Eagles 27 - Jones 0
MISSION VIEJO, CA., August 21, 2026 – The defending CIF-Southern Section - Division 1 and State Open Division champions opened the season at home against a quality interstate opponent -- Jones High School (Orlando). Santa Margarita Catholic High School (SMCHS) looked to still be stacked with talent in year two under Head Coach Carson Palmer as they demonstrated physicality, experience and confidence last Friday night as the Eagles rolled to a 27-0 victory.
The two prevailing story lines were 1.) the defensive effort and 2.) contributions by incoming freshmen. SMCHS started four freshmen, including three on defense. That defense gelled quickly as they shutdown the Tigers’ offensive efforts in every facet. Here is a summary of the Eagles’ notable efforts:
| Category | Mark |
| Rushing Yards Allowed | - 12 |
| Passing Yards Allowed | 55 |
| Total Net Offensive Yards Allowed | 43 |
| Sacks Registered | 9 |
| Tackles for Loss | 12 |
| Interceptions | 2 |
Notes:
- The 9 sacks establishes a new single-game record for Eagles’ football
- The last shutout for SMCHS came in the “2020 season,” with those season’s games played in spring 2021 due to COVID-19. That blanking was dealt to JSerra Catholic, 42-0. The Eagles are now 7-6 versus out-of state opponents all-time.
Most Team Sacks – Single-Game – SMCHS History
| Opponent | Sacks | Game Date |
| Jones (Orlando, Florida) | 9 | August 21, 2026 |
| @ Newport Harbor | 8 | December 14, 1996 |
| Centennial (Corona) * | 7 | November 28, 2025 |
| Mullen (Denver) | 7 | September 9, 2022 |
| JSerra Catholic | 7 | October 1, 2021 |
| @ Bishop Amat | 7 | October 17, 2003 |
* = CIF-Southern Section - Division 1 Championship Game at the Rose Bowl
The offense saw a new quarterback at the helm that utilized all of his available weapons. Fletch Palmer scanned the field and found six different receivers en route to his 242 yards passing. Kiyan Callis was the favored target in this game with 9 pass receptions for 105 yards (11.7 average) and one score. Grant Van Raaphorst caught a long touchdown pass of 39 yards in the fourth quarter. Overall, the offense gained 364 yards of total offense.
Performance Notables
- Fletch Palmer: 21-of-31 passing (66.7 %), 242 yards and 2 touchdowns
- Freshman Kiyan Callis: 9 pass receptions for 105 yards (11.7 average) and one touchdown
- Grant Van Raaphorst: First pass reception and touchdown (39 yards) of SMCHS career -- 3 for 69 yards (23.0 average)
- Aaron Klatt Now has 30 pancake blocks for his career with 3 versus Jones
- Aydan Steen: Freshman linebacker led team with 3 sacks, 10 total tackles and 3 tackles for loss
- Pass interceptions: Ca’ron Williams and freshman Jayden Jack
- Rushing touchdowns: Jaion Smith and Adrian Petero
- “Sack Attack”: Aydan Steen (3), K.J. Herndon (2), Kingston Jimmerson (1), Dax Karney (1), Curren King (1) and Chris Kraninger (1)
| Santa Margarita | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 27 |
| Jones | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
SM – Petero 1 run (Cook kick)
SM – Callis 6 pass from F. Palmer (Cook kick)
SM – J. Smith 15 run (Cook kick)
SM – Van Raaphorst 39 pass from F. Palmer
INDIVIDUAL LEADERS
Rushing: SM - J. Smith 5-53, Amaya 6-33, Petero 14-26;
Passing: SM - F. Palmer 21-31-0-242;
Receiving: SM - Callis 9-105, Van Raaphorst 3-69;
Compiled by Chuck Nan
Statistics by Shane Mielke
Football roundup: Santa Margarita, La Habra, Newport Harbor win Week 0 games
MISSION VIEJO, CA., August 21, 2026 – Quarterback Fletch Palmer completed 21 of 31 passes for 242 yards and two touchdowns in his first start to lead the Eagles to a 27-0 victory against Jones of Orlando, Fla., in their season-opening game at Saddleback College on Friday.
Palmer, who is a junior and the son of Santa Margarita coach Carson Palmer, set career highs in several categories. As a sophomore, he attempted seven passes as the backup to Trace Johnson.
Freshman Kiyan Callis had nine receptions for 105 yards for Santa Margarita (1-0). Grant Van Raaporst caught a 39-yard touchdown from Palmer.
Ca’ron Williams and freshman Jayden Jack had interceptions to help lead the Eagles’ defense.
Freshman linebacker Aydan Steen added 10 tackles, including three sacks. Freshman Kaleb Herndon had two sacks as the Eagles tallied nine sacks.
By Michael Huntley & Dan Albano
Saturday, August 22, 2026
The Orange County Register
