PHOTOS: Santa Margarita rolls to decisive win over Centennial for CIF Division 1 crown

Santa Margarita players and coaches celebrate the CIF title after a resounding victory over Centennial. (Photos courtesy John Luciano, For OC Sports Zone).

By JAKE RHODES

For OC Sports Zone

History has a tendency of repeating itself in odd ways.

The last time Carson Palmer played at the Rose Bowl, it was in 2002 for USC. The Trojans’ first play from scrimmage that November afternoon was a 34-yard touchdown pass en route to a blowout of that day’s opponent, UCLA. 

Now coaching at his alma mater, Santa Margarita, Palmer’s team’s first play from scrimmage at the Rose Bowl was a 65-yard strike that led to a quick score Friday night. And just like his Trojans did 23 years ago, Palmer’s current Eagles on this November night went on to blowout their opponent Centennial 42-7 to capture the CIF Division 1 title.

To see the slide show, click on the first photo:

It’s the first CIF title for the program since 2011 and the fourth overall for the Eagles, who are expected to move on to the CIF State Open Bowl Game vs. the Northern California representative in two weeks.

It was Santa Margarita’s second victory over Centennial this year. Santa Margarita (10-3) handed Centennial (11-2) won 33-27 in a non-league game in the second week of the season at home.

“We just had it tonight… We were firing on all cylinders,” said Palmer. “We talked about it not needing to be close all week. We wanted to dominate the game … We were more physical tonight and it showed.”

It is hard to put a focus on which side of the ball was most dominant. The Eagles defense ended up with six sacks, three of which came from junior defensive tackle Isaia Vandermade, and an interception from sophomore defensive back Ca’ron Williams. 

However, the story of the night was senior wide receiver Trent Mosley. The USC commit put up video game numbers in the biggest game of the year, on the grandest of stages. Mosley racked up 10 receptions, 292 yards, and four total TDs, two on the ground and two in the air.

Mosley had explosive plays of 65, 80 and 91 yards, the latter two resulting in TDs. The 80 yarder was a true bomb down the sideline in the first quarter. It looked like broken coverage from the Huskies, as Mosley ran by everybody down the Santa Margarita sideline to the end zone.

Then, coming out of the second half, the Eagles defense stuffed Centennial running back Zander Lewis on fourth and 1 at the 14-yard line. Two plays later after a false start, Mosley turned a quick wide receiver screen into a 91-yard knockout blow.

“He’s [Mosley’s] incredible. He’s tough, he’s physical, he’s selfless … there’s no chink in his armor, there’s no weakness in his game,” said Palmer. “He’s complete in every facet, and I think he’s the best player in the country.”

After Lewis’ 6-yard TD run brought the score to 14-7, junior Luke Gazzaniga was able to secure a 33-yard TD reception. The pass was perfect, and hit the tight end going right down the seam, growing the Eagles lead back to two scores.

Santa Margarita’s quarterback, senior Trace Johnson, threw for 383 yards and four TDs in his own right. However, he was the beneficiary of great playmaking, and he made no qualms about his talented weapons or his offensive line for keeping him clean all night.

“Number one, our O-Line played a heck of a game, I didn’t get touched once all game, so that helps,” said Johnson. “Obviously, having Trent Mosley is another great factor. And then when they double Trent Mosley, you got Luke Gazzaniga, who is one of the top tight ends in the country.”

After a Gatorade bath, holding his first CIF championship plaque as a coach, Palmer gleamed with pride after bringing glory back to his alma mater.

“They [players] came in with the right mindset,” said Palmer. “This senior class is spectacular. It’s just an honor to be a part of this.”