Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribe now
Read more Here’s where Dutch Bros is opening in Santa Ana
Notes and insights from Week 0 of the high school football season:
1. What result was the most surprising?
San Clemente defeating Tustin 17-0. The unexpected part is that the Tritons shutout the Tillers.
Tustin entered its season-opener ranked No. 8 in Orange County and loaded with skill players. The Tillers had plenty of chances to score in the red zone but the Tritons’ defense, led by safety Jaxson Rex, held each time.
👀There goes that man! @jaxson_rex14to the 🏡 7-0 SC pic.twitter.com/jPa7S5fIQl
— Dan Albano (@ocvarsityguy) August 22, 2026
Credit San Clemente’s defense for playing disciplined, united and aggressively. The unit helped deliver a surprising final score. Tustin was shutout for the first time since 2022.
2. What team looked better than expected?
Laguna Hills. The Hawks overcame a slow start to rally in the second half for a 31-21 win against Foothill.
The Hawks’ performance looked better than expected for a few reasons. First, Foothill is ranked two leagues higher than Laguna Hills in the Orange County Football Conference. Secondly, Laguna Hills lost to Foothill the past two seasons in the Epsilon League en route to consecutive 3-7 campaigns.
Laguna Hills coach John Lester sounded confident in his Iota League team entering this season but outscoring the Knights 28-7 in the second half is a major step for the Hawks. They finished with 447 yards of offense led by quarterback Jaxson Vanderbeek, running back Drew Meyers and wide receiver Merrick Marquis.
Read more 2 children among 4 killed in Gaza a week after US asked Israel to curb attacks
Lester said his team played in the second half “as expected.”
3. What player delivered the most eye-popping performance?
Quarterback Fletch Palmer of Santa Margarita. I didn’t expected the junior to start the Eagles’ season-opener against Jones of Orlando, Fla. He not only made his first start varsity start but played most of the game in helping the Eagles post a 27-0 win.
Palmer, who is the son of Eagles’ coach and Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer, completed 21 of 31 passes 242 yards and two touchdowns.
Palmer showed signs of progress over the summer but made a major leap against Jones. Last season, he threw just seven passes.
4. What standout performance might fans have overlooked?
Santa Ana Valley defeated visiting California Military Institute 48-8 for its first victory since 2023. The Falcons snapped a 21-game winless after finishing 0-9-1 last season and 0-10 in 2024.
Santa Ana Valley’s Fern Dircio rushed for 112 yards and two touchdowns and Angel Garcia passed for 156 yards and two scores.
Read more Earth is simmering in its hottest water temps on record, and that’s bad for fish and us