Centennial - Game Notes
SMCHS Eagles (0-1) vs Centennial (1-0)
at Trabuco Hills HS (Mission Viejo, California)
Thursday, August 28, 2025 - 7:00 p.m.
Original PDF
HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST WEEK’S GAME VERSUS MISSION VIEJO
With numerous storylines surrounding the opening football game of the 2025 season for Santa Margarita Catholic High School (SMCHS), ultimately the bottom line was that there was a game played between the lines of the turf by student-athletes from two high schools. Mission Viejo was the opponent making the short trip up the 5 Freeway to face the Eagles at Trabuco Hills High School.
At kickoff time (7:00 p.m.), the heat was just a few ticks under the century mark, rivaling the hottest game in school history, in terms of temperature at kickoff. Three former SMCHS players wore the red and gold for the Diablos. The gates finally had to be shut as a sellout capacity crowd was on hand. How many? Well, several websites say that 5,666 can be shoehorned inside. Not sure, but there were a lot of people present for the biggest crowd to see the Eagles play in some time. Oh, and yes, Carson Palmer made his coaching debut with the Eagles.
The defensive struggle defied the expectation of many who expected points on the scoreboard. Both schools have a boatload of talent that can detonate at any time. The Eagles managed to breakthrough first with a 23-yard field goal as time expired in the first half. Senior Tyler Wiegand spilt the uprights with precision and SMCHS grabbed the slim lead. Those would be the only points the Eagles put on the scoreboard for the night as they fell 7-3.
The game was not without hints of positive assets to build upon in the upcoming weeks. Receiver Grant Mosley enjoyed the best game of his young career with four pass receptions for 30 yards. The sophomore seems poised and confident to step forward in establishing his own identity beside All-America brother Trent.
Other new faces who emerged and gained a foothold for the future included sophomore receiver Jake Martin with two receptions -- his first offensive touches for the Eagles. Freshman Adrian Petero saw significant action at running back and combined with sophomore Jaion Smith for 94 rushing yards.
In addition to the pass-catching wizardry of Trent Mosley, the receiving connection between quarterback Trace Johnson and junior tight end Luke Gazzaniga seemed to spell harmony. The combination collaborated nicely -- five catches for 67 yards. Overall, Johnson was 20-of-29 passing (70.0%) for 205 yards. In all, the Eagles gained 299 yards of total offense.
SMCHS’s vaunted defense was present. Skilled linebacker Dash Fifita tied for the team lead in tackles with six. Sophomore cornerback Ca’ron Williams also registered six tackles. The man they call “Prime” was selected this week by MaxPreps.com as a national Preseason Sophomore All-America honoree. Two other linebackers, Leki Holani and Vai Manutai, each logged one sack.
Top-10 Best of the Best from High School Football Action Across the Nation
Joshua Holani comes up with the big stop at the goal line for Santa Margarita Catholic High School
“Santa Margarita Catholic's defense was incredible in the low-scoring game against No. 13 Mission Viejo. The big play was when they stuffed the Diablos at the goal line to keep the game scoreless. Joshua “Siua” Holani came up with the big stop at the goal-line. This is our NO. 6 best play of the week in the nation.”
Record Week?
- With his seven catches, Trent Mosley has caught at-least one pass in 29-consecutive games. That ties the school record originally set in 1993 by Brain Finneran. When Mosley collects his first reception against Centennial this week he will hold the new mark.
- Mosley also has 176 career pass receptions. The school record is 178 by Finneran, also in 1993. Mosley can fashion a record in this category as well.
Current Composite Poll Rankings
Thursday, December 12, the new era of Santa Margarita Catholic High School (SMCHS) football commenced. School president Andy Sulick announced that class of 1998 alum Carson Palmer was the football program’s new head coach. The most notable words from Sulick’s press release were “His football pedigree is unmatched. As an alum he understands the culture.” This resonated among the alumni, school, local community and fans. The buzz for the beginning of the season hasn’t been at this elevation since the Harry Welch championship era of the late 2010s.
| Media Outlet | Coverage Area | Rank |
| Orange County Register / ocregister.com | Orange County | 3 |
| The Los Angeles Times / latimes.com | Los Angeles Metro | 7 |
| Orange County | 4 | |
| Cal-Hi Sports / calhisports.com | California | 5 |
| CIF-Southern Section | 5 | |
| HS Ratings / hsratings.com Formerly Cal Preps / calpreps.com |
Nation | 12 |
| California | 4 | |
| CIF-Southern Section | 4 | |
| MaxPreps.com (PlayOn! Sports / NFHS Network) | Nation - Composite | 25 |
| Nation - Computer | 16 | |
| California | 5 | |
| si.com / SBLive / scorebooklive.com Sports Illustrated High School |
Nation | 16 |
| Southwest Region | 5 | |
| California | 5 | |
| CIF-Southern Section | 5 | |
| Massey Ratings / On3.com | Nation | 24 |
| California - Composite | 5 | |
| California - Massy | 6 | |
| High School Football America (HSFA) / NFL Play Football highschoolfootballamerica.com |
Nation | 27 |
| California | 6 |
2025 Senior Night
| # | Player Name |
| 0 | Dash Fifita |
| 2 | Douglas (Trace) Johnson III |
| 4 | Trent Mosley |
| 5 | Logan Hirou |
| 7 | Jayden Crowder |
| 8 | Iverick Carrigan |
| 10 | Griffin Brahm |
| 11 | Simote Katoanga |
| 12 | Jules Guerdat |
| 14 | Joshua (Siua) Holani |
| 15 | Vaimaona (Vai) Manutai |
| 34 | Ty Swanson |
| 40 | Jason Perez |
| 44 | Aleki (Leki) Holani |
| 66 | Jeremy Nickoloff |
| 76 | Edward Payne |
| 77 | Niniva Nicholson |
| 78 | Manoah Faupusa |
| 80 | Tyler Wiegand |
PLAYER NOTES, HIGHLIGHTS & STATS
Dash Fifita #0
LB | SR | 5-10 / 195
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
JOSHUA “SIUA” HOLANI #14
DB | SR | 5-10 / 175
- 2025 Cal-Hi Sports Preseason All-Orange County Team
- 2024 All-Trinity League Second-Team - Defense
CA’RON WILLIAMS #21
DB | SO | 5-11 / 155
- 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
JASON PEREZ #40
DL | SR | 6-1 / 230
- 2023 All-Trinity Honorable Mention - Defense
- Registered five tackles in first career varsity game versus national-ranked Centennial (Corona) in 2023
ALEKI “LEKI” HOLANI #44
LB | SR | 6-0 / 218
- 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
ISAIA VANDERMADE #53
OL/DL | JR | 6-4 / 280
- 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
TONGA UHILA #58
DL | JR | 5-10 / 260
- 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 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
- 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
THIS WEEK’S OPPONENT: CENTENNIAL (CORONA)
SMCHS Season Game No. 2 / Non League Game No. 2
Game Day / Date / Time: Thursday, August 28, 2025 / 7:00 p.m.
Game Location: Trabuco Hills High School (Mission Viejo)
Tickets: www.gofan.co
Nickname: Huskies
Head Coach: Matt Logan (29th season) -- 296-64-0 (.822)
2025 Season: 1-0
Last Week: vs. Servite (Anaheim), Won 42-14
2024 Season: Overall: 9-3 / Big West-Upper League: 5-0 (1st Place / Champions) / CIF-Southern Section - Division 1 Playoffs: 1-1
All-Time Series: Series – SMCHS leads 2-1
-- 1989: SMCHS 42, Centennial 7 (Saddleback College) - Nonleague
-- 2023: Centennial 34, SMCHS 21 (Saddleback College) - Nonleague
-- 2024: SMCHS 34, Centennial 15 (Corona) - Nonleague
SMCHS went on the road and upset mighty Centennial in a game televised throughout all Southern California. The Huskies return to Orange County in 2025 looking for revenge. The game will be played on Thursday night, a short preparation week for SMCHS after their tough opener. The game has also been selected as “Senior Night” for the Class of 2026 Eagle’s players
Key Players to Watch:
- Boogie Williams – Defensive Back – Senior
- Braylin Drake – Running Back – Junior
- Dominick Catalano – Quarterback – Senior
- Hayden Zentner – Linebacker – Senior
- Jonathan McKinley II – Linebacker – Senior
- Keawe Browne – Athlete – Senior
- Tyler George – Wide Receiver – Senior
NEXT WEEK’S OPPONENT: HIGHLAND (PALMDALE)
SMCHS Season Game No. 3 / Non League Game No. 3
Game Day / Date / Time: Friday, September 5, 2025 / 7:00 p.m.
Game Location: Palmdale
Tickets: www.gofan.co
Nickname: Bulldogs
Affiliations: Golden League / CIF-Southern Section - Division 9
Head Coach: Justin Wyatt
2025 Season: 0-1
Last Week: @ Oak Hills (Hesperia), Lost 35-6
This Week: Apple Valley
2024 Season: Overall: 11-5 / Golden League: 6-1 (2nd) / 5-1 Postseason (CIF-Southern Section - Division 9 Champions / South State Region Champions / Lost CIF-State 4-AA Championship game
All-Time Series: Series -- First Meeting
Key Players to Watch:
- David Smith | Quarterback | Senior
- Jamarieh Hector | Senior | Linebacker / Defensive End
- Le Bron Green | Wide Receiver | Senior
- Mekhi Free | Defensive Back | Senior
- Viliami Fatanitavake | Junior | Defensive Tackle
Notes:
- Bulldog’s Head Coach Justin Wyatt is a former teammate of SMCHS Head Coach Carson Palmer and Offensive Coordinator Lenny Vandermade. The trio were with the USC Trojans team in 2002. After two years at Highland High School in Palmdale, Wyatt transferred to Dominguez High School in Compton to finish his prep career. He then went on to play and graduate from the University of Southern California where he was selected a Pac-10 Conference Honorable Mention player.
- The Bulldogs are 1-2 all-time versus Orange County schools
-- 2024: Lost Mission Viejo, 63-6 (Home)
-- 2023: Lost Mission Viejo, 58-0 (Road)
-- 2019: Defeated Newport Harbor, 58-17 (Home -- CIF-Southern Section - Division 9 Championship)
- Highland is 0-0 all-time versus Trinity League schools
OTHER NOTES & NEWS
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: KILIAN O’CONNOR
Walk-On to Scholarship Player: USC’s Kilian O’Connor
Position: Offensive Line - Center
Height: 6-1
Weight: 295 pounds
Class: Redshirt Junior
Hometown: Ladera Ranch, California
High School: Santa Margarita Catholic High School (SMCHS)
After joining the Trojans as a preferred walk-on in 2022, Kilian O'Connor redshirted his first season on campus. Then in both 2023 and 2024, he saw significant action as a reserve offensive lineman in 16 games, which included serving as the Trojans' backup center. Now a redshirt junior, O’Connor will compete for more playing time or evening a starting spot on the offensive line in 2025.
During his time at SMCHS, O’Connor was a key piece in the success of the program -- a three-year starter at center and offensive guard. As a senior in 2021, he was selected by Cal-Hi Sports as an All-State Second Team honoree, All-CIF Southern Section - Division 1, The Orange County Register All-County First-Team, All-Trinity League First-Team, as well as, an Academic All-America. His junior season, O’Connor was All-Trinity League Second-Team. As a sophomore in 2019, he was a Cal-Hi Sports First-Team Sophomore All-State selection and All-Trinity League First-Team. O’Connor is majoring in Business Administration at USC.
Compiled by Chuck Nan
Statistics by Shane Mielke
