Eagles 44 - Oaks Christian 14
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA., September 12, 2025 – On Friday, September 12, Santa Margarita Catholic High School’s (SMCHS) defense continued its dominance on the gridiron and paved the way for a resounding 44-14 victory at Oaks Christian School (OCS). The Eagles, who are allowing a sliver over 14 points per game, stonewalled the Lions offensive effort from the first play as they raced to a 37-0 lead at halftime. The club enjoyed their third safety (2 points) in the past two games. Ivrick Carrigan captured his first career interception as an Eagle.
The SMCHS offense started fast and energetic as well with quarterback Trace Johnson III at the helm. The senior utilized ever weapon in the arsenal as ten Eagle players registered at least one reception. Johnson’s 252 passing yards were a season high thus far. In four games this year, Johnson has not had a contest where he has thrown for less than 67 percent. This game was a new high of 77.3% (17-of-22).
When the ball wasn’t spiraling through the air, running back Jaion “Duce” Smith was grinding out yards in bunches as he set a new career mark with 122 yards rushing and three touchdowns. Most of that came in the first half. With Trent Mosley still nursing an injury, the receiving corps received an injection of contribution from new sources. First career pass receptions were snagged by Ryan Carpenter (also first touchdown), Sacha Guerdat, Titus King and even “Mr. Defense” Dash Fifita. It all translated to 488 yards of total offense.
Individual Highlights
- Team safety -- two-points -- the third such registered in the past two games
- Jaion “Duce” Smith: 122 yards rushing and 3 touchdowns
- Trace Johnson: 17-of-22 passing (77.3%), 253 yards and 3 touchdowns -- 62-of-88 for the season - 70.5%
- Grant Mosley: 7 receptions, 92 yards and 1 touchdown
- Ryan Carpenter: Receiving touchdown
- Ryan Clark: 4 receptions, 59 yards and 1 touchdown
- Fletch Palmer: 4-of-5 passing (80.0%) and 54 yards
- Tyler Wiegand: 6-for-6 on PAT attempts / 19-for-19 for the season
- 10 different Eagle players collected at least one pass reception
- First career pass receptions for Ryan Carpenter (also first touchdown), Sacha Guerdat, Titus King and Dash Fifita
- Ivrick Carrigan: One interception -- First of SMCHS career
Team Statistics
- Passing: 307 yards
- Rushing: 181 yards
- Total Yards: 488 yards
| Santa Margarita | 9 | 28 | 7 | 0 | 44 |
| Oaks Christian | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 14 |
SM – Team Safety
SM – Ja. Smith 5 run (Wiegand kick)
SM – Ja. Smith 1 run (Wiegand kick)
SM – G. Mosley 24 pass from Johnson (Wiegand kick)
SM – R. Carpenter 2 pass from Johnson (Wiegand kick)
SM – Ja. Smith 1 run (Wiegand kick)
SM – Clark 18 pass from Johnson (Wiegand kick)
OC – Redeaux 4 run (Jones kick)
OC – Redeaux 52 pass from Bladow (Jones kick)
INDIVIDUAL LEADERS
Rushing: SM - Ja. Smith 18-122, Grande 5-32; OC - Redeaux 10-54;
Passing: SM - Johnson 17-22-1-273, F. Palmer 4-5-0-54; OC - Bladow 5-11-1-85;
Receiving: SM - G. Mosley 7-92, Clark 4-59; OC - Redeaux 2-61, Benjamin 2-23;
Summary by Chuck Nan
Statistics by Shane Mielke
Santa Margarita football hands Oaks Christian its third early season loss
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA., September 12, 2025 – It’s been a less-than-stellar start to the 2025 campaign for the Oaks Christian football team.
The Lions carried a 1-2 record into Friday night’s game against Santa Margarita, but left the field with their third home loss, falling 44-14 to the Eagles.
To make matters worse, sophomore starting quarterback Trey Towns Jr. checked out of Oaks Christian earlier this week.
But Oaks Christian head coach Charles Collins has faced adversity like this in the past.
Four years ago, the Lions started the 2021 season 0-5, but won seven of their next eight games to make the postseason.
Last year, Oaks Christian started 2-2, yet made the Division 2 semifinals.
“We went through that last year, we had a tough preseason and we went to a semifinal,” Collins said. “We feel the same way about it. Nothing changes with our approach. We’re fired up and looking forward to getting everybody back and healthy and we’re going to make a good run.”
Friday night’s matchup against the Trinity League’s Santa Margarita began much like the rest of the games so far this season, with Oaks Christian off to a slow start because of mistakes.
A low snap led to a downed punt attempt in the end zone and a quick two points for Santa Margarita.
The Eagles’ offense started to take off after that, scoring first via Jaion Smith’s 5-yard rushing touchdown, his first of three rushing scores in the first half.
Santa Margarita quarterback Trace Johnson started to get hot in the second quarter, connecting with Grant Mosley for a 24-yard touchdown pass.
Johnson followed up with another score on Santa Margarita’s ensuing offensive possession, finding Ryan Carpenter for a 2-yard touchdown.
Oaks Christian flashed some signs of life in the second half by way of Deshonne Redeaux’s big-play ability.
The USC running back commit broke off a 40-yard run late in the third quarter and scored a couple of plays later from 5 yards out.
Redeaux took a 52-yard pass from freshman quarterback Niko Bladow to the house in the fourth quarter.
To his credit, Bladow stood tall in the pocket and wasn’t afraid to get hit going against Santa Margarita’s swarming defensive front.
“Courageous. You’re talking about a kid who didn’t even know he was going to get in there and play,” Collins said about Bladow. “To come in there and do what he did and be brave going against that team, says a lot about his resolve.”
Bladow was thrust into action this week with the news that Towns Jr. had checked out of Oaks Christian and initiated a transfer to Rancho Cucamonga.
“All I can say is quit. He quit on his team,” Collins said. “That’s all I can say about that.”
Collins said his team is maintaining a positive attitude and keeping its eye on the prize of a Marmonte League championship.
Playing tough competition like Santa Margarita, Chaminade and Sierra Canyon earlier in the year will only help prepare Oaks Christian for what lies ahead.
“We’ve been down this road, it’s territory that we’re used to. We’re not deterred at all,” Collins said. “As a matter of fact, we’re motivated. I always tell the guys, ‘The prize goes to the one that can see farthest down the road.’ So we’re looking down the road.”
Oaks Christian rounds out its nonleague slate on the road against Serra next week on Friday.
By Dan Lovi
Friday, September 12, 2025
The Orange County Register
