Santa Margarita football beats St. John Bosco to grab lead in Trinity League

Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribe now

Read more Chargers’ Khalil Mack dismisses trade chatter despite 0-5 record

BELLFLOWER — Santa Margarita’s football team carried ample motivation into its Trinity League showdown at St. John Bosco on Friday.

The Braves were not only the last opponent to beat the Eagles, they’re part of the rivalry that pushed the league into national prominence the past decade or so.

Mater Dei-St. John Bosco has been the game in the Trinity League.

Now, the Eagles aren’t just on the marquee. They’re starring.

Fletch Palmer threw a 49-yard touchdown to Grant Mosley on a flea-flicker and Santa Margarita’s defense shutout the Braves in the second half en route to a 21-7 victory at St. John Bosco.

The Eagles (8-0, 3-0), ranked No. 1 in Orange County and in the nation by USA Today, extended their winning streak to 14 games. They won at St. John Bosco for the first time since 2010 and snapped an overall 14-year losing streak to the Braves.

Last season, St. John Bosco defeated Santa Margarita 27-14 in a Trinity League game at Trabuco Hills High. The Eagles haven’t lost since.

Santa Margarita, the reigning CIF-SS Division 1 and CIF State champion, also took sole possession of first place in league by defeating the Braves (6-2, 2-1).

“(This) is where we want to be as program, as a school,” Santa Margarita coach Carson Palmer said. “You got to take your hat off to the environment they create here. Their student section is rocking. The stands are rocking.”

“We were really composed,” the Heisman Trophy winner added. “(Our defense was) suffocating. We made it miserable on their passing game. We covered them down field and got after the quarterback.”

Santa Margarita’s defense didn’t allow a third-down conversion in the second half and held the Braves to 60 yards rushing.

Freshman linebacker Aydan Steen and sophomore lineman Kingston Jimmerson recorded sacks in the second half for the Eagles.

In the first half, cornerbacks Rayshawn Brandon and Ca’ron Williams had interceptions. Brandon returned his 55 yards for a score.

Santa Margarita opened a 21-7 lead in the third quarter. Fletch Palmer, the son of the second-year coach, threw a 49-yard touchdown pass to Mosley on a flea-flicker with 8:28 left.

The trick play arrived one play after a reverse to wide receiver Grant Van Raaphorst picked up a first down.

“We practiced (the flea-flicker) all week,” said Grant Mosley, whose brother Trent Mosley of USC football attended the game. “It was a great play call by the coaches and good job by Fletch putting it out there.”

Old enough to remember Carson Palmer throwing a flea-flicker TD back in the day for SM, now his boy doing the day, amazing @FletchPalmer333! https://t.co/B1ZEwehMv8

— Dan Albano (@ocvarsityguy) October 17, 2026

Santa Margarita led 14-7 at halftime behind its defense.

On the final play of the second quarter, Jake Martin dove to block a 37-yard field goal attempt to wipe out a promising drive by St. John Bosco in the final minute.

Read more Buss family files petition to dismiss Jeanie Buss’ attempt to block Lakers share sale

Jake Martin special teams player of the year! pic.twitter.com/9tLwJuJ1LF

— Dan Albano (@ocvarsityguy) October 17, 2026

The play was reminiscent of Martin’s block against Mater Dei earlier in league.

Martin, a junior who moved to safety from wide receiver in the summer, also broke up a pass toward the end zone just before halftime.

Martin’s block might have softened Santa Margarita’s frustration after a penalty negated a slick fake punt attempt on the previous drive.

The Eagles’ trick play from near midfield sprung Mosley for a long reception toward the Braves’ goal line but the play drew a flag and a protest from Carson Palmer.

An interception by Williams set up Santa Margarita’s go-ahead score earlier in the second quarter.

The junior cornerback made a spectacular, diving interception at the St. Bosco 37 with 8:30 left in the half.

How did @Caron21Williams get this INT! pic.twitter.com/RzgD9wnSS9

— Dan Albano (@ocvarsityguy) October 17, 2026

Seven plays later, Adrian Petero scored on a 1-yard touchdown run as the Eagles took a 14-7 lead with 5:07 remaining.

Fletch Palmer sparked the drive with a 12-yard scramble to the St. John Bosco 9.

“I got to learn last year from a great guy, Trace Johnson,” said Fletch Palmer, who completed 12 of 21 passes for 167 yards.

In the first quarter, Brandon returned an interception 55 yards for a touchdown as the Eagles tied the score 7-7.

Santa Margarita’s defensive line supplied the pressure on the play and Brandon weaved through the Braves to reach the end zone.

“Huge,” Carson Palmer said of the play. “Not surprised by our defense. They don’t surprise my any more.”

Brandon, a first-year starting sophomore, praised his defensive line. He also credited defensive backs coach Aire Justin for helping prepare him for the crossing route the Braves ran on the play.

“We’ve been practicing our crosses because they love to play the crosses,” said Brandon, who nabbed his first interception. “We have the best defense.”

As for the continued rise of the Eagles, Brandon added, “We changed the program around. We proved that today.”

St. John Bosco capitalized on an early muff by Santa Margarita on a punt return to take a 7-0 lead. Kuika Moaalii used a double move to haul in a 28-yard TD pass from Koa Malau’ulu.

Next week on Friday, Oct. 23, Santa Margarita plays host to JSerra at Saddleback College. St. John Bosco plays Servite at Orange Coast College on the same day.

Read more Power outage dooms Ducks in loss to Bruins