Santa Margarita (12-0) vs. Newport Harbor (10-2)

7:30 TONIGHT

NEWPORT HARBOR HIGH

Top-seeded Santa Margarita defeated the Sailors, 45-6, in Week 7 but only led, 17-6, at halftime. Santa Margarita scored 28 points in 8:28 of the second half. Carson Palmer threw for a school-record 352 yards and three touchdowns to John Minardi, who also scored on a fake field goal. Newport Harbor must avoid turnovers and get a solid game--if not a big one--from Steve Gorman, who has completed 21 of 31 playoff passes for 195 yards. Otherwise, Santa Margarita’s defense will load up against Brett Baker (23 touchdowns), who was held to 80 yards in the first meeting.

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KEY PLAYERS

Santa Margarita

WR John Minardi

56 rec., 21.1 yds./catch

QB Carson Palmer

65.6%, 25 TDs, 3 Ints.

RB Bryant Wolfsberger

9.1 yds./carry, 26 TDs

Newport Harbor

RB/DB Brett Baker

6.4 yds./carry, 8 Ints.

WR Oscar Garcia

33 rec., 12.3 yds./catch

QB Steve Gorman

56.1%, 12 TDs, 8 Ints.