Orange Lutheran - CIF Game Notes
SMCHS Eagles (8-3) vs Orange Lutheran Lancers (3-8)
at Orange Coast College (Costa Mesa)
Friday, November 21, 2025 - 7:00 p.m.
Original PDF
HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST WEEK’S GAME At Sierra Canyon
Pregame Notebook
- The Friday night high school football spotlight for the section, Southland, state and national landscape was on the matchup in Chatsworth between MaxPreps.com’s national No. 12 Santa Margarita Catholic High School (SMCHS) and No. 7 Sierra Canyon School (SCS). The pair squared-off in the in a Southern Section - Division 1 playoff quarterfinal. The winner would advance to face the victor of the Orange Lutheran at St. John Bosco game.
- This game was the lone MaxPreps.com Top 25 national matchup of the week. In addition, The Sporting News also dubbed the matchup their “High School Football Game of the Week.”
- SMCHS and its five Trinity League rivals have all faced the most challenging schedules in the country. The Eagles were and 2-2 against teams ranked in the MaxPreps.com Top 25 as of Friday.
- SMCHS has played eight teams in the MaxPreps.com Top 100, achieving notable wins against No. 5 Centennial (Corona), No. 6 Mater Dei and No. 7 Sierra Canyon, with slim losses to Mission Viejo and Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas).
- Coming into the game, SCS had averaged 44.5 points per game, scored at least 30 points in each game, and possessed an average victory margin of over 40 points. Its had also dealt five defensive shutouts. One more thing, the Blazers never trailed at any point of a game either.
SMCHS Overcomes Challenges of Sloppy Weather and Sierra Canyon to Earn Tough Playoff Victory
- The contest was played under very sloppy weather conditions to say the least. The SMCHS defense didn’t break as it turned back several deep drives by SCS in the first half, picking up defensive plays at key points. The Eagles special teams play also enhanced their chance for victory with blocked kicks -- one each of a punt, field goal and PAT conversion.
- In the last minute of play in the first half, quarterback Trace Johnson found Ryan Clark streaking down the left sideline with a 33-yard strike and a 7-3 lead. Sierra Canyon went to the locker room trailing for the first time this year.
- After the Trailblazers score on the first possession of the third quarter, the Eagles executed a double-reverse flea flicker, Johnson found Clark in the end zone once again. Later in the quarter, Trent Mosley did his magic by returning a punt 28 yards, and then ran for a 4-yard score from the Wildcat formation to give SMCHS a comfortable 21-9 lead and ultimately the win.
Stars of the Game
- Isaia Vandermade: 7 total tackles (3.5 for loss), 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble and 1 pass defended
- Jake Martin: 3 pass receptions
- Jayden Crowder: 1 blocked kick
- Leki Holani: 10 total tackles (2 for loss)
- Niniva Nicholson: 1 blocked punt
- Ryan Clark: 2 receptions,75 yards and 2 touchdowns (33 and 42 yards)
- Simote Katoanga: 1 sack and 1 blocked kick
- Siua Holani: 10 total tackles (2 for loss), 1 interception and 1 blocked kick
- Trent Mosley: 101 total purpose yards and 1 touchdown
Santa Margarita Catholic Rides Trace Johnson’s
Efficient Night to Victory Over Sierra Canyon
Santa Margarita Catholic leaned on poise, precision, and timely big plays Friday night, securing a 21-9 win over Sierra Canyon in a physical CIF Southern Section Division 1playoff matchup. Senior quarterback Trace Johnson delivered one of his most composed performances of the season, completing 10-of-18 passes (55.6 %) for 160 yards and two touchdowns, guiding the Eagles’ offense with confidence in a game defined by defensive pressure on both sides.
Santa Margarita By the Numbers
- SMCHS now faces Orange Lutheran. The Lancers edged out mighty St. John Bosco 20-19 in one of the biggest upsets in the CIF-Southern Section play, regular or postseason, in some time
- Last SMCHS playoff win was in 2024 versus Inglewood (59-26)
- Last SMCHS road playoff win was 2016 at Junipero Serra (Gardena) (27-14)
- Last SMCHS season with 8-or-more wins came in 2012 (9-3)
- With this win, the Eagles defeated an opponent that had a 10-0 record in the regular season for the second-straight postseason
- SMCHS is 4-8 all-time playing at Orange Coast College
2025 Trinity League - Total Defense
| School | Defensive Points Allowed |
|
| Trinity League |
Overall Games |
|
| Santa Margarita Catholic | 61 | 138 |
| St. John Bosco | 71 | 132 |
| Mater Dei | 74 | 182 |
| Servite | 142 | 294 |
| Orange Lutheran | 154 | 297 |
| JSerra Catholic | 257 | 402 |
SMCHS All-Time Defense School Record
| Points per Game Allowed |
Season | Total Defensive Points Allowed |
Games Played |
| 9.5 | 1990 | 124 | 13 |
| 12.5 | 2025 | 138 | 11 |
| 13.9 | 2012 | 167 | 12 |
HS Ratings / hsratings.com - Top National Defenses
| School (Location) | Power Rating |
| St. Frances Academy (Baltimore, Maryland) | 54.7 |
| Santa Margarita Catholic | 52.7 |
| Mater Dei | 51.7 |
| IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida) | 49.8 |
| Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, New Jersey) | 48.7 |
| St. John Bosco | 46.9 |
| DeMatha (Hyattsville, Maryland) | 46.2 |
| Thompson (Alabaster, Alabama) | 45.2 |
| Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nevada) | 45.0 |
| Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth) | 44.9 |
HS Ratings / hsratings.com National Schedule Strength Ratings
| School (Location) | Schedule Strength |
| Mater Dei | 69.2 |
| Orange Lutheran | 67.0 |
| Servite | 64.3 |
| Santa Margarita Catholic | 62.2 |
| JSerra Catholic | 61.1 |
| St. John Bosco | 59.6 |
| Mission Viejo | 56.1 |
| Centennial (Corona) | 55.2 |
| Lone Peak (Highland, Utah) | 54.5 |
| Rockwall (Texas) | 53.1 |
Santa Margarita Catholic Earns No. 1 Ranking in State Football Poll for First Time Ever
For the first time in Santa Margarita Catholic High School (SMCHS) history the varsity football team has been ranked No. 1 in the state of California. That is for any point of the season -- either pre, regular or post. The Eagles are in their 37th year of gridiron competition and have enjoyed a bevy of team and individual and accolades over the years, but to reach the top perch is another level of success.
After ending last season with a 5-7 overall record, and being stagnant for several years prior to that, SMCHS chose a different course for the program and hired notable alum Carson Palmer to take the helm. Palmer’s distinguished and remarkable career as a quarterback started at SMCHS, continued at USC and then flourished in the NFL.
This season, Palmer and his coaching staff have prepared the Eagles to compete at the highest of level in the toughest high school circuit in the nation -- the Trinity League. Currently, the team is playing its best football of the season as they look to progress deeper in the Southern Section and State playoffs. Last week, SMCHS knocked-off previously undefeated Sierra Canyon in the quarterfinals of the Division 1 playoffs. The Eagles are the only three-loss school to reach No. 1 status in the decades old history of the poll ranking.
By: Mark Tennis | calhisports.com | November 17, 2025
CURRENT COMPOSITE POLL RANKINGS
| Media Outlet | Coverage Area | Rank |
| The Orange County Register / ocregister.com | Orange County | 1 |
| The Los Angeles Times / latimes.com | Los Angeles Metro Area | 6 |
| Orange County | 2 | |
| Cal-Hi Sports / calhisports.com | California | 1 |
| CIF-Southern Section | 1 | |
| HS Ratings / hsratings.com | Nation - Computer | 5 |
| California - Computer | 2 | |
| CIF-Southern Section | 2 | |
| Overall Defense - Nation | 2 | |
| MaxPreps.com (PlayOn! Sports / NFHS Network) | Nation - Composite | 10 |
| Nation - Computer | 7 | |
| Nation - Manual | 7 | |
| California | 4 | |
| si.com / SBLive / scorebooklive.com Sports Illustrated High School |
Nation | 14 |
| Southwest Region | 3 | |
| California | 2 | |
| CIF-Southern Section | 2 | |
| Massey Ratings / On3.com / rivals | Nation | 33 |
| Nation - Composite | 13 | |
| California | 4 | |
| California - Composite | 4 | |
| High School Football America (HSFA) / NFL Play Football highschoolfootballamerica.com |
Nation | 8 |
| California | 2 | |
| The Sporting News / sportingnews.com | Nation | 25 |
| Nation - Composite | 16 | |
| California | 4 | |
| CIF-Southern Section | 4 | |
| ESPN SC Next / espn.com | Nation | 8 |
| California | 2 | |
| USA Today High School Sports / usatodayhss.com | Nation | 8 |
| California | 3 | |
| Blue Star Media / bluestarmedia.org | Nation | 11 |
| Far West Region | 4 | |
| California | 3 | |
| National High School Football / nationalhsfb.com | Nation | 8 |
| California | 3 | |
| West Coast Preps / westcoastpreps.com | Los Angeles Metro | 2 |
| ITG Next / itgnext.com | Nation | 17 |
| California | 4 | |
| JPWest Media / | CIF-Southern Section | 1 |
PLAYER NOTES, HIGHLIGHTS & STATS
Dash Fifita #0
LB | SR | 5-10 / 195
- Recovered a fumbled lateral and returned it 36 yards for a touchdown versus Orange Lutheran
- Tied for the team lead in sacks with 3 1/2 this season
- Recorded a sack in loss to St. John Bosco
- The Sporting News Midseason National High School Defensive Player of the Year nominee
- Registered one sack in historic win versus Mater Dei on October 10
- Highlighted in the Orange County Register with a feature: Santa Margarita Catholic’s Dash Fifita Inspired By Brother and “Best Friend” Noah on October 1, 2025
- Steve Fryer / Orange County Register -- Early season surprises (09/11/25): A candidate for Orange County Defensive Player of the Year -- has sideline-to-sideline speed and crashing hitting style reminiscent of Junior Seau
- Anchored the defense in compiling the first win of the season, a big upset of Centennial (Corona). Led the team with 14 total tackles
- 2025 Cal-Hi Sports Preseason All-State Team -- Third-Team - Defense
- ESPN / SC Next Class of 2026 No. 57 Inside Linebacker Prospect
- 2025 The Sporting News No. 1 Linebacker in California
- Ranked No. 11 by Orange County Register of Hot 150 Top Impact Players for Fall 2025
- 2025 Preseason All-Southland First-Team - Defense by the Los Angeles Times
- 2025 Orange County Register No. 1 linebacker in Orange County
- 2025 The Sporting News Preseason First-Team All-State Team - Defense
- 2025 Cal-Hi Sports Preseason All-Orange County Team
- 2024 PrepRedzone.com All-Southern California Junior Team - Defense
- 2024 Cal-Hi Sports Second-Team All-State Junior Team - Defense
- 2024 All-CIF-Southern Section Team
- 2024 The Sporting News California All-State High School Football Team: Second-Team - Defense
- 2024 Cal-Hi Sports All-State Nominee - Defense
- 2024 SBLive / scorebooklive.com / si.com All-CIF Southern Section First-Team - Defense
- 2024 All-Orange County First-Team - Defense (Orange County Register)
- 2024 Trinity League Co-Most Valuable Player - Defense
- Has committed to play at Arizona where his brother Noah is the starting quarterback for the Wildcats and an alum of Servite. Also had an offer from Utah
JAION “DUCE” SMITH #1
RB | SO | 6-0 / 190
- Rolled for 127 yards rushing on 19 attempts (6.7 average) and one touchdown in final regular season win at JSerra Catholic -- new career high
- Collected a 41-yard pass reception in historic win versus Mater Dei on October 10
- Scored what proved to be the game-winning touchdown in victory over Servite
- Established new career highs for rushing yards (122) and touchdowns (3) in rout of Oaks Christian School (Westlake Village). Cited by PrepRedzone.com as one of the best performances of the week
- Eight rush attempts for 59 yards (7.4 average) and 2 touchdowns versus Highland (Palmdale). Named USA Today High School Sports team Player of the Week
- PrepRedZone.com: Standout class of 2028 performer in Southern California for Weeks 0 and 1
- Ranked No. 87 by Orange County Register of Hot 150 Top Impact Players for Fall 2025
- 2025 Cal-Hi Sports Preseason All-Orange County Team
- Has received Division 1 offers from Morgan State, Sacramento State, San Diego State, Syracuse, Maryland, Arkansas and Texas State
- 2024 All-Trinity League Second-Team - Offense
DOUGLAS (TRACE) JOHNSON III #2
QB | SR | 6-2 / 180
- Was 18-of-22 (81.8%) passing for 243 yards and two touchdowns in final regular season win at JSerra Catholic -- Los Angeles Times “Top Performers of the Week” in the Southland
- Engineered a historic comeback victory versus Mater Dei on October 10 with 174 yards passing -- the first SMCHS win over the Monarchs since 2013
- Was 23-for-38 (60.5%) for 211 yards, both season highs, in win at Servite. Has exceeded the 200-plus yard passing threshold in five of six games. The only exception being an early departure in the blowout win at Highland (Palmdale)
- Established new SMCHS career highs for passing yards (252), touchdown passes (4) and completion percentage (77.3%) in rout of Oaks Christian School (Westlake Village). Pass yardage for the game was the most by an Orange County high school quarterback for the week
- Was 8-of-12 (66.7%) for 120 yards and 2 touchdowns passing at Highland (Palmdale) -- Over 67.0% in each of first 3 games this season -- 68.2% overall. Current season record is 67.6% by Jaxon Potter, 67.6% in 2022
- Named a Top Performer for Santa Margarita Catholic vs. Centennial by PrepRedZone.com and a “Big games, big numbers” player by Tarek Fattal of si.com
- Threw two touchdown passes and rushed for another in upset win over Centennial (Corona) In all, was 17-of-25 passing (68.0%) for 209
- ESPN / SC Next Class of 2026 No. 74 Pocket Passer Quarterback Prospect
- Ranked No. 28 by Orange County Register of Hot 150 Top Impact Players for Fall 2025
- 2025 The Sporting News as the No. 10 quarterback in the state
- Named by PrepRedzone.com as the No. 3 senior quarterback in Orange County for Class of 2026
- Selected Third-Team All-Southern California - Quarterback by si.com / SBLive / scorebooklive
- 2025 Orange County Register No. 5 top quarterback in Orange County
- 2025 Cal-Hi Sports Preseason All-Orange County Team
- Named by On3.com as the No. 2 high school transfer that will make a big impact nationally this fall (07/01/25)
- Transfer from Buchholz High Scholl in Gainesville, Florida
| Season | Career Record as Starter: 23-5 | Touchdowns | |||||
| G | Com | Att | Com % | Yards | Passing | Rushing | |
| 2024 - Junior | 14 | 225 | 356 | 63.2 | 3,522 | 29 | 2 |
| 2023 - Sophomore | 14 | 192 | 318 | 60.4 | 2,844 | 35 | 0 |
| Career | 28 | 417 | 674 | 61.9 | 6,366 | 64 | 2 |
- Was the 2024 Florida Class 6A Offensive Player of the Year nominee (of 3)
- 2024: Led school to Florida 6A semifinal / Overall team record -- 10-4
- 2023: Led school to Florida 6A semifinal / Overall team record -- 13-1
- 2023: 4S District 3 Champions -- Lost by 1-point to eventual state champion Lakeland
- 2023: Led school to first unbeaten regular season since 2001
- Has committed to play at Tulane. Also received Division 1 offers from Arkansas State, Central Michigan, Troy, West Virginia, East Carolina, Georgia Southern, Southern Mississippi and Wake Forest
- Notable 2024 Performances
| Opponent | Statistics of Note |
| Manatee | 453 yards passing |
| Osceola | 439 yards passing / 5 touchdown passes |
FLETCH PALMER #3
QB | SO | 6-1 / 170
- Guided the Eagles in three offensive series’ versus Highland (Palmdale) -- 1-of-2 passing for 20 yards
- MaxPreps.com Freshman Highlights - December 12, 2024 - https://www.maxpreps.com/video/watch/carson-palmer-s-son-fletch-palmer-freshman-qb-2024-highlights/?v=146f8264-efa1-47f0-9111-c2ae7eb60fa2
TRENT MOSLEY #4
WR | SR. | 5'11 / 170
- Has scored 52 touchdowns in his SMCHS career -- rushing, receiving and returns
- Established a new school record for pass receptions in a career -- now has 202
- Scored the lone touchdown for SMCHS in historic comeback victory versus Mater Dei on October 10 and tallied eight receptions
- 2025 Cal-Hi Sports Preseason All-State Team -- First-Team - Multi-Purpose
- 2025 MaxPreps.com Preseason All-America selection: Second-Team - Athlete
- 2025 The Sporting News No. 2 Wide Receiver in California
- 2025 si.com / SBLive / scorebooklive All-CIF Southern Section Preseason Team - Athlete
- 2025 PrepRedzone.com All-Southern California Preseason Team – Receiver
- 2025 PrepRedzone.com No. 3 Receiver to Watch in Southern California
- ESPN / SC Next Class of 2026 No. 34 Wide Receiver Prospect
- Ranked No. 3 by Orange County Register of Hot 150 Top Impact Players for Fall 2025
- 2025 si.com / SBLive / scorebooklive No. 6 Wide Receiver to Watch
- 2025 Orange County Register as the No. 1 receiver in Orange County -- Second-consecutive year
- 2025 The Sporting News Preseason First-Team All-State Team - Offense
- 2025 Cal-Hi Sports Preseason All-Orange County Team
- Selected by Cal-Hi Sports, for class of 2026, as the No. 15 Hot 100 prospect in California (06/26/25)
- Committed to further his career at USC. Had nearly 20 Division 1 offers from top-tier schools including: Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, Oregon, Michigan State, Texas A&M, USC, San Diego State, Stanford, Texas and Notre Dame
- 2024 PrepRedzone.com All-Southern California Junior Team - Offense
- 2024 Cal-Hi Sports: Second-Team All-State Elite Team
- 2024 Cal-Hi Sports First-Team All-State Junior Team - Multi-Purpose
- 2024 All-CIF-Southern Section Team
- 2024 The Sporting News California All-State High School Football Team: First-Team – All-Purpose
- 2024 Cal-Hi Sports All-State Nominee - Offense
- 2024 SBLive / scorebooklive.com / si.com All-CIF Southern Section First-Team - Offense
- 2024 All-Orange County First-Team - Offense (Orange County Register)
- 2024 All-Trinity League First-Team - Offense
- Was the featured guest on “Friday Night Live” on Thursday, November 14 -- Prep sports show hosted by Los Angeles Times prep guru Eric Sondheimer on “X”
- Continued his assault on the SMCHS Record Book. Has now caught all least one pass in 28-consecutive games. That is every career game played except his first in 2022. The school record is 29 by Brain Finneran in 1993
- Now has 169 career pass receptions. The school record is 178 by Brian Finneran. No doubt he would have broken that mark this season but missed four games due to injury
- Los Angeles Times’ Southland Top Performers for the Week at Orange Lutheran
- Praised by Steve Fryer of the Orange County Register for putting self development and team before personal
- Named to the MaxPreps.com Preseason Junior All-America First-Team - Wide Receiver
- Ranked No. 2 by Orange County Register of Hot 150 Top Impact Players for Fall 2024 -- “Mosley emerged last season as arguably the top offensive weapon in the County”
- Subject of online feature on Cal-Hi Sports (calhisports.com) “Trent Mosley: Man On The Move” by Chuck Nan -- Published: October 3, 2024 / Link: https://www.calhisports.com/2024/10/03/trent-mosley-man-on-the-move/
- Selected by Cal-Hi Sports to the 2024 Preseason All-State Team - First-Team Multi-Purpose (WR / KR / RB / Wild / DB)
- Named by Cal-Hi Sports as the “Most Versatile Player on the Field” in 2024
- Selected by SBLive/scorebooklive.com as the No. 2 junior (Class of 2026) wide receiver in the California for 2024
- Selected by SBLive/scorebooklive.com as the No. 2 wide receiver in the CIF-Southern Section for 2024
- Selected to the Preseason All CIF-Southern Section team by SBLive/scorebooklive.com -- “Unguardable”
- Ranked at the No. 1 wide receiver in Orange County by the Orange County Register for 2024
- Rated the No. 2 junior class wide receiver in the California for 2024
- Rated the No. 2 wide receiver in the CIF-Southern Section for 2024
- Selected by Cal-Hi Sports to the 2024 All-Orange County Preseason Team: First-Team - Multi-Purpose
- 2023 SBLive/scorebooklive.com / si.com All-State - Wide Receiver
- 2023 Cal-Hi Sports “State Sophomore Player of the Year”
- 2023 Cal-Hi Sports All-State Nominee - Defense
- 2023 All-CIF-Southern Section Team
- 2023 Trinity League Co-Most Valuable Player
- 2023 SMCHS Team Most Valuable Player
- 2023 MaxPreps.com All-State Second-Team - Offense
- 2023 MaxPreps.com Sophomore All-America First-Team - Offense
- 2023 All-Orange County First-Team - Offense (Orange County Register)
- 2023 PrepRedzone.com All-Southern California Sophomore Team - Offense
- 2023 SBLive/scorebooklive.com All-Southern Section Team
- Ranked No. 30 by Orange County Register of Hot 150 Top Impact Players for Fall 2023
- Named one of the top players on the team by the Orange County Register for Fall 2023
- Named the No. 6 wide receiver / tight end in Orange County for the 2023 season by journalist Dan Albano
- Selected as an Underclass All-American by Lemming Prep Football Report (Tom Lemming) for 2023 season
- 2023 Cal-Hi Sports Preseason All-Orange County Second-Team - Multi-Purpose
- 2022 Cal-Hi Sports All-State Frosh Watch List
- 2022 Cal-Hi Sports All-State Nominee - Offense
- 2022 All-Trinity League Second-Team - Offense
LOGAN HIROU #5
DB | JR | 6-1 / 187
- Collected one interception and returned it for a touchdown (25 yards) in final regular season win at JSerra Catholic -- 10th interception of his career
- Tied career-high for total tackles in a game with 12 in win over Servite. Named by PrepRedzone.com as having one of the Top Southern California Defensive Games in Week 6
- Interception return for 48 yards and a touchdown at Highland (Palmdale). Now has 9 career interceptions. School record is 12 by Brad Finneran (1991-93)
- Ranked No. 37 by Orange County Register of Hot 150 Top Impact Players for Fall 2025
- 2025 The Sporting News Honorable Mention - Defensive Back in California
- 2025 Orange County Register No. 4 defensive back in Orange County
- 2025 Third-Team All-Southern California – Quarterback by si.com / SBLive / scorebooklive
- 2025 Cal-Hi Sports Preseason All-Orange County Team
- Has committed to play at UCLA. Also received Division 1 offers from Arizona, California, Colorado State, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Penn, Princeton, Sacramento State, San Diego State, Utah, Tulane, Nevada-Las Vegas, Washington State and Yale
- 2024 Cal-Hi Sports All-State Nominee - Defense
- 2024 All-Trinity League First-Team - Defense
- Selected by Cal-Hi Sports to the 2024 All-Orange County Preseason Team: Second-Team - Defense
GRANT MOSLEY #6
WR | SO | 6-0 / 185
- Was the team’s leading receive in loss to Bishop Gorman with five catches for 73 yards (19.0 average)
- Continued to show remarkable talent as he caught a career-high seven passes versus Oaks Christian School (Westlake Village). Scored one touchdown in third-consecutive game
- Collected one reception for 14 yards and a touchdown in win over Highland (Palmdale)
- PrepRedZone.com: Standout class of 2028 performer in Southern California for Weeks 0 and 1
- With brother Trent watching from the sidelines with an injury, caught a perfect rainbow throw from Trace Johnson for his first high school touchdown -- 39 yards
- 2025 PrepRedzone.com No. 3 Sophomore Receiver to Watch in Southern California
- Cal-Hi Sports: California Freshman Football Players to Watch – 2024 Season -- Older brother Emmett V had a tremendous season as a freshman at Stanford coming off a knee injury and older brother Trent is one of the state’s top Class of 2026 prospects as a versatile receiver here at SMCHS
- Became the third Mosley brother to play for the Eagles program. Captured his first varsity reception -- 32 yards -- against Mission Viejo
JAYDEN CROWDER #7
DB | SR | 5-11 / 165
- Continued his kick blocking prowess with a key block at Sierra Canyon, a 21-9 upset win by the Eagles -- CIF-SS Playoffs
- Snagged an interception, his second of the season, versus Orange Lutheran and returned it 39 yards
- In first-ever appearance on offense, took a 15-yard pass and produced a touchdown for a 7-0 lead at Servite
- Named a Top Performer for Santa Margarita Catholic vs. Centennial by PrepRedZone.com
- Ranked No. 45 by Orange County Register of Hot 150 Top Impact Players for Fall 2025
- 2025 The Sporting News No. 25 Defensive Back in California for 2025
- 2025 Orange County Register No. 6 defensive back in Orange County
- 2025 Third-Team All-Southern California – Defensive Back by si.com / SBLive / scorebooklive
- 2025 Cal-Hi Sports Preseason All-Orange County Team
- 2024 Cal-Hi Sports Third-Team All-State Junior Team - Defense
- 2024 Cal-Hi Sports All-State Nominee - Defense
- 2024 All-Orange County Third-Team - Defense (Orange County Register)
- Commitment to California (UC Berkeley). Also had offers from Miami (Florida), Duke, Washington, Colorado, Tennessee, Texas A&M, SMU, North Carolina, Penn State, San Diego State, Michigan State and UCLA
- Selected by Cal-Hi Sports to the 2024 All-Orange County Preseason Team: Third-Team - Defense
IVRICK CARRIGAN #8
LB | JR | 6-0 / 213
- Contributed an interception in rout of Oaks Christian School (Westlake Village)
- Named by PrepRedzone.com as the No. 6 senior linebacker in Orange County for Class of 2026
- 2025 Cal-Hi Sports Preseason All-Orange County Team
- All-Sunset League First-Team - Defense
LUKE GAZZANIGA #9
TE | JR | 6-4 / 225
- Connected with quarterback Trace John for two pass receptions -- on a 39 yard touchdown
- Has quickly become a favorite target of quarterback Trace Johnson. In the first two games as teammates, the duo has hooked up for 11 receptions covering 150 yards (13.6 average)
- Collected his second pass reception of the season which was also his first-ever touchdown scored at the prep level -- in a rout of Inglewood in the CIF-SS Division 1 First Round game
SIMOTE KATOANGA #11
DE | SR | 6-5 / 250
- Was a pivotal defensive contributor in upset win at Sierra Canyon -- one sack and one blocked kick -- CIF-SS Playoffs
- Registered one sack in victory over Orange Lutheran
- Collected 1 1/2 sacks as SMCHS stunned Centennial (Corona). Named a Top Performer for Santa Margarita Catholic vs. Centennial by PrepRedZone.com
- 2025 Cal-Hi Sports Preseason All-State Team -- First-Team - Defense
- ESPN / SC Next Class of 2026 No. 12 Defensive End Prospect
- Ranked No. 16 by Orange County Register of Hot 150 Top Impact Players for Fall 2025
- 2025 The Sporting News No. 12 Defensive Lineman in California
- 2025 No. 3 Defensive Lineman to Watch by si.com / SBLive / scorebooklive
- 2025 Preseason All-Southland First-Team - Defense by the Los Angeles Times
- 2025 Orange County Register No. 5 lineman in Orange County
- Named by USA Today High School Sports / usatodayhss.com as the top-rated defensive lineman recruit in California for the Class of 2026
- 2025 The Sporting News Preseason Third-Team All-State Team - Defense
- 2025 Cal-Hi Sports Preseason All-Orange County Team
- Selected by Cal-Hi Sports, for class of 2026, as the No. 17 Hot 100 prospect in California (06/26/25)
- 2024 Orange County Register All-County Second-Team - Defense
- 2024 Cal-Hi Sports Second-Team All-State Junior Team - Defense
- 2024 First-Team All-Trinity League - Defense
- Committed to play at USC after having received 30 Division 1 offers -- Arizona, Arizona State, California, Clemson, Georgia, Kansas, Miami (Florida), Michigan State, Florida State, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma State, Oregon, Sacramento State, San Diego State, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, Nevada - Las Vegas, South Florida, Utah, Washington, Washington State, Western Michigan, Wisconsin, Central Michigan and Marshall
JAKE MARTIN #13
WR | SO | 5-11 / 180
- Registered five pass receptions for 66 yards and one touchdown in final regular season win at JSerra Catholic
- Collected a career-high six pass receptions in win over Servite
- PrepRedZone.com: Standout class of 2028 performer in Southern California for Weeks 0 and 1
JOSHUA “SIUA” HOLANI #14
DB | SR | 5-10 / 175
- Tied for team lead with 10 total tackles (2 for loss) and a huge interception to help SMCHS upset Sierra Canyon in the CIF-SS Playoffs
- Delivered one blocked PAT attempt in final regular season win at JSerra Catholic
- Turned in a solid defensive performance versus Orange Lutheran with a blocked punt and 11 total tackles
- Collected one interception in historic comeback victory versus Mater Dei on October 10
- 2025 Cal-Hi Sports Preseason All-Orange County Team
- 2024 All-Trinity League Second-Team - Defense
VAI MANUTAI #15
LB | SR | 6-1 / 210
- Collected one sack in historic comeback victory versus Mater Dei on October 10
- Has logged two sacks in 2025 – one versus Mission Viejo and one against Servite
RYAN CLARK #16
WR | SO | 5-9 / 150
- Enjoyed the best game of his career, thus far, with two pass receiving touchdowns (33 and 42yards) in the CIF-SS Playoff victory at Sierra Canyon / PrepRedzone.com Top Southern Section Offensive Performer from Round 2
- Collected three pass receptions for 67 yards and one touchdown in final regular season win at JSerra Catholic
- Contributed two receptions for 28 yards in win at Highland (Palmdale) and followed up that effort with four receptions and a touchdown in win at Oaks Christian School (Westlake Village)
- PrepRedZone.com: Standout class of 2028 performer in Southern California for Weeks 0 and 1 and “Big games, big numbers” player by Tarek Fattal of si.com
- Enjoyed a breakout game versus Centennial (Corona) with seven pass receptions for 78 yards (11.1 average) and his first career touchdown. SMCHS upset the Huskies for the second season in succession. Named a Top Performer for Santa Margarita Catholic vs. Centennial by PrepRedZone.com
Jagger Apt #17
WR | SO | 5-9 / 170
- Collected three pass receptions in overtime upset win over Centennial (Corona) -- the first of his young career
CA’RON WILLIAMS #21
DB | SO | 5-11 / 155
- Notched two interceptions in the span of the last four minutes of the first half against Centennial (Corona), an upset win for the Eagles. He sprinted 62 yards on the first of the two for his first high school touchdown.
- Named the Orange County Male Athlete of the Week by the Orange County Register for his impressive defensive performance
- PrepRedZone.com: Standout class of 2028 performer in Southern California for Weeks 0 and 1
- Lauded by Eric Sondheimer of the Los Angeles Times
- Named a Top Performer for Santa Margarita Catholic by PrepRedZone.com
- Named a Dominant Defender for Santa Margarita Catholic by PrepRedZone.com
- Named the Orange County Male Athlete of the Week by the Orange County Register for his impressive defensive performance
- 2025 MaxPreps.com Preseason All-America Sophomore selection: Second-Team - Defense (Defensive Back)
- Ranked No. 80 by Orange County Register of Hot 150 Top Impact Players for Fall 2025
- 2025 Orange County Register No. 10 defensive back in Orange County
- 2025 Cal-Hi Sports Preseason All-Orange County Team
- 2024 MaxPreps.com Freshman All-America Team: Second-Team - Defense
- Has received Division 1 offers from Arizona State, Texas A&M, Coastal Carolina, Southern Methodist (SMU), Toledo, Missouri, USC, Washington, San Diego State, North Carolina, Vanderbilt, Idaho and California
Titus King #22
DB | SO | 5-11 / 155
- Led the team with 8 total tackles in final regular season win at JSerra Catholic
ADRIAN PETERO #26
RB | FR | 5-4 / 165
- Executed one of the most pivotal plays in Eagles football history when he caught a pass from Trace Johnson and romped 59-yards versus the Mater Dei defense in historic comeback victory versus Mater Dei on October 10 on late scoring-drive
- Combined with teammate Jaion Smith to gain 156 yards on the ground versus Centennial (Corona). Petero grinded and drove to gain the final two yards of real estate and score the winning touchdown in overtime as well. It was the first score in his young career. Named a Top Performer for Santa Margarita Catholic vs. Centennial by PrepRedZone.com
TY SWANSON #34
TE/LS | SR | 6-4 / 200
- Has accepted an opportunity as a preferred walk-on at USC
JASON PEREZ #40
DL | SR | 6-1 / 230
- 2023 All-Trinity Honorable Mention - Defense
ALEKI “LEKI” HOLANI #44
LB | SR | 6-0 / 218
- Tied for team lead in total tackles in upset win at Sierra Canyon in the CIF-SS Playoffs
- Delivered five total tackles (four solo) and two tackles for loss in final regular season win at JSerra Catholic
- Contributed two sacks against Orange Lutheran -- tied for the team lead with 3 1/2 this season. Also leads the club in total tackles with 67
- Contributed 15 total tackles in historic comeback victory versus Mater Dei on October 10 -- Awarded “State Stat Start of the Week” by Cali-Hi Sports
- Contributed a solid performance in upset victory over Centennial (Corona) with 10 total tackles and one-half sack. On a big fourth-down play early in the game, was able to bat down the quarterback’s pass and thwart the Huskies from the end zone. Named a Top Performer for Santa Margarita Catholic vs. Centennial by PrepRedZone.com
- ESPN / SC Next Class of 2026 No. 61 Inside Linebacker Prospect
- 2025 The Sporting News No. 9 Linebacker in California
- Ranked No. 47 by Orange County Register of Hot 150 Top Impact Players for Fall 2025
- 2025 Orange County Register No. 6 linebacker in Orange County
- 2025 Cal-Hi Sports Preseason All-Orange County Team
- 2024 Cal-Hi Sports Third-Team All-State Junior Team - Defense
- 2024 All-CIF-Southern Section Team
- 2024 Cal-Hi Sports All-State Nominee - Defense
- 2024 All-Trinity League First-Team - Defense
RYAN CARPENTER #47
ATH | SO | 6-2 / 200
- Scored his second touchdown of the season, this time on defense, as he scooped up a blocked punt and sprinted 27 yards versus Orange Lutheran
- Enjoyed first career touchdown score on a 2-yard pass reception in victory at Oaks Christian School (Westlake Village)
Adam Iloilo #50
OL | SR | 6-4 / 250
- Named a Top Performer for Santa Margarita Catholic vs. Centennial by PrepRedZone.com
ISAIA VANDERMADE #53
OL/DL | JR | 6-4 / 280
- Had the best game of his prep career in upset win at Sierra Canyon in the CIF-SS Playoffs. Seven total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, one forced fumble and one pass defended. Commendations from:
- Cal-Hi Sports Southern California Defensive Player of the Week nominee
- Orange County Register Boys County Athlete of the Week nominee / Dan Albano - “Most Impressive”
- PrepRedzone.com Defensive Performer of the Week selection
- Cal-Hi Sports Southern California Defensive Player of the Week nominee
- Ranked No. 83 by Orange County Register of Hot 150 Top Impact Players for Fall 2025
- 2025 The Sporting News Honorable Mention - Defensive Lineman in California
- 2025 Cal-Hi Sports Preseason All-Orange County Team
- 2025 PrepRedzone.com Top Offensive Linemen to Watch in Southern California
- 2024 Cal-Hi Sports First-Team All-State Sophomore Team - Offense
- 2024 Cal-Hi Sports All-State Nominee
- 2024 All-Bay Area News Group - Honorable Mention - Defensive Line
- 2024 San Francisco Chronicle All-Metro Team - Honorable Mention
- 2024 Cal-Hi Sports Preseason All-Central Coast Section Team - Second-Team
- 2024 West Catholic Athletic League - Sophomore Player of the Year
- 2024 All-West Catholic Athletic League - First-Team
- 2024 Preseason All-Bay Area News Group - Defensive Line
Aaron Klatt #56
OL | JR | 6-1 / 280
- Named a Top Performer for Santa Margarita Catholic vs. Centennial by PrepRedZone.com
TONGA UHILA #58
DL | JR | 5-10 / 260
- Registered one sack and one tackle for loss in final regular season win at JSerra Catholic
- Blocked at PAT attempt versus St. John Bosco
- Finished with the best game of his young career with one interception and one sack versus Liberty (Bakersfield) in 2024
NINIVA NICHOLSON #77
OL | SR | 6-4 / 275
- 2025 Cal-Hi Sports Preseason All-State Team -- Second-Team - Offense
- 2025 The Sporting News No. 4 Offensive Lineman in California
- ESPN / SC Next Class of 2026 No. 79 Offensive Guard Prospect
- Ranked No. 17 by Orange County Register of Hot 150 Top Impact Players for Fall 2025
- 2025 Orange County Register No. 6 lineman in Orange County
- 2025 The Sporting News Preseason First-Team All-State Team - Offense
- 2025 Cal-Hi Sports Preseason All-Orange County Team
- 2025 PrepRedzone.com Top Offensive Linemen to Watch in Southern California
- Selected by Cal-Hi Sports, for class of 2026, as the No. 74 Hot 100 prospect in California (06/26/25)
- 2024 First-Team All-Trinity League - Offense
- 2024 Orange County Register All-County Second-Team - Offense
- 2024 Cal-Hi Sports First-Team All-State Junior Team - Offense
MANOAH FAUPUSA #78
OL/DL | SR | 6-4 / 360
- Registered two sacks in loss to Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) and then followed with another versus Servite a week later
- Ranked No. 17 by Orange County Register of Hot 150 Top Impact Players for Fall 2025
- 2025 Orange County Register No. 7 lineman in Orange County
- 2025 Cal-Hi Sports Preseason All-Orange County Team
- 2025 The Sporting News Honorable Mention - Defensive Lineman in California
- Selected by Cal-Hi Sports, for class of 2026, as the No. 50 Hot 100 prospect in California (06/26/25)
- 2025 Cal-Hi Sports Preseason All-Orange County Second-Team - Defense
- 2024 San Francisco Chronicle Second-Team All-Metro Team
- 2024 West Catholic Athletic League (WCAL) Defensive Lineman of the Year
- 2024 First-Team All-WCAL -- Notched 20 total tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 1 sack and 5 hurries
- 2024 Cal-Hi Sports Third-Team All-State Junior Team - Defense
- Has committed to play at Arizona after also receiving Division 1 offers from North Carolina, Oklahoma State, California, Colorado, Miami (Florida), Sacramento State, San Jose State, Texas, UCLA, Nevada - Las Vegas, USC and Washington
TYLER WIEGAND #86
K | SR | 6-0 / 135
- Successfully connected on crucial PAT conversion kick after low snap in historic comeback victory versus Mater Dei on October 10 -- game-winner
- Is currently 16-for-16 in PAT attempts for the season
- Was a perfect 6-for-6 in PAT attempts in rout of Oaks Christian School (Westlake Village)
- Kicked two successful field goals in win at Highland (Palmdale) -- 34 and 35 yards in length
THIS WEEK’S OPPONENT: Orange Lutheran
SMCHS Season Game No. 12 / CIF-Southern Section – Division 1 Semifinal
Game Day / Date / Time: Friday, October 24, 2025 / 7:00 p.m.
Game Location: Dick Tucker Field at LeBard Stadium Orange Coast College (Costa Mesa)
Nickname: Lancers
Head Coach: Rod Sherman
2025 Season: 5-9
Last Week: Won @ St. John Bosco, 20-19
All-Time Series: Orange Lutheran leads 12-9
Last Game: October 18, 2024 -- OLu won 13-10 @ Orange Coast College
Last SMCHS Win: October 24, 2025 -- Eagles won 2807 @ Trabuco Hills HS (Trinity League regular season)
Recap Summary:
SMCHS had a defensive and a special teams touchdown in its 28-7 win over Orange Lutheran in a Trinity League game at Trabuco Hills High. Dash Fifita returned a fumble 36 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter and Siua Holani blocked a punt and Ryan Carpenter returned 27 yards for a touchdown. Holani also had a team-high 11 tackles. Trent Mosley had two rushing touchdowns and 100 yards receiving. Trace Johnson completed 12-of-16 passes for 110 yards. Simote Katoanga and Leki Holani each had three tackles for a loss and Jayden Crowder had an interception.
Michael Huntley – Orange County Register
The Mighty Upset by the Lancers vs. St. John Bosco:
- Orange Lutheran stunned St. John Bosco with a dramatic 20-19 victory, shaking up the rankings at every level: local, state and national. After previously losing 48-0 during the regular season, the Lancers managed a remarkable comeback thanks to key plays by Nico Bland and King Rich Johnson in the fourth quarter.
- In the MaxPreps.com poll, Orange Lutheran is now ranked No. 19, while St. John Bosco dropped 16 spots to No. 20. This loss eliminated the Braves from the CIF-Southern Section playoffs, propelling Orange Lutheran into the semifinals against No. 7 Santa Margarita Catholic.
- Orange Lutheran scored 13 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to secure their victory.
- Nico Bland caught a 67-yard touchdown pass, while King Rich Johnson returned an interception for a 44-yard touchdown.
Key Players to Watch:
- Reagan Toki | Quarterback | Junior
- Jae Nembhard | Running Back | Junior
- Chris Flores, Jr. | Wide Receiver | Junior
- Nico Bland | Wide Receiver | Junior
- Christian Panapa | Linebacker | Senior
- Marcus Fakatou | Defensive End | Sophomore
- Auma Jennings | Nose Guard | Senior
- Aiden Migirdichian | Kicker | Senior
NEXT WEEK: CIF-SOUTHERN SECTION - DIVISION 1 CHAMPIONSHIP
SMCHS Records in CIF-Southern Section Football Playoffs All-Time
Overall: 30-26 (.536)
Home: 14-11 (.560)
Road: 16-14 (.533)
First Round: 16-12 (.571)
Second Round: 6-11 (.353)
Semi-Finals: 4-2 (.667)
CIF-SS Championship Games: 3-1 (.750)
CIF State Championship Games: 1-0 (1.000)
Compiled by Chuck Nan
Statistics by Shane Mielke
