Santa Margarita Overpowers Orange Lutheran 31–6 to Advance to CIF-SS Division 1 Championship

Eagles dominate all three phases, advance to first section final since 2011

COSTA MESA, CA — HS PREP SPORTS NATION

On a cold Friday night at Orange Coast College’s LeBard Stadium, the Santa Margarita Eagles delivered a statement performance, dismantling Orange Lutheran 31–6 in the CIF Southern Section Division 1 semifinals.

Behind explosive playmaking from Trent Mosley, efficient quarterbacking from Trace Johnson, and one of the most dominant defensive outings of the Southern Section postseason, Santa Margarita (9–3) punched its ticket to the Division 1 championship game for the first time since 2011.

Orange Lutheran struggled from the opening kickoff and finished its season at 3–9.

A Dream Start for Santa Margarita: 14–0 Before OLu Touched the Ball

The tone of the night was set immediately.

1️⃣ Huge Kick Return

Senior Jayden Crowder opened the game with a long, high-energy kick return that set the Eagles up near midfield.

2️⃣ 7–0: Johnson → Mosley

Moments later, senior QB Trace Johnson hit USC-commit Trent Mosley on a short red-zone TD pass to open the scoring.

3️⃣ Onside Kick Shock

Santa Margarita immediately executed a perfectly disguised onside kick — and recovered it.

4️⃣ 14–0: Jaion Smith Powers In

Sophomore RB Jaion Smith capped the second quick drive with a 13-yard TD run, putting the Eagles up 14–0 before Orange Lutheran’s offense even saw the field.

The stadium went silent. The Eagles were rolling.

DEFENSE TAKES OVER — AND SM MAKES IT 21–0

When Orange Lutheran finally took the field, Santa Margarita’s front seven showed why they have become one of the top defensive units in California.

Forced Fumble & Short Field

A strip and recovery by Logan Hirou set up another short field.

21–0: Freshman Power

Freshman RB Adrian Petero punched in a 4-yard TD run, extending the lead to three scores.

Orange Lutheran’s only real moment of hope in the first half came on a 55-yard field goal attempt, which fell short.

Halftime: Santa Margarita 21 — Orange Lutheran 0

SECOND HALF: Mosley Strikes Again, Eagles Hit 31 Points

Midway through the third quarter, the dagger came.Santa Margarita football reaches Division 1 final by beating Orange Lutheran – Orange County Register

Johnson → Mosley (Again)

Johnson delivered a bubble/screen to Mosley, who exploded upfield for a 40–45 yard touchdown, his second score of the night.

Mosley finished with:

  • 5 receptions
  • 83 yards
  • 2 touchdowns
  • 95 total yards

Wiegand Adds 41-Yard Field Goal

Senior kicker Tyler Wiegand drilled a long 41-yard field goal late in the third, pushing the lead to 31–0.

DEFENSIVE DOMINATION: 7 TFLs, 5 Sacks, and Relentless Pressure

Santa Margarita’s defense suffocated the Lancers all night:

Front Seven Leaders

  • Leki Holani — 9 tackles, 1 sack
  • Dash Fifita — 8 tackles, 1 INT
  • I. Vandermade — 5 tackles, 2 sacks, 2.5 TFL
  • Tonga Uhila, Manutai, and Carrigan — multiple QB hurries and TFLs

Team Totals

  • 5 sacks
  • 7 tackles for loss
  • 2 forced fumbles
  • 1 interception

Orange Lutheran mustered only 17 rushing yards on 19 carries — an astonishing 0.9 yards per rush.

ORANGE LUTHERAN’S LONE SCORE (Late 4th Quarter)

Freshman QB Ezrah Brown connected with senior RB Sean Morris Jr. on a 14-yard TD pass with the game already out of reach.
It was OLu’s only touchdown and prevented the shutout.

Brown finished with:

  • 61 passing yards
  • 1 TD
  • 125.5 rating

Toki (12/20, 93 yards, INT) struggled under constant pressure.

TEAM STAT SUMMARY

Santa Margarita Total Offense — 235 Yards

  • Passing: 123 yards (Johnson: 11/21, 2 TD)
  • Rushing: 112 yards (Smith 69 / Petero 10 / Johnson 12)
  • Receiving: 123 yards (Mosley 83 / Brahm 21)

Orange Lutheran Total Offense — 171 Yards

  • Passing: 154 yards
  • Rushing: 17 yards
  • Receiving: 154 yards (Morris Jr. 63 / Bland 55)

PLAYER OF THE GAME: TRENT MOSLEY (USC Commit)Four-star receiver Trent Mosley commits to USC - On3

**5 receptions • 83 yards • 2 TD

Jet sweep carries + Kick return snaps + Heavy defensive usage**

Mosley flipped field position, bailed out the offense on multiple downs, and showed why he’s considered one of the top players in the country.

FINAL SCORE: Santa Margarita 31 — Orange Lutheran 6

Santa Margarita advances to the CIF-SS Division 1 Championship, where they will face Corona Centennial at the Rose Bowl.

The Eagles enter the title game with:

  • A surging offense
  • A top-tier defense
  • A superstar playmaker in Mosley
  • Championship-level momentum