Jones - Game Notes
SMCHS Eagles (0-0) vs Jones Tigers (0-0)
at Saddleback JC (Mission Viejo, California)
Friday, August 21, 2026 - 7:00 p.m.
Original PDF
2026 Season Outlook
In 2025, the gap between the top two football teams in the Trinity League and the rest of the pack, four schools, took a sharp turn. Specifically, it was just one other school, Santa Margarita Catholic High School (SMCHS), which rapidly changed the landscape. Led by famed quarterback and alumnus Carson Palmer and a special senior class, the Eagles emerged at midseason to advance unabated and win their first league, section and state championship in recent history.
For 2026, the Eagles look as if they have the talent and experience to keep that momentum rolling. The ceiling is high with a stable of key players returning, a set experienced transfers and acclaimed freshmen that will fill the roster. Some of the contributors were underclassmen (and still are) that are ready to carry heavier loads. If all goes well, SMCHS will be able to compete with anyone and everyone.
The offense is well rounded at each position -- experienced line, talented running backs, gifted wide receivers and two, rugged, dual-threat tight ends. The quarterback leading the band will be new. The contest for the number one slot has been completive all summer. Last season, the “new era” on that side of the football rose to an elevated level. The bottom line is that SMCHS may well have one of the most complete offenses in the nation.
The defense, which some describe as the team's identity, is “stingy.” During the late season run, the offense had it’s heroes, but the defense posted numbers that were outright miserly in yards and points allowed. Many of those leaders are back and complement a squad that is complete in all areas: linemen, linebackers and the defensive backfield -- corners and safeties.
What Makes the Trinity League So Tough?
By: James Escarcega | San Gabriel Valley / Whittier Prep Sports Zone
- Generates an unrivaled volume of Division 1 college recruits and future NFL professionals
- Unmatched depth
- Leaves zero margin for error during the grueling league schedule
- Schools schedule top-ranked national opponents
- Elite coaching
Head Coach Carson Palmer
In just one season, Coach Carson Palmer established himself as a notable figure in high school football coaching following his transition from a celebrated playing career. That first season established high expectations for the future. With Palmer at the helm, Santa Margarita Catholic High School (SMCHS) will continue the focus of building a highly-competitive program with the aim for success at the league, section, state and national levels in view. Palmer's recognition as National High School Football Coach of the Year from three prep media outlets not only highlights his instant impact on the program but also establishes a promising future for a coach with a drive for further excellence.
- 2025 USA Today All-USA National High School Football Coach of the Year
- 2025 MaxPreps.com National High School Football Coach of the Year
- 2025 High School on SI / si.com / SBLive National High School Football Coach of the Year
- 2025 USA Today All-USA West Region High School Football Coach of the Year
West Region includes the states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming
- 2025 MaxPreps.com California High School Football Coach of the Year
- 2025 High School on SI / si.com / SBLive CIF - Southern Section Football Coach of the Year
- 2025 West Coast Preps Southern California High School Football Coach of the Year
- 2025 Cal-Hi Sports State High School Football Team of the Year -- Overall and Division 1
- 2025 Championships: Trinity League, CIF Southern Section - Division 1 and CIF State Open Division
- 2025 CIF Southern Section Football Championship Coach Award
- Los Angeles Chargers Coach of the Week (7-6 win over Mater Dei)
- 2025 Orange County Sports Commission Coach of the Year Award finalist
- Notched more wins over schools that finished ranked in the MaxPreps.com Top 25 poll than any other school in the nation -- 4
- Endured the toughest schedule in national high school football with 10 of 14 opponents finishing ranked in the MaxPreps.com Top 100
- SMCHS earned No. 1 ranking in state football poll for the first time ever (Cal-Hi Sports) -- November 17, 2025
SMCHS 2026 Off Season Headlines & Current News
Team Recognition
- Just as camp completed, the Turf Talk Broadcast / Podcast Show highlighted SMCHS on social media. The piece featured head coach Carson Palmer, his coaching staff and several players. The theme focused on the Eagles’ top-tier championship program -- showcasing their preparation, training mentality and top-quality facilities.
- Featured in GAME Network Original sports docuseries “UNBREAKABLE: Beyond the Lights of High School Football” in the third and final episode “Finish It.”
- Looks at the high-stakes finale of the CIF Southern Section – Division 1 Championship game
- Centers around a fierce high school football rivalry
- Significantly highlights the emotional and physical grit expected of the athletes as they transition through the end of their high school careers
- The coaching staff sets the tone for the finale with a core team mantra focused on three values:
- Pride
- Passion
- Poise
- MaxPreps.com -- Top 25 National High School Sports Stories of the 2025-26 school year: No. 3 Santa Margarita Catholic Ends St. John Bosco / Mater Dei State Title Monopoly
- West Coast Preps (westcoastpreps.com) -- Top California High School Football Story for the 2025-26 Academic Year -- Santa Margarita Catholic Football
- Preseason consensus Top 5 poll ranking in California and Top 15 in the nation by multiple media outlets
- Formal recognition for the 2025 season team championships
- State of California Senate – Resolution of Recognition
- State of California Legislature – Assembly – Certificate of Recognition
- City of Rancho Santa Margarita – Certificate of Recognition
Coach Carson Palmer - Recognition
- MaxPreps.com: “One of 100 High School Coaching Leaders Who Made An Impact In 2025-26”
- The Chattanooga Times Free Press: Leadership of Carson Palmer and his coaching staff as No. 1 in high school football in the nation
- ProActive Sports Performance of Westlake Village: Selected Carson Palmer and his coaching staff as No. 1 in the region -- Southern Section, LA City Section and portions of Ventura County
- 2026 Orange County Sports Commission Coach of the Year Award finalist
- All-Time Greatest Southern California High School Football Player nominee by USA Today High School Sports
- The season opening game versus Jones represents the first-time ever that the Eagles’ head coach and the opponent’s head coach are former NFL players -- Carson Palmer: 2003-17 and Elijah Williams: 1998-2001
- That will also be the case when JSerra Catholic visits SMCHS on October 23. The Lions are led by Hardy Nickerson who played 1987-2002
Individual Recognition
- Trent Mosley: One of the top four Division 1 Senior Male Athletes of Honor from Orange County by Cal-Hi Sports for California
- Trent Mosley: Orange County Athletic Directors Association (OCADA) Male Athlete of the Year
- Trent Mosley and Dash Fifita: SMCHS Male Co-Athletes of the Year
- Trent Mosley: 2025-26 Trinity League Male Athlete of the Year
- Trent Mosley: 2025 Orange County Sports Commission Male High School Athlete of the Year Award finalist
- Kris Farris: 2026 inductee to the UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame (SMCHS class of 1995)
- Brian Finneran: 2026 inductee to the Parochial Athletic League of Orange Hall of Fame
- Brian Finneran: 2026 California High School Football Hall of Fame nominee (SMCHS class of 1994)
Eagles in College
Sixteen graduating seniors, of 20 who suited up for the 2025 squad, headed to play at the next level. That is the most in SMCHS football program history.
- Dash Fifita (Arizona) – Linebacker
- Griffin Brahm (USC) – Tight End
- Ivrick Carrigan (Arizona Christian) – Linebacker
- Jayden Crowder (USC) – Defensive Back
- Jonah Smith (UCLA) – Wide Receiver
- Jules Guerdat (Wesleyan) – Quarterback
- Leki Holani (Sacramento State) – Linebacker
- Siua Holani (Sacramento State) – Linebacker
- Logan Hirou (UCLA) – Safety
- Manoah Faupusa (Arizona) – Defensive Line
- Niniva Nicholson (Arizona State) – Offensive Line
- Simote Katoanga (USC) – Edge
- Trace Johnson (Tulane) – Quarterback
- Trent Mosley (USC) – Wide Receiver
- Ty Swanson (USC) – Long Snapper
- Vai Manutai (Saddleback) - Linebacker
Academic All-American Selections
| SCHOOL | # |
| Santa Margarita Catholic | 11 |
| Servite | 6 |
| JSerra Catholic | 5 |
| Mater Dei | 5 |
| Orange Lutheran | 2 |
High School Football America and scoutSMART award Academic All-America honors to athetes with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.70 or higher while being a varsity contributor.
Player Notes, Highlights & Stats
#0 Aydan Steen
LB | FR | 6-2 / 210
- Identified as a standout prospect by Six Star Football -- highlighting elite prospects and talent in Fall
- Ranked the No. 18 “Freshman Player to Watch” in the Southern Section for 2026 by High School on SI
- Picked by editor James Escarcega of the Southern California High School Football Report as one of the key players in the Trinity League for 2026
- Named by PreAcktive / PASports / @pre_aktivesports as the No. 14 top class of 2030 incoming freshmen Watch List prospect for the CIF Southern Section
- High school debut is much anticipated by Dan Albano of the Orange County Register -- cited as one of the top incoming freshmen in Orange County
- Selected as the “Overall Most Valuable Player Award” recipient at the Under the Radar Straight Baller Camp in Spring
- Has received Division 1 offers from USC, UCLA, Southern Methodist (SMU) and Miami (Florida)
- Projected to be a top-50 national recruit -- aggressive, downhill athlete who can deliver big hits
#1 Jaion Johnson-Smith
RB/LB | JR | 6-0 / 190
- Identified as a standout prospect by Six Star Football -- highlighting elite prospects and talent in Fall
- Ranked the No. 3 running back to watch in the Southern Section for 2026 by High School on SI
- Selected by OCVarsity (Orange County Register) as No. 45 on the Hot 150 high school football players likely to have the biggest impact on the field in 2026
- Ranked by PrepRedzone.com as the No. 80 prospect in California and No. 6 at his position for class of 2028 in Summer
- Named by the Orange County Register as No. 3 among the “Top Running Backs to Watch in 2026” from Orange County
- Has made the transition to the defensive side of the ball for 2026 and will play linebacker. Led the Eagles in rushing his freshman and sophomore seasons
- Named by MaxPreps.com as one of the Key Players for the No. 6 nationally-ranked Eagles’ for 2026
- PrepRedzone.com Underclass Trinity League Running Backs to Watch in Winter
- PrepRedzone.com state prospect rankings: Overall - No. 53 / Position - No. 3 in February
- 2025 Cal-Hi Sports Sophomore All-State Football Second-Team - Offense
- 2025 All-Trinity League First-Team - Offense
- 2025 Cal-Hi Sports All-State Nominee
- Rolled for 127 yards rushing on 19 attempts (6.7 average) and one touchdown in final regular season win of 2025 at JSerra Catholic -- new career high
- Collected a 41-yard pass reception in historic win versus Mater Dei on October 10 in 2025
- Scored what proved to be the game-winning touchdown in victory over Servite in 2025
- 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, California, USC and Texas State
- 2024 All-Trinity League Second-Team - Offense
#2 Ryan Clark
WR | JR | 5-10 / 150
- Selected by OCVarsity (Orange County Register) as No. 121 on the Hot 150 high school football players likely to have the biggest impact on the field in 2026
- Ranked by PrepRedzone.com as the No.155 prospect in California and No. 14 at his position for class of 2028 in Summer
- PrepRedzone.com No. 1 Receiver to Watch at the Exposure Series Preview Showcase in Spring -- Great deep threat who can create separation with his speed and win in man coverage and versatile enough to succeed in multiple alignments. Event showcases in high school prospects to compete and gain exposure
- PrepRedzone.com state prospect rankings: Overall - No. 98 / Position - No. 9 in February
- 2025 All-Trinity League Second-Team - Offense
- 2025 PrepRedzone.com Rising Star and Early Off-Season Notable Underclassman from Southern California
- 2025 PrepRedzone.com class of 2028 Potential Breakout Receivers in Orange County
- Received his first Division 1 offer from Sacramento State in the Winter
- Was the second leading receiver for SMCHS with 384 yards on 27 catches with six touchdowns last season -- emerging as the top receiver when Trent Mosley was down due to injury
- Continued to contribute strong production to the Eagle’s offense as the first half come to a close with one reception, 26 yards and one touchdown in 42-7 rout of Centennial in the CIF Southern Section - Division 1 championship
- Enjoyed the best game of his career, thus far, with two pass receiving touchdowns (33 and 42 yards) in the CIF Southern Section - Division 1 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 of 2025 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 also “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 versus Centennial by PrepRedZone.com
#3 Fletch Palmer
QB | JR | 6-2 / 190
- Guided the Eagles in three offensive series’ versus Highland (Palmdale) and was 1-for-2 passing for 20 yards. Followed that effort with a showing of 4-for-5 for 54 yards at Oaks Christian School (Westlake Village)
#4 Jayden Jack
WR/DB | FR | 5-11 / 190
- Identified as a standout prospect by Six Star Football -- highlighting elite prospects and talent in Fall
- Picked by editor James Escarcega of the Southern California High School Football Report as one of the key players in the Trinity League for 2026
- Named by PreAcktive / PASports / @pre_aktivesports as the No. 17 top class of 2030 incoming freshmen Watch List prospect for the CIF Southern Section
- High school debut is much anticipated by Dan Albano of the Orange County Register -- cited as one of the top incoming freshmen in Orange County
- Has received a Division 1 offer from USC
- Named “Most Valuable Player” of the 8th-grade championship game with Top Flight Eagles in January
- Has played for the Top Flight Eagles (8th Grade), Los Angeles Rams 13U, O’Donavan 7v7 and Hell Star 7v7
#5 Curren King
LB | JR | 6-0 / 185
- Two-year varsity player with 12 total tackles and 2 passes defended
#6 Grant Mosley
WR | JR | 6-0 / 180
- Identified as a standout prospect by Six Star Football -- highlighting elite prospects and talent in Fall
- Mitch Stephens / High School on SI: One of the Top Receivers to Watch in California for 2026: Rocker!
- Greg Biggins -- On3.com / rivals: A huge weapon
- Selected by OCVarsity (Orange County Register) as No. 111 on the Hot 150 high school football players likely to have the biggest impact on the field in 2026
- Named by High School on SI as one of the Top Wide Receivers to Watch in CIF Southern Section Football in 2026
- Ranked by PrepRedzone.com as the No. 41 prospect in California and No. 5 at his position for class of 2028 in Summer
- Named by PreAcktive / PASports / @pre_aktivesports as the No. 18 top class of 2028 junior Watch List prospect for the CIF Southern Section
- Named one of the top Wide Receivers in the Southland for 2026 by Eric Sondheimer of the Los Angeles Times
- Named by MaxPreps.com as one of the Key Players for the No. 6 nationally-ranked Eagles’ for 2026
- Featured in published article by West Coast Preps – “Underclassman Spotlight: Is Santa Margarita Catholic’s Grant Mosley next up?" -- A highly touted class of 2028 wide receiver with a prominent football bloodline (06/18/26)
- Has received Division 1 offers from Washington, Oregon, UCLA, USC, Sacramento State, Minnesota, Colorado State and San Diego State
- PrepRedzone.com state prospect rankings: Overall - No. 63 / Position - No. 8 in February
- Was the team’s leading receiver 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 for the 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 High School Football America Academic All-America selection
- 2025 PrepRedzone.com No. 3 Sophomore Receiver to Watch in Southern California
- Cal-Hi Sports: California Freshman Football Players to Watch in the 2024 Season
#7 Cruz Nuñez
LB/TE | SR | 6-3 / 222
- Has received a Division 1 offer from Cornell
- 2025 Cal-Hi Sports All-State Nominee
- 2025 Statistics: 2 pass receptions, 41 yards and 1 touchdown / 38 total tackles (3 1/2 for loss) and 2 sacks
- 2024 Statistics: 32 total tackles (6 for loss) and 4 sacks
- Transfer from JSerra Catholic High School
#9 Luke Gazzaniga
TE | SR | 6-4 / 235
- 2026 USA Today High School Sports Preseason All-West Region Third-Team - Tight End
- Mitch Stephens / High School on SI: One of the Top Receivers to Watch in California for 2026: Mover!
- 2026 Cal-Hi Sports Preseason All-Southern Section Third-Team - Offense
- Chosen the No. 2 tight end in California and No. 13 in the nation by USA Today High School Sports
- Lauded by Eric Sondheimer of the Los Angels Times for both his toughness and skill – utilizes the “Oklahoma drill” to train in feature entitled “Tight end Luke Gazzaniga Is Set To Fight To The Finish”
- Picked by editor James Escarcega of the Southern California High School Football Report as one of the key players in the Trinity League for 2026
- Named by West Coast Preps as the No. 1 tight end in Southern California for the 2026 season
- Selected by OCVarsity (Orange County Register) as No. 39 on the Hot 150 high school football players likely to have the biggest impact on the field in 2026
- Named by the Orange County Register as No. 9 among the “Top Wide Receivers and Tight Ends to Watch in 2026” from Orange County
- Named by MaxPreps.com as one of the Key Players for the No. 6 nationally-ranked Eagles’ for 2026
The Whole Package
By: Greg Biggins - Rivals National Recruiting Analyst and Andy Villamarzo - On3.com / rivals Prep Journalist (06/09/26)
- Prototype tight end with an ideal frame to play in any situation
- Well-rounded player who can line up out wide, in the slot or attached
- Flashed at multiple off-season events and showed the ability to work the seam and get vertical
- Natural pass catcher with strong hands and catches it well through contact
- Strong blocker, especially in run situations and will routinely drive his man down the field or bury him at the point of attack
- Advanced as a route runner
- Has committed to Kansas to continue his football career. Had received Division 1 offers from Duke, Arizona, Arizona State, Nevada-Las Vegas, California, Hawaii, Kansas, Utah, Southern Methodist (SMU), Washington State, New Mexico, San Jose State, Colorado State, San Diego State and Sacramento State
- Cited by Tom Lemming / Lemming Prep Report as one of the more talented tight end professional prospects in the West region – a class of 2027 all-around player who can run, catch in a wide radius and block
- Ranked by PrepRedzone.com as the No. 68 prospect in California and No. 4 at his position in Winter
- PrepRedzone.com: In 2025, emerged as one of the top tight end prospects in the state -- big downfield target with blocking -- one of the Top Offensive Newcomers
- Scored a key touchdown late in the first half in 42-7 rout of Centennial in the CIF Southern Section - Division 1 championship – two receptions, 39 yards (19.5 average) and one touchdown
- Quickly become a favorite target of quarterback Trace Johnson. In the first two games as teammates, the duo hooked up for 11 receptions covering 150 yards (13.6 average) before missing several games wit an injury
- 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 Southern Section - Division 1 First Round playoff game in 20
#10 Kiyan Callis
WR | FR | 5-10 / 170
- Identified as a standout prospect by Six Star Football -- highlighting elite prospects and talent in Fall
- Ranked the No. 6 “Freshman Player to Watch” in the Southern Section for 2026 by High School on SI
- Picked by editor James Escarcega of the Southern California High School Football Report as one of the key players in the Trinity League for 2026
- Named by PreAcktive / PASports / @pre_aktivesports as the No. 7 top class of 2030 incoming freshmen Watch List prospect for the CIF Southern Section
- Named a “Top Performer” at the South County Passing Classic by Michael Huntley of PrepRedzone.com: will be a major contributor as a freshman for the Eagles
- Michael Huntley of PrepRedzone.com had this to offer after seeing Callis perform at the “Battle of the Beach” 7v7: “Has a chance to be one of the best freshmen offensive players in the state this season”
- Has received Division 1 offers from USC, UCLA and Miami (Florida)
- Selected as the “Offensive Most Valuable Player Award” recipient at the Under the Radar Straight Baller Camp in Spring
#12 Matthew Smith
QB | SR | 6-1 / 190
- Named by On3.com/rivialsdotcom as the No. 2 “Quarterbacks to Monitor” the nation for the 2026 season
- Picked by editor James Escarcega of the Southern California High School Football Report as one of the key players in the Trinity League for 2026
- Selected by OCVarsity (Orange County Register) as No. 27 on the Hot 150 high school football players likely to have the biggest impact on the field in 2026
- Recognized as one of the “Top 20” quarterbacks in California by Mitch Stephens of High School on SI
- Named by the Orange County Register as No. 8 among the “Top Quarterbacks to Watch in 2026” from Orange County
- Strong summer saw him earn the “Quarterback Most Valuable Player Award” at the Under Armour Next Camp Game in Maui, Hawaii – Event featured nearly 500 4-star prospects in the classes of 2027 and 2028
- Named a “Top Performer” at the South County Passing Classic by Michael Huntley of PrepRedzone.com
- Gained significant attention as a top performer at the “Elite 11” Regional held at De La Salle High School in Concord on April 25, 2026 -- noted for having “elite zip on the ball” and superior anticipation. The Elite 11 quarterback program is operated by Stack Sports and heavily supported by long-time partner Nike.
- 2025 Season @ Villa Park: 6 games – 74-for-108 (68.5 %), 1,006 yards and 7 touchdown passes / 1 rushing touchdown
- 2024 Season @ Loyola: 7 games played – 28-for-57 (49.1 %), 340 yards and 2 touchdown passes
- PrepRedzone.com: 2027 Orange County All Star Game Watch List -- South Offense
- Has an committed to play at Vanderbilt after receiving Division 1 offers form offer from Princeton, Utah, Northern Arizona and Idaho
- Transfer from Villa Park High School (previously enrolled at Loyola 2023 and 2024)
#13 Jake Martin
Safety | JR | 6-0 / 180
- Selected by OCVarsity (Orange County Register) as No. 122 on the Hot 150 high school football players likely to have the biggest impact on the field in 2026
- Ranked by PrepRedzone.com as a Watch List prospect for class of 2028 in California in Summer
- Has made the transition to the defensive side of the ball for 2026 and secured the free safety position
- PrepRedzone.com Selected to Watch List for class of 2028
- 2025 All-Trinity League Second-Team - Offense
- 2025 PrepRedzone.com Rising Star and Early Off-Season Notable Underclassman from Southern California
- Registered five pass receptions for 66 yards (17.2 average) and one touchdown in final regular season win of 2025 at JSerra Catholic
- Collected a career-high six pass receptions in win over Servite in 2025
- PrepRedZone.com: Standout class of 2028 performer in Southern California for Weeks 0 and 1
#15 West Stansbury
QB | JR | 6-4 / 230
- Ranked by PrepRedzone.com as the No. 116 prospect in California and No. 18 at his position for class of 2028 in Summer
- Holds Division 1 offers from UCLA and Texas - El Paso (UTEP)
- PrepRedzone.com prospect rankings - Texas: Overall - No. 63 / Position - No. 8 in February
- Father Ed was nationally-ranked quarterback prospect out of Irvin High School (El Paso) in 1997. Was backup at UCLA for two seasons before making the move to fullback. Played for the Houston Texans in 2002. Uncle Don was a defensive lineman for Southern Methodist (SMU) from 2001-05 and uncle Hal was a fullback for Texas - El Paso (UTEP) in the mid-1990s
- Has attended numerous prospect camps over the past three years
- Stansbury is a traits-based evaluation, and those traits are real. The frame is college-ready, and his ability to generate power without over swinging is impressive for his age. He throws with rhythm and shows an understanding of sequencing reads, even with limited varsity reps
- The next step for Stansbury is volume and command, more snaps, more situational football. Once he gets a full season as the guy, expect rapid development. This is a quarterback whose stock could rise sharply once exposure and reps catch up with the tools
- Best game of career came on September 19, 2025 versus Parkland (El Paso): 261 yards passing and 3 touchdown passes
- Transfer from Coronado High School (El Paso, Texas)
#16 Grant Van Raaphorst
WR | JR | 6-0 / 175
- 2025 New Jersey Prep Super Football Conference All-Division Football -- First-Team - Offense (Tight End)
- Most Valuable Wide Receiver at the PrepRedzone.com New Jersey Combine in July, 2025
- Key Performance: 40-Yard Dash -- Measured at 4.56 and then 4.53
- Week of November 5, 2024: Named Jersey Mike’s “Athlete of the Week” as he scored the game winning 78-yard touchdown to give Delbarton a 17-13 win over Paramus Catholic (first reception of high school career)
- Transfer from Dalbarton School (Morristown, New Jersey)
| Career Receiving Statistics | ||||||
| Year / Season | Games | Recs | Yards | Avg | TDs | Other Notes |
| Sophomore 2025 | 10 | 29 | 576 | 19.9 | 7 | Led team in all categories and was one of the top kickoff returners in the state -- 21.1 average |
| Freshman 2024 | 4 | 1 | 78 | 78.0 | 1 | |
| Career Totals | 14 | 30 | 654 | 21.8 | 8 | 334 yards -- kickoffs and punt returns for career |
Best Individual Receiving Game: September 27, 2025 vs. Seton Hall Prep -- 5 pass receptions, 139 yards (27.8 average) and 2 touchdowns
#19 Jagger Apt
WR | JR | 5-9 / 170
- Collected three pass receptions in overtime upset win versus Centennial (Corona) in 2025 -- the first of his young career
#20 Juel McAlister
DB | SO | 6-1 / 170
- Has received Division 1 offers from: California and San Diego State
#21 Ca’ron Williams
DB | JR | 6-0 / 175
- Named by Cannon Sports as the No. 7 Top Football Player in California from the class of 2028
- 2026 West Coast Preps – No. 35 – Top High School Football Players in Southern California
- Identified as a standout prospect by Six Star Football -- highlighting elite prospects and talent in Fall
- 2026 Cal-Hi Sports Preseason All-Southern Section Second-Team - Defense
- Greg Biggins -- On3.com / rivals: Elite cornerback
- Named one of the top cornerbacks in the Southern Section for 2026 by High School on SI
- Named by West Coast Preps as the No. 3 cornerback in Southern California for the 2026 season
- Selected by OCVarsity (Orange County Register) as No. 21 on the Hot 150 high school football players likely to have the biggest impact on the field in 2026
- Ranked by PrepRedzone.com as the No. 6 prospect in California and No. 3 at his position for ss of 2028 in Summer – first appearance in the outlet’s Top 10 -- a “Rankings Riser”
- Named by the Orange County Register as No. 5 among the “Top Defensive Backs to Watch in 2026” from Orange County
- Named by PreAcktive / PASports / @pre_aktivesports as the No. 9 top class of 2028 junior Watch List prospect for the CIF Southern Section
- Selected by Michael Huntley of PrepRedzone.com as one of the “Top Performers from the Battle at the Beach” 7v7 tournament -- brings consistency and experience to his corner position – capable of locking down bigger receivers
- Named by MaxPreps.com as one of the Key Players for the No. 6 nationally-ranked Eagles’ for 2026
- Named one of the top Defensive Backs in the Southland for 2026 by Eric Sondheimer of the Los Angeles Times
- Delivered a dominant performance at Nike’s The Opening regional camp in Los Angeles in February
- 2025 PrepRedzone.com: Named one of top three class of 2028 Defensive Backs in Orange County by Michael Huntley in Winter, 2026
- Selected to play in The 2nd Annual Sevens 7-on-7 Football Tournament in late February at Peachtree High School in Suwanee, Georgia along with nation's top 200-plus recruits in the classes of 2027 and 2028
- PrepRedzone.com state prospect rankings: Overall - No. 11 / Position - No. 4 in February
- 2025 West Coast Preps All-Southern California First-Team - Defense
- 2025 West Coast Preps -- Top 65 High School Football Players in Southern California
- 2025 Cal-Hi Sports Sophomore All-State Football: First-Team - Defense
- 2025 All CIF Southern Section - Division 1
- 2025 All-Trinity League Second-Team - Defense
- 2025 All-Orange County Football team (Orange County Register)
- 2025 MaxPreps.com Sophomore All-America First-Team
- 2025 PrepRedzone.com All-Southern California Sophomore Football Team
- 2025 Cal-Hi Sports All-State Nominee
- In 42-7 rout of Centennial in the CIF Southern Section - Division 1 championship, snagged his third interception of the season against the Huskies and returned it 51 yards.
- 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, Arizona State, Texas A&M, LSU, Coastal Carolina, Southern Methodist (SMU), Toledo, Missouri, USC, Michigan, Washington, San Diego State, Arkansas, North Carolina, Maryland, Vanderbilt, Idaho, Oklahoma, UCLA, Ohio State, Texas, Ole Miss (Mississippi), Miami (Florida), Sacramento State and California
#26 Adrian Petero
RB | SO | 5-4 / 165
- Greg Biggins -- On3.com / rivals: Provides strength to the ground game
- Picked by editor James Escarcega of the Southern California High School Football Report as one of the key players in the Trinity League for 2026
- Selected by OCVarsity (Orange County Register) as No. 99 on the Hot 150 high school football players likely to have the biggest impact on the field in 2026
- Named one of the top Running Backs in the Southland for 2026 by Eric Sondheimer of the Los Angeles Times
- Ranked by PrepRedzone.com as the No. 79 prospect in California and No. 4 at his position in Spring
- 2025 Cal-Hi Sports California All-State Football Freshman Watch List
- 2025 All-Trinity League Second-Team - Offense
- 2025 PrepRedzone.com Rising Star and Early Off-Season Notable Underclassman from Southern California
- 2025 PrepRedzone.com class of 2029 Orange County Players to Watch
- Named to the PrepRedzone.com “Watch List” for Class of 2029 recruiting class
- Scored one rushing touchdown in the 31-6 CIF Southern Section - Division 1 semifinal victory over Orange Lutheran
- Executed one of the most pivotal plays 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) – regular season. 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 versus Centennial (Corona) by PrepRedZone.com
#27 Kaleb Herndon
DE | FR | 6-5 / 225
- One of sixteen of the nation's top young athletes selected for the inaugural “UP NEXT: No Days Off” class -- a new recognition program created by Whistle Sports and DAZN (dazn.com) to spotlight standout competitors from across the country -- Will be featured in a premium documentary-style episode exploring his journey, support system and pursuit of excellence before being presented with the Golden Whistle Plaque -- an annual award recognizing athletes who exemplify the spirit of “No Days Off”
- Identified as a standout prospect by Six Star Football -- highlighting elite prospects and talent in Fall
- Ranked the No. 1 “Freshman Player to Watch” in the Southern Section for 2026 by High School on SI
- Picked by editor James Escarcega of the Southern California High School Football Report as one of the key players in the Trinity League for 2026
- Named by PreAcktive / PASports / @pre_aktivesports as the No. 2 top class of 2030 incoming freshmen Watch List prospect for the CIF Southern Section
- Generated early Division 1 interest as he is considered one of the top prospects in the country for his age group
- Has received Division 1 offers from Texas Tech, Texas A&M, Oregon, Ole Miss, Texas Tech, Oregon, Miami (Florida), Southern Methodist (SMU), San Diego State and USC while still in 8th grade
- Possesses elite size for his position at a young age, leading to comparisons to top athletes
#33 Gauge Cook
K | JR | 5-11 / 205
- Named by the Orange County Register as No. 7 among the “Top Specialists to Watch in 2026” from Orange County
- Star Tiers in Class of 2028 (per Chris Sailer): Kicker -- 5-star and punter -- 4.5-star
- Chris Sailer Kicking Rankings
- National Rank: 9 overall kicker - Class of 2028
- California Rank: 2 overall kicker - Class of 2028
- National Rank: 9 overall kicker - Class of 2028
- Chris Sailer Kicking Camp Accomplishments
- 2026 Vegas 47 Field Goal Finalist
- 2026 Vegas 48 Punt Finalist
- 2026 Vegas 48 Field Goal Finalist
- 2026 Top 12 Camp Selection
- 2025 Vegas XLV Class of 2028 Punt Champion
- 2026 Vegas 47 Field Goal Finalist
- Fresh off an impressive performance at the Chris Sailer Kicking Camp was one of only two kickers from California invited to the prestigious camp and just 50 specialists nationwide
- Transfer from Aliso Niguel High School
- Played on Aliso Niguel junior varsity team in 2025 -- In a notable 10-8 victory over Beckman High School (Irvine), Cook connected for the game-winning, 36-yard walk-off field goal with 0:01 remaining on the clock. His long for the season was 37-yards.
#45 Sebastian Watson
LB | SO | 5-11 / 205
- PrepRedzone.com: Selected to Watch List for class of 2029 -- an emerging, high-potential underclassman linebacker tracking toward future official state rankings
- Has received a Division 1 offer from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). In addition, he has an offer from Georgetown and recently received an unofficial recruiting invite and visit to UCLA
#50 Adam Iloilo, Jr.
OL | SO | 6-2 / 285
- Picked by editor James Escarcega of the Southern California High School Football Report as one of the key players in the Trinity League for 2026
- Selected by OCVarsity (Orange County Register) as No. 137 on the Hot 150 high school football players likely to have the biggest impact on the field in 2026
- Named an Honorable Mention offensive lineman selection by 300+ Media / 300 Plus Podcast -- National Coaches Poll for 5v5
- Named by PreAcktive / PASports / @pre_aktivesports as the No. 9 top class of 2029 sophomore Watch List prospect for the CIF Southern Section
- Registered 11 pancake blocks last season
- Ranked by PrepRedzone.com as the No. 43 prospect in California and No. 6 at his position in Spring
- 2025 Cal-Hi Sports California All-State Football Freshman Watch List
- PrepRedzone.com 2026 Winter Showcase Most Valuable Player -- Offensive Line
- Test categories:
* 40-yard dash: 5.36 / 4th
* Shuttle: 4.79 / 2nd
* Broad jump: 8’1” / 2nd
* L Drill: 8.63 / 3rd
- Test categories:
- 2025 MaxPreps.com Freshman All-America First-Team
- 2025 PrepRedzone.com Rising Star and Early Off-Season Notable Underclassman from Southern California
- Named a Top Performer for Santa Margarita Catholic versus Centennial (Corona) - regular season by PrepRedZone.com
#53 Isaia Vandermade
DL | SR | 6-4 / 290
- Mitch Stephens / High School on SI: One of the Top Defensive Lineman to Watch in California for 2026
- 2026 West Coast Preps – No. 29 – Top High School Football Players in Southern California
- 2026 USA Today High School Sports Preseason All-West Region Third-Team - Defensive Line
- 2026 Cal-Hi Sports Preseason All-Southern Section First-Team - Defense
- Greg Biggins -- On3.com / rivals: Strong leader of the defense
- Selected by OCVarsity (Orange County Register) as No. 7 on the Hot 150 high school football players likely to have the biggest impact on the field in 2026
- Named one of the top defensive linemen in the Southern Section for 2026 by High School on SI
- Picked by editor James Escarcega of the Southern California High School Football Report as one of the key players in the Trinity League for 2026
- Named by the Orange County Register as No. 4 among the “Top Linemen to Watch in 2026” from Orange County
- Cited by Eric Sondheimer of the Los Angeles Times as one of the top defensive linemen to watch this season
- Named by MaxPreps.com as one of the Key Players for the No. 6 nationally-ranked Eagles’ for 2026
- 2025 PrepRedzone.com Junior All-Southern California - Defense
- 2025 Cal-Hi Sports Junior All-State First-Team - Defense
- 2025 West Coast Preps All-Southern California First-Team - Offense
- 2025 West Coast Preps -- Top 65 High School Football Players in Southern California
- Ranked by PrepRedzone.com as the No. 94 prospect in California and No. 9 at his position in Winter
- 2025 All CIF Southern Section - Division 1
- 2025 All-Trinity League Second-Team - Offense
- 2025 All-Orange County (Orange County Register)
- 2025 SMCHS Defensive Lineman of the Year
- 2025 High School on SI / si.com / SBLive All-CIF Southern Section
- 2025 Cal-Hi Sports All-State Nominee
- Committed to play for USC on February 17, after having received Division 1 offers from: Arizona, Brigham Young (BYU), California, Colorado, Minnesota, Oklahoma State, Oregon, Texas Tech, Washington, San Jose State, South Florida and San Diego State
- Continued to romp over opposing offensive linemen with eight total tackles (3 for loss) and another three sacks
- Note: In first three CIF Southern Section Playoff games (SCS, OLu and Cent) had eight sacks, nine tackles for loss and two forced fumbles
- Followed up his best career game with another triumphant performance five total tackles, 2 1/2 tackles for loss and two sacks in the 31-6 CIF Southern Section Division 1 semifinal victory over Orange Lutheran
- Had the best game of his prep career in upset win at Sierra Canyon in the CIF Southern Section - Division 1 Playoffs -- seven total tackles, 3 1/2 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 First-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 - San Francisco
- 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 All-Bay Area News Group Preseason Team - Defensive Line
- 2023 San Francisco Chronicle All-Metro Honorable Mention - San Francisco
- 2023 San Francisco Chronicle All-Metro - Freshman of the Year
- 2023 All-West Catholic Athletic League - Freshman Player of the Year
- 2023 All-West Catholic Athletic League - Second-Team
- 2023 Cal-Hi Sports All-State Nominee
#54 Ceejay Tuimauga
OL | JR | 6-1 / 275
- 2025 PrepRedzone.com All-Southern California - Sophomore Team - Offense - Honorable Mention
- 2025 PrepRedzone.com state prospect rankings: Overall - No. 164 / Position - No. 23 in February
- Noted for his strong base and heavy hands
- Transfer from Leuzinger High School (Lawndale)
#55 Ray Jacobs
OL | SR | 6-3 / 300
- Picked by editor James Escarcega of the Southern California High School Football Report as one of the key players in the Trinity League for 2026
- Featured in podcast interview in late summer on 300+ Media / 300 Plus Podcast
- Registered 7 pancake blocks in 2025
#56 Aaron Klatt
OL | SR | 6-1 / 280
- Picked by editor James Escarcega of the Southern California High School Football Report as one of the key players in the Trinity League for 2026
- Ranked by PrepRedzone.com as the No. 10 Offensive Linemen in Orange County for 2026
- Selected by OCVarsity (Orange County Register) as No. 91 on the Hot 150 high school football players likely to have the biggest impact on the field in 2026
- Has register 27 career pancake blocks, including 21 last season
- Ranked by PrepRedzone.com as the No. 341 prospect in California and No. 54 at his position in Winter
- PrepRedzone.com: Klatt anchors perhaps the top offensive line unit in the state and is one of the top returning offensive lineman in the Trinity League
- 2025 All-Trinity League First-Team - Offense
- Named a Top Performer for Santa Margarita Catholic versus Centennial (Corona) - regular season by PrepRedZone.com
- Also is a member of the SMC wrestling and track & field teams
#58 Tonga Uhila
DL | SR | 5-10 / 260
- Picked by editor James Escarcega of the Southern California High School Football Report as one of the key players in the Trinity League for 2026
- 2025 All-Trinity League Second-Team - Defense
- 2025 SMCHS Brad Dillahunty Award selection
- Registered one sack and one tackle for loss in final regular season of 2025 win at JSerra Catholic
- Blocked at PAT attempt versus St. John Bosco in 2025
- Finished with the best game of his young career with one interception and one sack versus Liberty (Bakersfield) in 2024
#64 Kairin Brunt
OL | SO
- PrepRedzone.com: Selected to Watch List for class of 2029
- Recognized for his strength and physical presence at the point of attack, often highlighted on platforms like Hudl and SportsRecruits
#67 Elyjah Aiavā
OL | SR | 6-1 / 325
- Ranked by PrepRedzone.com as a Watch List prospect for class of 2028 in California in Summer
- PrepRedzone.com Selected to Watch List for class of 2028 / Named Top Riser in Spring
- PrepRedzone.com Breakout Sophomore Sensation selection in Winter -- One of the top class of 2028 prospects across the entire state regardless of position. Already well on his way to being a FCS+ prospect and should be closing in on his first offer soon
#92 Chris Kraninger
OL/DL | JR | 6-3 / 275
- Has received an offer from Harvard
- Registered 4 pancake blocks in four games played in 2025
- PrepRedzone.com: Selected to Watch List for class of 2028
- 2025 High School Football America Academic All-America selection
#88 Sacha Guerdat
TE | JR | 6-5 / 235
- Ranked by PrepRedzone.com as the No. 132 prospect in California and No. 3 at his position for class of 2028 in Summer
- Collected 9 pass receptions and 3 pancake blocks in 2025
- 2025 High School Football America Academic All-America selection
#99 Kingston Jimmerson
DL | SO | 6-2 / 267
- Mitch Stephens / High School on SI: One of the Top Sophomore Defensive Lineman to Watch in the nation
- Greg Biggins -- On3.com / rivals: Expected to have a breakout year
- Featured prospect on @varsity_sports_media_ with showcase reels, graphics and performance highlights
- Picked by editor James Escarcega of the Southern California High School Football Report as one of the key players in the Trinity League for 2026
- Selected by OCVarsity (Orange County Register) as No. 119 on the Hot 150 high school football players likely to have the biggest impact on the field in 2026
- Ranked the No. 3 defensive lineman in the nation by 300+ Media / 300 Plus Podcast
- Has received Division 1 offers from UCLA, USC, Arizona State, Penn State, Arizona and San Diego State
- Ranked by PrepRedzone.com as the No. 44 prospect in California and No. 7 at his position in Spring
- 2025 Cal-Hi Sports California All-State Football Freshman Watch List
- PrepRedzone.com 2026 Winter Showcase Most Valuable Player
- Defensive Line and leader in every test category:
- 40-yard dash: 4.94 seconds / 3rd
- Shuttle: 4.65 seconds / 2nd
- Broad jump: 8’10” / 2nd
- L Drill: 8.03 seconds / 1st
- A no-brainer FBS talent that is one of the best at his position in the Trinity League
- 40-yard dash: 4.94 seconds / 3rd
- Performed well in rout of Centennial in the CIF Southern Section - Division 1 title game -- one sack and one forced fumble
Current Composite Poll Rankings
| Media Outlet | Coverage Area | Poll Rank |
| Los Angeles Times / latimes.com | Southland | 4 |
| Orange County Register / ocregister.com | Orange County | 1 |
| Cal-Hi Sports / calhisports.com | State | Pending Release |
| Southern Section | ||
| MaxPreps / MaxPreps.com | Actual Poll | |
| Nation | 6 | |
| California | 2 | |
| Southern Section - Overall | 2 | |
| Southern Section - Division 1 | 2 | |
| Orange County | 1 | |
| Media Composite | ||
| Nation - Media Composite | 10 | |
| California - Media Composite | 4 | |
| Southern Section - Media Composite | 4 | |
| HS Ratings / hsratings.com | Nation - Computer | 4 |
| California - Computer | 2 | |
| Southern Section - Comp | 2 | |
| Orange County - Comp | 1 | |
| Offensive Unit - Nation | 25 | |
| Defensive Unit - Nation | 3 | |
| High School Football America / highschoolfootballamerica.com | Overall - All Schools | |
| Nation | 7 | |
| California | 2 | |
| Southern Section | 2 | |
| Orange County | 1 | |
| Private Schools | ||
| Nation | 6 | |
| California | 2 | |
| Southern Section | 2 | |
| Orange County | 1 | |
| High School on SI / SBLive Sports / Sports Illustrated | Nation | 8 |
| California | 3 | |
| Southern Section | 3 | |
| Massey Ratings / masseyratings.com | Nation | 18 |
| California | 3 | |
| Southern Section | 3 | |
| USA Today High School Sports / usatodayhss.com | Nation | 26 |
| West Region | 9 | |
| California | 5 | |
| Southern Section | 5 | |
| National High School Football / nationalhsfb.com | Nation | 9 |
| California | 2 | |
| ESPN High School Football / espn.com | Nation | 11 |
| California | 3 | |
| Southern Section | 3 | |
| On3.com / rivals.com Composite | Nation | 5 |
| California | 3 | |
| Southern Section | 3 | |
| The Sporting News / sportingnews.com | Nation | 9 |
| California | 3 | |
| Southern Section | 3 | |
| West Coast Preps / westcoastpreps.com | California | Pending Release |
| Southern California | 1 | |
| Southern Section | 1 | |
| Orange County | 1 | |
| Sports Idol Nation (SPIN Media) / spinmedia.com | Nation - Media Composite | 14 |
| Nation | 7 | |
| California | 2 | |
| Southern Section | 1 | |
| Mr. Football / prepgriidronlogistics / @Prep_Gridiron | Nation | 11.33 |
| ClutchZone Sports Network / @clutchzonenetwork | California | 4 |
| Southern Section | 4 | |
| PreAcktive / PASports / @pre_aktivesports | Nation | 4 |
| Southern Section | 2 | |
| USA Top 100 by Erin Jerrod Reid / @usatop100 | Nation | 26 |
| California | 4 | |
| Southern Section | 4 | |
| Nations Elite / @nationaselitehq | Nation | 12 |
| California | 5 | |
| Southern Section | 5 | |
SPIN Media Calls Out USA Today for “Mugging” SMCHS in Preseason National Football Poll Ranking
The single strangest line in this year’s national poll sweep of nearly ten of the most authoritative outlets, belongs to Santa Margarita Catholic High School (SMCHS) from Southern California.
MaxPreps.com has the Eagles ranked sixth. High School Football America has them seventh. High School On SI has them eighth. USA Today left them out of the Super 25 entirely. Because the Super 25 carries a full point of weight in our formula, that one snub cost SMCHS 18 composite points and dropped them from fifth to No. 14 overall. Our internal board still has them seventh, which tells you exactly how much of that fall we blame on a ballot.
Santa Margarita Catholic's No. 7 comes with its own argument -- what Carson Palmer did was unprecedented. The Southern Section is the toughest region in all of high school football and Palmer won it going away, in his first season as a head coach anywhere. His Eagles defeated Centennial (Corona) in the season's first month, watched the Huskies knock off Mater Dei twice and climb to No. 1 in California, then met them again at the Rose Bowl for the Southern Section title and won 42-7. Two weeks later they embarrassed NorCal’s best, De La Salle (Concord), 47-13 for the Open crown. That is not a promising debut. That is a program announcing it plays in a different league. USA Today still left his team out entirely.
THIS WEEK’S OPPONENT: Jones High School
SMCHS Season Game No. 1 / Nonleague Game No. 1
Opponent: Jones High School
Location: Orlando, Florida
Enrollment: 1,653
Colors: Orange and Green
Tickets: www.gofan.co
Nickname: Tigers
Head Coach: Elijah Williams 150-39-0 (79.4 winning percentage)
League: Florida FHSAA -- 4A District 7
2025 Season: 12-3 Overall / 3-0 League (Champions) / 4-1 Playoffs (4A FHSAA State Runner-up)
All-Time Series: First meeting
Tiger’s All-Time Out-of-State Record: 1-3 / First game versus California
2026 Preseason Florida Power 25
| School | Overall State | Class 4A |
| Miami Northwestern | 4 | 1 |
| American Heritage (Plantation) | 6 | 2 |
| Jones (Orlando) | 12 | 3 |
Team Digest:
- Jones is coming off a 2025 high school football season which saw the program reach the state championship game for the third time under the watch of head football coach Elijah Williams, with 2019 and 2024 being the other years the Tigers reached the FHSAA final.
- The Tigers have yet to win a state championship under Williams and it might be a little harder in 2026 to accomplish the feat with the graduations of Miami bound quarterback signee Dereon Coleman, Nebraska enrollee Larry Miles and Colorado signee Xavier Payne.
- Orlando Jones ended this past season with a 12-3 record and finished ranked No. 22 in the state according to the final 2025 Florida High School Football Massey Rankings.
Key Players to Watch:
- Noah Robinson – Defensive Line – Senior
- Frederick Ards III – Defensive Line – Senior
- Dajour Webb – Defensive Line – Senior
- Braylon Otis – Defensive Line – Senior
- Peyton Carroll – Quarterback – Sophomore
- Kameron Lee – Wide Receiver – Senior
Travel Notes:
- Jones High School (Orlando, Florida) will travel by air with a one-way flight distance of 2,513 miles to South Orange County. That equates to 5,026 round-trip.
- In the opening game of the 2005 season, SMCHS played at @ Kealakehe High School, located in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. The flight distance -- direct from John Wayne Airport or Los Angeles International Airport to Kona International Airport -- covered roughly 2,450 to 2,550 miles one-way (over 5,000 miles round-trip). The Eagles won that one, 26-0.
Famous Alumnus: Wesley Snipes – Film actor
NEXT WEEK’S OPPONENT: @ CENTENNIAL (CORONA)
SMCHS Season Game No. 2 / Nonleague Game No. 2
Game Day / Date / Time: Friday, August 28, 2026 / 7:00 p.m.
Game Location: Husky Stadium -- Campus / Corona
Tickets: www.gofan.co
Nickname: Huskies
Head Coach: Matt Logan (30th season) -- 307-66-0 (.823)
This Week: vs. Servite (Anaheim) @ Orange Coast College (Costa Mesa)
2025 Season: Overall: 11-2 / Big West-Upper League: 5-0 (1st Place / Champions) / CIF Southern Section - Division 1 Playoffs: 2-1
All-Time Series: Series -- SMCHS leads 4-1
-- 1989: SMCHS 42, Centennial 7 (Saddleback College) - Nonleague
-- 2023: Centennial 34, SMCHS 21 (Saddleback College) - Nonleague
-- 2024: SMCHS 34, Centennial 15 (Corona) - Nonleague
-- 2025: SMCHS 33, Centennial 27 (Saddleback College) - Nonleague
-- 2025: SMCHS 42, Centennial 7 (Rose Bowl - Pasadena) - CIF Southern Section - Division I Championship Game
Key Players to Watch:
6 Jaden Walk-Green – Defensive Back – Senior – 5-11 / 185
Cal-Hi Sports State Defensive State Player of the Year
Walk-Green led Centennial with 10 interceptions, also the most in the state. He returned five of those for touchdowns, while adding one on a fumble return and one more on a punt return. Walk-Green also coined a new football term: the “pick seven.” That’s because after would get a pick six, he would stay on the field and kick the extra point. Walk-Green was 63-of-65 (96.9 %) on PAT conversions attempts and 4-of-5 on field goal attempts (80.0 %). Also led his team in total tackles.
- Braylin Drake – Running Back – Senior
- Dean Gibson – Running Back / Defensive Back – Senior
- Gavin Loge – Wide Receiver – Senior
- Jaden Jefferson – Quarterback – Senior
- Kennie Leggett, Jr. – Wide Receiver – Senior
- Malaki Davis – Running Back – Junior
- Miles Schirmer – Defensive Lineman – Senior
Compiled by Chuck Nan
Statistics by Shane Mielke
