his own school records for pass attempts (51) and completions (34). Named a “Top So Cal Star” by scorebooklive.com and nominated for So Cal Sports Athlete of the Week plus cited as a “Top Performer” by prepredzone.com and Cal-Hi Sports “State Stat Star of the Week”
- Received a mass of votes for CIF-Southern Section “Offensive Player of the Year” in poll conducted by scorebooklive.com
- Named an early top 20 candidate for Southern Section “Offensive Player of the Year” by scorebooklive.com
- Threw for 286 yards and a career-tying four touchdown passes in lopsided 36-14 win over visiting Norco (also vs. Los Alamitos - (09/17/21). Named a “Top So Cal Star” by scorebooklive.com and nominated for So Cal Sports Athlete of the Week plus cited as a “Top Performer” by prepredzone.com
- Named the “CIF-SS Ford Football Game of the Week on Bally Sports Player of the Game” in victory over San Juan Hills in the season opener
- Ranked No. 9 by Orange County Register of Hot 150 Top Impact Players for Fall 2022
- Ranked as a “Quarterback to Watch” in the West by Tom Lemming, one of the top prep recruiting analysts in the country
- Ranked No. 4 Quarterback in Orange County for senior class (2023) by PrepRedzone.com and No. 4 overall by the Orange County Register for 2022
- Cal-Hi Sports Fall 2022 Preseason All-Orange County Second-Team - Offense selection
- Ranked the No. 102 overall and No. 13 position prospect in the state by PrepRedzone.com for Class of 2023 in Summer 2022
- Participated in the Nike Elite 11 So Cal Regional Camp in Manhattan Beach in early-June
-- 247Sports.com recognized as a “Top Performer Eye Catcher” -- Player that is under-recruited, has a next level skill set and consistently accurate
-- PredRedzone.com cited: Throws down the field well and showed improved decision making when he was surrounded by better talent at Santa Margarita
-- Interviewed for online article from Cal-Hi Sports (calhisports.com): “The Eagles have a loaded group of returnees, including quarterback Jaxon Potter”
- Has committed to Alabama-Birmingham (Conference USA). Also received an offer from Portland State
- Recognized by Eric Sondheimer of the Los Angeles Times for play at the Millikan (Long Beach) 7on7 Tournament in May, 2022: “Displayed some refined decision-making and touch from his junior season”
- Invited to and participated in the 3rd Annual Rose City Boyz 7v7 Classic in Pasadena, California. Club team won championship
- Cited by PredRedzone.com (Michael Huntley - April 11, 2022) as being part of the most improved team in the Trinity League for Fall 2022
- Named an OCVarsity.com (Orange County Register) “Future 50” candidate for the 2023 Orange County All-Star Football Game
- Invited to and participated in the Proway Battle 7on7 held in Dallas, Texas in March, 2022. Described by 247sports.com as an “eye-catcher”
- Invited to and participated in the Turf Wars 7v7 Tournament held in San Juan Capistrano in mid-March, playing for OC Elite. Recognized by 247sports.com as an “Offensive Standout” and PrepRedzone.com as a shining star
- Invited to and participated in the Proway Passing Down 7on7 Northwest Championship in Portland, Oregon in March, 2022. Earned the Northwest High School Regional Most Valuable Player award and championship belt
- Invited to and participated in the Giant Skillz Athletics - (B.O.S.S.) Athletics 5v5 Tournament in February, 2022
- Ranked No. 120 overall and No. 10 by position prospect in the nation and No. 8 prospect in state by QB Hit List (qbhitlist.com) for Class of 2023
- Selected as the two-day Most Valuable Player at the 2022 Showcase Ball Academy Quarterback Challenge and West Regional conducted at Serra High School (Gardena) in late-January
- Selected the Quarterback Challenge Winner at the same event in Spring, 2021, which included talented quarterbacks from the classes of 2023, 2024 and 2025 from California, Arizona, Utah, Nevada and Hawaii. Also cited as a “Notable Standout” by seismicsportscoverage.com
- Invited to participate in the Rivals Camp Series / Wilson QBX Camp on February 26 in Los Angeles. Participated in the same event in June, 2021
- Ranked in Top 100 List of Quarterback Recruits by College Football Today & ESPN Plus for Class of 2023
- Ranked the No. 102 overall prospect and No. 13 quarterback in the state by PrepRedzone.com for Class of 2023 in Winter 2022
- Fall 2021 Cal-Hi Sports All-State Juniors Third-Team - Offense
- Fall 2021 Cal-Hi Sports All-State Nominee - Offense
- Fall 2021 All-Trinity League Second-Team - Offense
- Finished the Fall 2021 season with 239 pass completions, 433 pass attempts, 2,869 passing yards and 23 touchdown passes. Broke the school record for pass completions and attempts in a single season and threw for the second-most yards ever. Also established a new record for fewest games needed to reach 2,000 yards passing in a season (7)
- During the regular season, led the Trinity League in pass completions (223), pass attempts (394), passing yards (2,703) and was third in touchdown passes (23)
- Lit up the scoreboard in last second win over Orange Lutheran in the regular season finale. Set a new single game school-records for pass attempts (55) and pass completions (34) and threw for the second-most yards (462). Scored the game-winning touchdown on a one-yard sneak with 0:13 seconds remaining
- 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)
- Threw for the second-most passing yards ever by an SMCHS quarterback in debut game in season-opening win versus San Juan Hills -- 294-yards. Connected for three touchdown passes
- 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 in 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
LaRue Zamorano
#6 | Defensive Back | Sophomore | 6-1 / 170
- Ranked the No. 24 overall and No. 4 position prospect in the state by PrepRedzone.com for Class of 2025 in Fall 2022
- Selected as a “Watch List” candidate by PrepRedzone.com for Class of 2025 in Summer 2022
- As a freshman in Spring 2022, achieved amazing marks in Track & Field that are among the school’s all-time best:
- Long jump: 21’6.5” (2nd all-time)
- Triple jump: 40’0.5” (9th all-time)
- 200-meters: 23.42
- 4 x 100-meter relay
- Listed on several PrepRedzone.com lists
- Ranked No. 6 prospect in state at defensive back position for Class of 2025 in Winter 2022
- Ranked No. 5 prospect in Orange County at defensive back position for Class of 2025 in Winter 2022
- Ranked on overall “Watch List” of state prospects for Class of 2025 in Spring 2022
Joshua Tuchek
#7 | Wide Receiver / Defensive Back | Sophomore | 6-1 / 170
- Named as a “breakout candidate” on SMCHS roster by scorebooklive.com in season preview
- Ranked the No. 102 overall and No. 15 position prospect in the state by PrepRedzone.com for Class of 2025 in Fall 2022
- Selected as a “Watch List” candidate by PrepRedzone.com for Class of 2025 in Summer 2022
- Has been clocked at 11.32 in the 100-meters
- Ranked in top 10 list of wide receiver prospects and “Watch List” in the state by PrepRedzone.com for Class of 2025 in Winter 2022
Ben Durham
#8 | Defensive Back | Senior | 6-0 / 205
- Named by PrepRedzone.com as one of the top “under the radar” and underrated senior safeties in Southern California
- Came up big in the first game of the season at San Juan Hills when he notched a safety and sack
- Named as a “top player” on SMCHS roster by scorebooklive.com in season preview
- Invited to and participated in the Legit Rare All-American Season Series in San Diego in late-Summer
- Selected as a “Watch List” candidate by PrepRedzone.com for Class of 2023 in Summer 2022
- Offseason training included stops at the Redlands, Utah, Stanford, Sacramento State, San Diego State and Wyoming Summer Camps
- Has been clocked at 4.60 in the 40-yard dash and 11.96 in the 100-meters
- Invited to and participated in the Proway Battle 7on7 held in Dallas, Texas in March, 2022 and other regional events
- Invited to and participated in the four-day National Prep Collegiate Showcase National Combine at the 2022 NFL Pro Bowl held in Las Vegas, Nevada in February, 2022
- Named a “Defensive Standout” at the Turf Wars 7-on-7 Winter Classic Jamboree in San Juan Capistrano while representing the OC Elite Sky Blue club in January, 2022
- Listed on PrepRedzone.com’s “Watch List” of state prospects for Class of 2023 in Winter 2022
- Registered a team-high 12 tackles (tied with teammate Donovan Comestro) in loss at Norco
- Listed on PrepRedzone.com’s “Watch List” of state prospects for Class of 2023 in Fall 2021
Greg (Bain) Eiseman
#9 | Wide Receiver | Junior | 5-11 / 175
- Along with teammates Emmett Mosley and Niko Lopez, notched over 100 receiving yards in loss at Los Alamtios. Cited as a “Other Top Performer” by prepredzone.com
- Registered a touchdown reception in win over Norco
- Ranked the No. 174 overall prospect in the state by PrepRedzone.com for Class of 2024 in Fall 2022
- Ranked the No. 147 overall and No. 20 position prospect in the state by PrepRedzone.com for Class of 2024 in Summer 2022
- Praised by PrepRedzone.com for performances on the “passing league” circuit
- Cited by PredRedzone.com (Michael Huntley - April 11, 2022) as being part of the most improved team in the Trinity League for Fall 2022
- On SMCHS Track & Field team, ran 10.98 in the 100-meters which is tied for sixth all-time in school history. Also has been clocked at 4.42 in the 40-yard dash and 23.01 in the 200-meters
- Ranked the No. 147 overall prospect and No. 20 wide receiver in the state by PrepRedzone.com for Class of 2024 in Winter 2022
- Listed as a “Trinity League Stock Riser” by PrepRedzone.com in Winter 2022
- Was fourth on the team with 27 pass receptions in Fall 2021
Emmett Mosley
#10 | Wide Receiver / Cornerback | Junior | 6-2 / 175
- Along with brother Trent, scored a touchdown in defeat to Los Alamitos. In doing so, they became the first set of brothers at SMCHS to achieve this since Brad and Brian Finneran did so, four times, in 1992
- Along with teammates Bain Eiseman and Niko Lopez, notched over 100 receiving yards in loss at Los Alamtios (146). Named a “Top So Cal Star” by scorebooklive.com and nominated for So Cal Sports Athlete of the Week plus cited as a “Other Top Performer” by prepredzone.com
- Ranked as a one of the premier underclass wide receiver recruit prospects in the West by Tom Lemming, a top prep recruiting analys
- With eight catches versus Norco, had second-consecutive game with eight-or-more receptions to start SMCHS career
- Had a solid performance in his fist game in an SMCHS uniform at San Juan Hills (Week 0) -- 9 receptions for 94 yards and one touchdown. Cited by Michael Huntley of prepredzone.com for “Honorable Mention” performance
- Cal-Hi Sports 2022 Preseason All-State Third-Team - Defense (DB)
- Ranked the No. 13 overall and No. 2 position prospect in the state by PrepRedzone.com for Class of 2024 in Fall 2022
- Ranked No. 10 by Orange County Register of Hot 150 Top Impact Players for Fall 2022
- Cal-Hi Sports Fall 2022 Preseason All-Orange County First-Team - Defense selection
- Ranked the No. 3 wide receiver in the County by the Orange County Register for 2022, while teammate Niko Lopez was the No. 5 selection
- Ranked the No. 13 overall and No. 2 position prospect in the state by PrepRedzone.com for Class of 2024 in Summer 2022
- No. 12 ranked prospect in state “Hot 100” from Class of 2024 by Cal-Hi Sports
- Cited as a “Top Offensive Performer” at the Mission Viejo Passing Tournament by PrepRedzone.com and has improved his speed greatly this offseason
- Named by Orange County Register as a 2022 Spring Football “Top Impact Transfer in Orange County”
- Received an invitation to attend the Annual Blue-Gold Game (Notre Dame Football Spring Scrimmage) in South Bend, Indiana on April 23 -- Reserved for top Class of 2024 recruits (Reported by Tom Loy - 247sports.com)
- Selected by Lemming Prep Football Report (Tom Lemming) as a National Recruit and All-American from the Class of 2024 for photo shoot in Westwood, California (UCLA) in April, 2022
- Ranked the No. 13 overall prospect and No. 2 athlete position in the state by PrepRedzone.com for Class of 2024 in Winter 2022
- Ranked No. 40 overall and No. 26 by position prospect in the nation and No. 3 prospect in state by QB Hit List (qbhitlist.com) for Class of 2024
- Ranked the No. 13 overall prospect and No. 2 at athlete position in the state by PrepRedzone.com for Class of 2024 in Winter 2022
- Highly-recruited player was sidelined much of the Fall 2021 season by injury
- Currently holds offers from Alabama, Arizona, Arizona State, Georgia, Colorado, LSU, Oregon, Penn State, USC, Clemson, Iowa, Texas, Utah, Texas A&M, Washington, Massachusetts, UCLA and Notre Dame
- Has been clocked at 11.47 in the 100-meters (2021 @ Servite)
- Cal-Hi Sports Fall 2021 Preseason All-Orange County Second-Team - Defense (DB)
- Selected as a preseason MaxPreps.com Sophomore All-American in Fall 2021
- Celebrated his best moment of Fall 2021 season as he debuted versus Mater Dei and blocked a punt that a teammate returned for a score
LeVar Talley
#11 | Defensive Line | Junior | 6-4 / 210
- Ranked as a one of the premier underclass linebacker recruit prospects in the West by Tom Lemming, a top prep recruiting analyst
- scorebooklive.com (SBLive) 2022 Preseason All-State Third-Team - Defense selection
- scorebooklive.com (SBLive) 2022 Preseason All-Southern Section Second-Team - Defense selection
- Ranked the No. 26 overall and No. 3 position prospect in the state by PrepRedzone.com for Class of 2024 in Fall 2022
- Ranked No. 62 by Orange County Register of Hot 150 Top Impact Players for Fall 2022
- Cal-Hi Sports Fall 2022 Preseason All-Orange County First-Team - Defense selection
- Ranked the No. 21 overall and No. 2 position prospect in the state by PrepRedzone.com for Class of 2024 in Summer 2022
- No. 64 ranked prospect in state “Hot 100” from Class of 2024 by Cal-Hi Sports
- Ranked the No. 11 Top Defensive Line prospect in Southern California by Cannon Sports USA / ELITE Sports Media Group Company
- Received recognition from Cal Preps - Rivals
- No. 9 ranked (For all classes) defensive lineman in the nation at Camp Series
- No. 14 ranked weak side defensive end in the nation for Class of 2024
- Has received offers from Louisville, Georgia, Virginia Tech, Florida State, Pittsburgh and USC. Has made unofficial visits to USC, UCLA, Fresno State, Oregon and Colorado
- Recognized by Lemming Prep Football Report (Tom Lemming) as a prospect that “shows a very quick get off, strong hands, excellent foot work, loose hips and great attitude -- dominates the point of attack in May, 2022
- Cited by PredRedzone.com (Michael Huntley - April 11, 2022) as being part of the most improved team in the Trinity League for Fall 2022
- Invited to and participated in the Under Armour Next Camp Series at Mission Viejo High School in March. Also named a Top Defensive Performer by PrepRedzone.com. Also noted as a player to watch by Greg Biggins of 247sports.com
- Invited to and participated in the first stop in the 2022 Cal Preps - Rivals Camp Series held at East Los Angeles College. Named the positional Most Valuable Player - Defensive Line in February. Also named a Top Defensive Performer by PrepRedzone.com
- Invited to and participated in the Giant Skillz Athletics - (B.O.S.S.) National Lineman Showcase 2022 So Cal Regional in February. Recognized by 247sports.com’s Greg Biggins for a “strong showing” at the event
- Ranked the No. 1 defensive line prospect “riser” in state by PrepRedzone.com for Class of 2024 in Winter 2022
- Ranked the No. 21 overall prospect and No. 2 defensive lineman in the state by PrepRedzone.com for Class of 2024 in Winter 2022
- Fall 2021 Cal-Hi Sports All-State Nominee - Defense
- Fall 2021 All-Trinity League Second-Team - Defense
- In Fall 2021, was second on the team in sacks (4.5) and tackles for loss (10)
- Enjoyed an outstanding game on defense in loss at Mater Dei -- logged five tackles (4 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
Cameron Burke
#12 | Quarterback | Senior | 6-2 / 170
- Offseason training included stops at the Northwestern, Stanford, Yale, Princeton, Penn and Columbia Camps
- On SMCHS Track & Field team, ran 15.90 in the 110-meter hurdles which is ninth all-time in school history and fifth in the Trinity League in 2022. Also ran 41.35 in the 300-meter hurdles which is twelfth all-time in school history and third in the Trinity League for 2022. Also has been clocked at 4.92 in the 40-yard dash
Donovan Comestro
#13 | Defensive Back | Senior | 6-0 / 180
- scorebooklive.com (SBLive) 2022 Preseason All-Southern Section Third-Team - Defense selection
- Ranked No. 35 by Orange County Register of Hot 150 Top Impact Players for Fall 2022
- Cal-Hi Sports Fall 2022 Preseason All-Orange County Second-Team - Defense selection
- Ranked the No. 4 defensive back in the County by the Orange County Register for 2022, while teammate Blake Wilson was the No. 8 selection
- Has received offers from Holy Cross, Colgate, Fordham, Stetson, Bucknell, Cornell, Dartmouth, Princeton, Yale, Penn and Army-West Point
- Praised by PrepRedzone.com for performances on the “passing league” circuit
- Offseason training included stops at the SMU and TCU Dallas Showcases
- Invited to and participated in the Legit Rare All-American Season Series in San Diego in late-Summer
- Invited to and participated in the Turf Wars 7v7 Tournament held in San Juan Capistrano in mid-March, playing for OC Elite. Recognized by 247sports.com as an “Emerging Sleeper” and PrepRedzone.com as a shining star
- Named a “Defensive Standout” at the Turf Wars 7-on-7 Winter Classic Jamboree at JSerra Catholic while representing the OC Elite Sky Blue club in January
- Fall 2021 All-Trinity League First-Team - Defense
- Tied for second on the team with three interceptions and was second in total tackles with 70. Tied for second-most interceptions in the Trinity League regular season and was fifth in total tackles. Also led the club with 14 passes defended.
- Had one interception and team-high 14 tackles in regular loss at Servite and also registered one interception in loss to St. John Bosco
- Registered a team-high 12 tackles (tied with teammate Ben Durham) in loss at Norco
- 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
Trent Mosley
#14 | Wide Receiver | Freshman | 5-10 / 160
- Along with brother Emmett, scored a touchdown in defeat to Los Alamitos. In doing so, they became the first set of brothers at SMCHS to achieve this since Brad and Brian Finneran did so, four times, in 1992
- Along with teammates Bain Eiseman and Emmett Mosley (brother), notched over 100 receiving yards in loss at Los Alamtios
- Selected as a “Watch List” candidate by PrepRedzone.com for Class of 2026 in Fall 2022
- After the Summer “Battle at the Beach,” the Orange County Register boasted that receiver Mosley flashed skills beyond his years and was arguably the top freshman in Orange County this season
- Has received offers from Oregon, Michigan State, Texas A&M and Notre Dame
Sean Embree
#21 | Tight End | Sophomore | 6-4 / 155
- In first-ever game in a SMCHS uniform, registered two receptions for 30 yards, including one touchdown on the opening drive in win over Norco
Skylar Lendsey
#22 | Running Back | Freshman | 5'10 / 190
- Recognized by PrepRedzone.com and anaylst Jake Lemming as one of the Top 7 “Emerging Freshmen Running Backs in the Country.” The scouting report:
-- Able to stick his foot in the dirt and generate immediate acceleration
-- Can get downhill FAST
-- Shows almost no deceleration when working through arm tackles
-- Has reliable hands as a receiving threat out of the backfield
- Selected as a “Watch List” candidate by PrepRedzone.com for Class of 2026 in Fall 2022
- Rushed for 92 yards in second-career varsity game in big win over Norco
Luke Anderson
#23 | Defensive Back | Sophomore | 6-0 / 170
- In first varsity start, registered three assisted tackles in win at San Juan Hills
- Saw action in two varsity games last season. In 42-21 win over Los Alamitos, had one kickoff return for six yards and notched four total tackles
- In a freshman game versus Los Alamitos, scored a long rushing touchdown, made a key block for a teammate that led to a score and played solid defense in a 53-0 victory
Matthew Bays
#24 | Defensive Back | Senior | 6-0 / 170
- Collected his first career interception in a huge win over Mullen (Colorado)
- Offseason training included a stop at the TCU Showcase
Taurian Nash
#26 | Running Back / Linebacker | Sophomore | 5-11 / 200
- Scored a 16-yard rushing touchdown on only attempt in win over Norco
- Ranked the No. 104 overall and No. 9 position prospect in the state by PrepRedzone.com for Class of 2025 in Fall 2022
- Selected as a “Watch List” candidate by PrepRedzone.com for Class of 2025 in Summer 2022
- Listed high on PrepRedzone.com’s “Watch List” of state running back prospects for Class of 2023 in Winter 2022
- Ranked the No. 9 overall prospect in Orange County by PrepRedzone.com for Class of 2025 in Winter 2022
- Enjoyed the best game of his young career in the upset win over Los Alamitos -- 54 yards rushing on six carries (9.0 average) and one touchdown.
- Scored first career touchdown in win over St. Augustine (2021)
Nicholas Johnson
#33 | Defensive End | Senior | 6-4 / 195
- Offseason training included stops at the USC, UCLA, Colorado State and Redlands Camps
- Invited to and participated in the Allegiance Athletics Offensive / Defensive Lineman Camp in March, 2022
- Invited to and participated in the Giant Skillz Athletics - (B.O.S.S.) National Lineman Showcase 2022 So Cal Regional in February, 2022. Recognized by 247sports.com’s Greg Biggins and PrepRedzone.com’s Michael Huntley for a “strong showing” at the event
- Garnered high praise at the California Prep Redzone Showcase (sponsored by PrepRedZone.com) in January, 2022
- Top 12 Defensive Standouts /
- Most Valuable Player at Defensive Line position
Blake Wilson
#34 | Defensive Back / Kicker / Punter | Senior | 6-0 / 180
- Demonstrated his overall ability in game No. 1 at San Juan Hills when he registered an interception, kicked a PAT, averaged 44.0 yards per punt and four tackles. Had a career long punt of 53 yards
- Ranked No. 55 by Orange County Register of Hot 150 Top Impact Players for Fall 2022
- Cal-Hi Sports Fall 2022 Preseason All-Orange County Second-Team - Defense selection
- Ranked the No. 8 defensive back in the County by the Orange County Register for 2022, while teammate Donovan Comestro was the No. 4 selection
- Cited as one of the top-ten kickers and punters in the Southland by Eric Sondheimer (Los Angeles Times - August 16, 2022)
- Ranked one of the two best kickers in the “powerful'” Trinity League for 2022 and a true “Swiss Army” knife by Eric Sondheimer (Los Angeles Times - August 7, 2022)
- Praised by PrepRedzone.com for performances on the “passing league” circuit
- Named an OCVarsity.com (Orange County Register) “Future 50” candidate for the 2023 Orange County All-Star Football Game
- Key member of the ranked SMCHS baseball team. Named Cal-Hi Sports “State Stat Star of the Week” on April 14 -- at the National Classic High School Baseball Tournament he was 3-for-4 with two home runs -- including a grand slam -- to go along with one double and seven RBI in the 7-4 win over La Jolla Country Day (La Jolla). Batting, Wilson had three home runs and 16 runs batted in while pitching he was 2-0 with four saves in eight games for the team
- University of Washington commit for baseball. Nominated for the Cal-Hi Sports All-State team
- Fall 2021 All-CIF-Southern Section Division 1 Football selection
- Fall 2021 Cal-Hi Sports All-State Juniors Third-Team - Multi-Purpose
- Fall 2022 Cal-Hi Sports All-State Nominee - Defense
- Fall 2021 All-Orange County (by Orange County Register) Second-Team - Defense
- Fall 2021 All-Trinity League First-Team - Defense
- Led team with 76 total tackles and five interceptions. Also, was 8-for-8 on PATs and 3-for-6 on field goal attempts. Connected for the longest field goal of the season at 46-yards, which was the longest in the Trinity League in Fall 2021. Also owned the second longest with a 42-yard boot. Tied for the most interceptions in the Trinity League during the regular season and was seventh in total tackles.
- Registered a career-high 12 tackles (2 for loss), nabbed his team-leading fifth interception and forced a fumble in CIF-SS playoff loss at Servite
- Had team-high 10 tackles is loss versus St. John Bosco
- Registered one interception in upset win over Los Alamitos and at JSerra 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
- Spring 2021 All-Trinity League Second-Team - Defense
Jake Foye
#42 | Running Back | Senior | 5-10 / 195
- Ranked No. 79 by Orange County Register of Hot 150 Top Impact Players for Fall 2022
- Cal-Hi Sports Fall 2022 Preseason All-Orange County Second-Team - Offense selection
- Offseason training included stops at the TCU Showcase and UCLA Camp
- Has received an offer from Culver-Stockton College
- Named the No. 3 running back in Orange County by PrepRedzone.com in Spring 2022
- Has been clocked at 4.65 in the 40-yard dash
- Led the team in rushing yards (646) in Fall 2021. Was fifth in rushing yards in the Trinity League regular season (574)
- Rushed for 137 yards and one touchdown in the win over Orange Lutheran in the regular season finale. Recognized by PrepRedzone.com as one of the Top Rushing Performances for Week 10
- Named to OCVarsity.com Orange County “Bonus List of Top Contenders & Overlooked Players” in 2021
- 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 | Junior | 5-11 / 200
- Had the best game of his career, thus far, as he registered five tackles (3 for loss), 2 /12 sacks and one quarterback hurry in victory over Mullen (Colorado)
- Contributed a solid performance in the season-opening win at San Juan Hills with 10 total tackles (4 for loss) and one-and-a-half quarterback sacks
- Noah is the third Sulick family member to wear the number 43, going along with uncle Tim ‘93 and brother Drew ’21 -- graduates from SMCHS
- Named as a “top player” on SMCHS roster by scorebooklive.com in season preview
- Praised by PrepRedzone.com for performances on the “passing league” circuit
- One of the leaders that emerged on defense, notched 42 total tackles (7th) with nine for loss (2nd) for the 2021 Fall season
- Registered first career interception in the win over Orange Lutheran in the regular season finale
- Enjoyed the best game of his young career against Nolan Catholic: four tackles, three tackles-for-loss and one-and-a-half quarterback sacks.
Jacob Bower
#44 | Linebacker | Senior | 6-1 / 195
- For the second-straight contest, notched 16 total tackles (3 for loss) in resounding win over Norco. Nominated for Cal-Hi Sports’ “State Stat Star of the Week”
- Enjoyed possibly the best game of his career in the season-opening win at San Juan Hills -- 16 total tackles, (1 for loss), one fumble recovery and one-half sack. Praised by Mitch Stephens of scorebooklive.com and Michael Huntley of the Orange County Register - “Fear the “D”, SMCHS’s defense looked in midseason form”
- Ranked No. 103 by Orange County Register of Hot 150 Top Impact Players for Fall 2022
- Selected as a “Watch List” candidate by PrepRedzone.com for Class of 2023 in Summer 2022
- Offseason training included the UCLA and Sacramento State Summer Camps
- Listed on PrepRedzone.com’s “Watch List” of state prospects for Class of 2023 in Winter 2022
- Fall 2021 Cal-Hi Sports All-State Nominee - Defense
- Fall 2021 All-Trinity League Second-Team - Defense
- Was third on the team with 58 total tackles and also among the leaders in interceptions (3) and sacks (2.0). Tied for second-most interceptions in the Trinity League during the regular season
- Registered a career-high 10 tackles in regular season 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 interceptions, 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 Link with photo: https://www.calhisports.com/2021/09/21/norcal-socal-players-of-the-week-63/
- SBLive (scorebooklive.com) nominee for “Southern California High School Athlete of the Week”
- Web feature interview on SBLive (scorebooklive.com)
- Plays rugby for the South Orange County Raptors
Brock DeFries
#49 | Safety | Sophomore | 5-9 / 170
- Blocked a punt in his first varsity game action versus Mullen (Colorado)
Jayden Dose
#50 | Defensive Tackle | Junior | 5-10 / 225
- Invited to and participated in the Giant Skillz Athletics - (B.O.S.S.) National Lineman Showcase 2022 So Cal Regional in February, 2022
Grant Degulis
#52 | Offensive Lineman / Defensive Lineman | Sophomore | 6-1 / 280
- Attended Jesse Sapolu’s “Men in the Trenches” (MITT) Linemen Academy in February and March, 2022
- A member of the SMCHS wrestling team
Jalani Liva
#62 | Offensive Line | Senior | 6-4 / 320
- Registered a rushing touchdown to close out the scoring in a one-sided victory over Mullen (Colorado)
- scorebooklive.com (SBLive) 2022 Preseason All-Southern Section Second-Team - Offense selection
- Ranked No. 44 by Orange County Register of Hot 150 Top Impact Players for Fall 2022
- Ranked the No. 7 lineman in the County by the Orange County Register for 2022, while teammate Collins Acheampong was the No. 8 selection
- Cal-Hi Sports Fall 2022 Preseason All-Orange County Second-Team - Offense selection
- Has received an offer from Arizona Christian
- Invited to and participated in the Legit Rare All-American Season Series in San Diego in late-Summer
- Ranked the No. 229 overall and No. 26 position prospect in the state by PrepRedzone.com for Class of 2023 in Summer 2022
- Selected to play in the next Polynesian Bowl on Saturday, January 23, 2023 at Kūnuiākea Stadium at the Kamehameha Schools - Kapālama Campus in Honolulu, Hawaii
- Invited to and participated in the Polynesian Bowl Combine / Tryout Camp in March, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Received several accolades regarding performance:
- Named one of five “Top Performers” after the “Best on Best” drill by camp directors
- Recognized by 247sports.com for efforts
- Recognized by PrepRedzone.com and Michael Huntley for efforts
- Described by Greg Biggins (National Recruiting Analyst for 247Sports & Selection Committee for the Polynesian Bowl) as a “major sleeper out West”
- Invited to and participated in the Giant Skillz Athletics - (B.O.S.S.) National Lineman Showcase 2022 So Cal Regional in February, 2022. Recognized by 247sports.com’s Greg Biggins for a “strong showing” at the event
- Named an OCVarsity.com (Orange County Register) “Future 50” candidate for the 2023 Orange County All-Star Football Game
- Ranked the No. 229 overall prospect and No. 26 offensive lineman in the state by PrepRedzone.com for Class of 2023 in Winter 2022
- Fall 2021 All-Trinity League Second-Team - Offense
- Recognized as a “Lineman on the Rise” in Orange County in Fall 2021 by the Orange County Register
Joseph “Joey” Lopez
#64 | Offensive Lineman | Freshman | 6-5 / 315
- Currently has four “pancake blocks”
- Has received offers from North Carolina-Charlotte University and Jacksonville State
- Invited to and participated in the Under Armour Next Camp Series for then 8th grade players held in Los Angeles, California in March, 2022
- Originally from San Jacinto, California
Aidan Carrison
#66 | Offensive / Defensive Lineman | Senior | 6-4 / 300
- Invited to and participated in the Giant Skillz Athletics - (B.O.S.S.) National Lineman Showcase 2022 So Cal Regional in February, 2022
Dustin Foisia-Gordon
73 | Offensive Lineman | Freshman | 6-0 / 310
- Has seen significant playing time
- Listed on PrepRedzone.com’s “Watch List” of state prospects at defensive line position for Class of 2026 in Fall 2022
Simeon Maiava
#75 | Offensive Guard / Defensive Tackle | Senior | 6-1 /280
- Offseason training included stops at the Nevada-Las Vegas and Redlands Camps
- Has received an offer from the University of San Diego
- Invited to and participated in the Allegiance Athletics Offensive / Defensive Lineman Camp in March, 2022
- Featured guest on the “Ike and Rome Show” on the No Line No Shine Network (April 5, 2022)
- Participated in ongoing training at PTP Sports and Team Elite Sports Academy - Team Elite 91 (T.E.S.A.) during offseason
- Invited to and participated in the National Prep Collegiate Showcase in April and June, 2022
- Invited to and participated in the NICO Trenches Lineman Showcase in March, 2022
- Invited to and participated in the Giant Skillz Athletics - (B.O.S.S.) National Lineman Showcase 2022 So Cal Regional in February, 2022. Recognized as a “Top Showcase Performer” by PrepRedzone.com and recognized by 247sports.com’s Greg Biggins for a “strong showing” at the event
- Fall 2021 All-CIF-Southern Section Division 11 Football selection
- Attended Jesse Sapolu’s “Men in the Trenches” (MITT) Linemen Academy in February, 2022
Ethan “E.J.” Thomas
#77 | Offensive Lineman | Sophomore
- Currently leads the team in “pancake blocks” with six, despite missing one contest
- Invited to and participated in the Giant Skillz Athletics - (B.O.S.S.) National Lineman Showcase 2022 So Cal Regional in February, 2022
Jace Brown
#85 | Wide Receiver | Sophomore | 6-2 / 186
- Named as a “breakout candidate” on SMCHS roster by scorebooklive.com in season preview
- Selected as a “Watch List” candidate by PrepRedzone.com for Class of 2025 in Summer and Fall 2022
- Listed on PrepRedzone.com’s “Watch List” of state prospects at wide receiver position for Class of 2025 in Spring 2022
Kyle Brody
#88 | Tight End | Junior | 6-5 / 235
- Ranked the No. 213 overall prospect in the state by PrepRedzone.com for Class of 2024 in Fall 2022
- Ranked the No. 145 overall prospect in the state by PrepRedzone.com for Class of 2024 in Summer 2022
- Offseason training included stops at the UCLA, Redlands and San Diego State Camps
- Invited to and participated in the National Prep Collegiate Showcase in April, 2022
- Ranked the No. 147 overall prospect and No. 2 tight end in the state by PrepRedzone.com for Class of 2024 in Winter 2022
- Registered 12 pass receptions for 81 yards (6.8 average) and one touchdown in Fall 2021
Mason Schuster
#95 | Kicker | Senior | 5-11 / 175
- Offseason training included the Auburn Specialist Camp
- Invited to and participated in several kicking specialty camps during the offseason:
- Kohl’s Arizona Kicking Camp held in Mesa, Arizona in February, 2022
- Chris Sailer’s Kicking Camp held in Las Vegas, Nevada in February, 2022
- Kohl’s Texas Showcase Camp held in Ft. Worth, Texas in May, 2022
- Achieved a kickoff long of 70-yards
- Successfully connected on a 55 yard field goal
- In limited action in Fall 2021, was a perfect 4-of-4 on PATs
- Is also a goalkeeper on the SMCHS soccer team
Collins Acheampong
#98 | Defensive End | Senior | 6-9 / 250
- Featured on KCBS-TV - Los Angeles (Channel 2) in “Hometown Hero” segment with Chris Hayre, Jim Hill and Dan Fouts on September 11, 2022
- Lauded by Michael Huntley of PrepRedzone.com as one of the Southern Section’s top defensive performers of the week in the huge win over Mullen (Colorado)
- Contributed to swarming defensive effort in win versus Norco with six tackles and one and a half sacks
- Online feature in the Orange County Register -- “Collins Acheampong’s Inspired Journey from Ghana Continues with Santa Margarita Catholic Football” (by Dan Albano -- August 18, 2022) -- Syndicated throughout the United States in other newspapers
- scorebooklive.com (SBLive) 2022 Preseason All-Southern Section Second-Team - Defense selection
- scorebooklive.com (SBLive) 2022 Preseason All-State Third-Team - Defense selection
- Cal-Hi Sports 2022 Preseason All-State Second-Team - Defense (DL)
- Ranked No. 45 by Orange County Register of Hot 150 Top Impact Players for Fall 2022
- Ranked the No. 8 lineman in the County by the Orange County Register for 2022, while teammate Jalani Liva was the No. 7 selection
- Ranked as a 3+ star recruit prospect by Tom Lemming, one of the top prep recruiting analysts in the country -- definite Division1 material
- Cal-Hi Sports Fall 2022 Preseason All-Orange County First-Team - Defense selection
- Ranked the No. 3 Top Defensive Line prospect in Southern California by Cannon Sports USA / ELITE Sports Media Group Company
- Selected to and participated in the Under Armour Next Future 50 All-American Camp at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida -- drew a great deal of media attention
- Has committed to play at Michigan. Also received offers from Miami (Florida), Arizona, Brigham Young, California, Colorado, Florida, LSU, Oregon, San Diego State, San Jose State, Florida A&M, Texas, UCLA, USC, Vanderbilt, Utah and Washington
- Will see playing time at tight end. Ranked No. 45 overall and No. 3 tight end prospect in state by QB Hit List (qbhitlist.com) for Class of 2023, although majority of playing time will be seen on defense
- No. 26 ranked prospect in state “Hot 100” from Class of 2024 by Cal-Hi Sports
- Has not played football since his freshman year when he racked up 51 tackles (15 for loss) and nine sacks
- Comes into the season rated the nation’s No. 17 athlete and No. 298 overall prospect by one outlet
Tyler Parker
#99 | Defensive Tackle / Nose Guard | Sophomore | 6-1 / 300
- MaxPreps.com Preseason Sophomore All-American Second-Team Defense selection
- Ranked the No. 17 overall and No. 1 position prospect in the state by PrepRedzone.com for Class of 2025 in Fall 2022
- Ranked No. 145 by Orange County Register of Hot 150 Top Impact Players for Fall 2022
- Cal-Hi Sports Fall 2022 Preseason All-Orange County Second-Team - Defense selection
- Ranked the No. 12 Top Defensive Line prospect in Southern California by Cannon Sports USA / ELITE Sports Media Group Company
- Has received offers from Portland State, Mississippi, Texas A&M, Arizona, Incarnate Word, Miami (Florida), Jackson State, California, Colorado and Notre Dame. Attracted interest from Tennessee and Oregon
- Kudos from Eric Sondheimer of the Los Angels Times: “Tyler Parker of Santa Margarita is only a sophomore, but he has everyone’s attention because of his strength” (August 4, 2022)
- Online feature at si.com (Sports Illustrated) -- “Getting to Know 2025 Defensive Lineman Tyler Parker” (by Ryan Roberts - July 24, 2022)
- Selected as a “Watch List” candidate by PrepRedzone.com for Class of 2025 in Summer 2022
- As a result of his viral video, Parker was invited to and appeared on the NBC television show “Access Hollywood” and was interviewed by host Mario Lopez
- Mid-Summer workout video and photos went viral worldwide as Parker stunned viewers who awed at his hulking physique. Highlighted in online feature by scorebooklive.com where he was described as a “Teen Hulk Recruit”
- Offseason training included stop at USC Camp
- Invited to and participated in the PPI Recruits DreamChasers Tour 1 @ Mercer, LSU, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Southern Methodist, Houston, TCU, Alabama, Kennesaw State, West Virginia, Penn State, Temple, Youngstown State, Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State, Kent State, Kentucky and Atlanta, Georgia in June, 2022
- Invited to and participated in the Allegiance Athletics Camp in Huntington Beach in May, 2022 and was named the Most Valuable Player - Defensive Line. Impressed staff who described the 14-year-old as “crazy strong!”
- Invited to the ESPN 300 Elite Underclassmen Camp in Las Vegas, Nevada
- Invited to and participated in the National Prep Collegiate Showcase in April, 2022. Selected as one of the “Top 5 Defensive Linemen” from a field of 20 at camp -- the youngest of all participants
- Cited by PredRedzone.com (Michael Huntley - April 11, 2022) as being part of the most improved team in the Trinity League for Fall 2022
- Invited to and participated in the Allegiance Athletics Offensive / Defensive Lineman Camp in May, 2022
- Has been clocked at 4.90 in the 40-yard dash
- Invited to and participated in the National Prep Collegiate Showcase in April, 2022
- Invited to and participated in the Giant Skillz Athletics - (B.O.S.S.) Skillz Camp in March, 2022. Recognized by 247sports.com’s Greg Biggins and PrepRedzone.com’s Michael Huntley for a “strong showing” at the event
- Listed on PrepRedzone.com’s “Watch List” of state prospects at defensive line position for Class of 2025 in Spring 2022
- Ranked in top five list of defensive line prospects in the state by PrepRedzone.com for Class of 2025 in Winter 2022
- A member of the SMCHS wrestling team
THIS WEEK’S OPPONENT: Orange Lutheran
Game Day / Date: Friday, September 30, 2022 @ Orange Coast College (Costa Mesa), 7:00 p.m.
School Location: Orange
Nickname: Lancers
Head Coach: Rod Sherman
2021 Season: 10-5 Overall | 1-4 Trinity League | 4-0 CIF-SS Division 2 - Champions | 0-1 CIF-State Regional Bowl
2022 Season: 4-1
Last Game: Won vs. Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks), 37-14
All-Time Series: Series tied 9-9
Last Game / Last SMCHS Win: 35-28 (@ Saddleback)
Players to Watch:
- Gabe Morin | Linebacker / Running Back | Senior
- T.J. Lateef | Quarterback | Sophomore
- Nathan Hale | Offensive Lineman | Senior
- Kaleb Marshall | Wide Receiver | Senior
- Jireh Moe | Defensive Lineman | Sophomore
- JoJo Edwards | Linebacker | Sophomore
- Talanoa Ili | Linebacker | Freshman
In Brief: Orange Lutheran football experienced a great start last season under new Head Coach Rod Sherman with the Lancers claiming the 2021 CIF-SS Division 2 championship -- the school’s first in 15 years. Sherman anticipates adjustments being made to OLu’s offensive game as a reflection of the strengths of the squad’s current players. As the team transitions into a player-led leadership structure, several Lancers are rising to the occasion. Wide receiver and multi-year starter Kaleb Marshall will be leading the his teammates both on and off the gridiron. All-Trinity League linebacker Gabe Morin (140 tackles in 2021) is back to anchor the unit and has positional support from sophomore JoJo Edwards and highly-regarded freshman Talanoa Ili. The defensive line has been boosted by the transfer of impressive sophomore Jireh Moe from Nevada while the secondary welcomes back a healthy Keon Washington (knee injury) at cornerback. Preseason rankings from several media outlets agreed that the Lancers’ strong returners and young newcomers have the skill to stay competitive. Both MaxPreps.com the Los Angeles Times preseason rankings had the Lancers slotted in at No. 12, while the Orange County Register’s staff ranked OLu at No. 5 in the county.
2021 Game:
Dense fog rolled in after half time but that didn't stop SMCHS from ending the regular season with a dramatic win. Quarterback Jaxon Potter was on fire as he hit 35-of-55 passes (63.6%) for 462 yards and three touchdowns. All of Potter’s attempt and completion numbers bested previously established school marks, while the passing yards were second all-time. He also rushed for one score -- the game-winner on the final play of the game. The talented junior now had 2,703 passing yards for the season with 23 touchdown passes. Three of Potter’s receivers smashed the 100-yard receiving barrier: Jalen Jones (135), Niko Lopez (134) and Ty Benefield (101). One of Benefield’s receptions, 67 yards, helped set up the game-winning score. Running back Jake Foye rushed for 137 yards and one touchdown. Offensively, it was a stat freaks delight. Defensively, Hero Kanu had six tackles (4 for loss), one sack and one forced fumble. Linebacker Jacob Bower had five total tackles, while Noah Sulick had five tackles (2 for loss) and one interception. As a team, the Eagles also broke the single game record for offensive plays from scrimmage with 89. With that, the Eagles amassed 716 all-purpose yards and 639 yards of total offense.
NEXT WEEK’S OPPONENT: JSerra
SMCHS Season Game No. 7 / Trinity League Game No. 2
Game Logistics: Friday, October 7, 2022 @ Saddleback College (Mission Viejo), 7:00 p.m.
School Location: San Juan Capistrano
Nickname: Lions
Head Coach: Scott McKnight (6-10, .375) - 2nd Season
2021 Record: 3-8 Overall | 0-5 Trinity League (6th) | 0-1 CIF-SS Division 2 Playoffs
2022 Record: 3-2
Last Game: Won vs. Rancho Cucamonga, 34-18
This Week: vs. Mater Dei (Santa Ana)
All-Time Series: SMCHS Leads Series 10-6
Last Game / SMCHS Win: 38-13 in 2021 (@ JSerra Catholic)
Players to Watch:
- David Tuliau | Offensive / Defensive Lineman | Sophomore
- Zander Singh | Quarterback | Junior
- Josh Jornadal | Wide Receiver | Senior
- Kainoa Tausaga-Davis | Offensive / Defensive Lineman | Junior
- Jake Flores | Right Offensive Tackle | Sophomore
- Logan Christensen | Wide Receiver | Sophomore
In Brief: The JSerra team was 3-8 overall last season and 0-5 in the Trinity League -- with a very young roster. It should be noted that the Lions had the second-toughest schedule in the country behind only St. John Bosco. Head Coach Scott McKnight is quick to point out that the Lions lost to CIF-SS Division 2 champion Orange Lutheran by only two points, and that JSerra’s Division 2 first-round game at Sierra Canyon came down to the very last play. As said, they were extremely young at several positions last season, but look to utilize that experience to be quite competitive in 2022. One of those young players who will be key is junior quarterback Zander Singh. He took over the reins late in the season for JSerra, and in that first-round game at Sierra Canyon, it was Singh who nearly got the Lions all the way back as he finished with 308 yards passing and five touchdowns. Additionally for the Lions, another strength is the offensive line. The group up front went through a great deal of challenges last season with two sophomores and three freshmen. Returning all-CIF senior center David Tuliau will be a leader for that group and junior Kainoa Davis will start at left tackle. In all, nine starters return on offense and 10 come back on defense.
2021 Game: The commencement of Trinity League season saw Santa Margarita Catholic make the short trip to San Juan Capistrano to take on rival JSerra Catholic (San Juan Capistrano).The Eagles defeated the Lions 42-0 in the spring and were soaring high after their quality, upset win over No. 14 Los Alamitos. SMCHS came out sky high for this clash and it was a party for the Eagle’s defense, at the Lion’s expense, as it forced five turnovers (including four interceptions) and recorded seven sacks in the 38-13 trouncing. Interceptions were collected by Israel Solomon, Romen Christiensen and Blake Wilson. Jacob Bower had another big game with an pick and two quarterback sacks. Highly touted recruit Hero Kanu had the best game of his prep career with 2 1/2 sacks, two tackles (both for loss), a blocked PAT and two quarterback hurries. Ryan Zolnick had one sack, as well. Offensively, QB Jaxon Potter tossed a then career-high 387 yards and three touchdowns. He also added one rushing score. This was the eighth-best passing yard effort in school history. Potter now has 1,971 yards passing and 17 touchdowns for the season. On the receiving end of the scores were Jalen Jones, Ian Grogan and Ty Benefield. The Lions moved their record to 5-1 for the first time since 2015. The entire Eagles’ defensive corps was named the “Defensive Player of the Week” by the coaching staff. Kanu was a Cal-Hi Sports (calhisports.com) - So Cal “Defensive Player of the Week” nominee.
2022 HOMECOMING
All-Time Record: 20-10 (.667)
Won three-straight
Gates Open: 5:00 p.m.
Ceremony: 6:15 p.m.
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m
TRINITY LEAGUE
This Week’s Trinity League Schedule
Friday, September 30, 2022
Mater Dei (Santa Ana) at JSerra Catholic (San Juan Capistrano), 7:00 p.m.
St. John Bosco (Bellflower) vs. Servite (Anaheim) at Cerritos College (Cerritos), 7:00 p.m.
IN-HOUSE EAGLE MEDIA COVERAGE
“Eagles 360 with Natalie Miller”
* “Postgame Report” - Released Monday’s
* “The Extra Point” - Released Wednesday’s
* “End Zone Insight” - Selected In-Season Weekly Game Notes
YouTube Channel: Natalie Miller Sports
Instagram: @nataliemillersports
Twitter: @NatalieMSports
on aimsports.tv
with Host Bobbi Higgins
Producer & Narrated by Paul Higgins
Also
with Host Paul Higgins
HEAD COACH Anthony Rouzier
Anthony Rouzier begins his third 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 SMCHS 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. 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 SMCHS assistant coach Sean Embree. It was Embree who convinced Rouzier that coaching at SMCHS 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.
Over the recent offseason, Coach Rouzier and his talented staff have developed an innovative approach to expand the depth and breadth of the program. These activities and processes include:
- Individual player participation in over 55 camps, showcases and events throughout the West
- Scheduling almost one dozen 7-on-7 passing tournaments and scrimmages between all levels of the program
- Conducting multiple offsite team building and leadership events
- Improvement of communication pipeline with a myriad of team information being offered. For example: first-ever preseason team newsletter
- Development and support of dedicated student-produced media programming covering all aspects of the team.
Compiled by Chuck Nan
Statistics by Shane Mielke
