Santa Margarita Starts Quickly, Rolls Past Irvine

Second-ranked Santa Margarita scored 28 points in the first seven minutes against Irvine and went on to win, 56-3, in a Sea View League game Friday night at Saddleback College.

The Eagles (8-0, 3-0), who have outscored opponents, 381-73, this season, scored early and often against the Vaqueros (3-5, 1-2).

Santa Margarita’s Greg Orlando received the opening kickoff, and then lateraled to Bryant Wolfsberger, who sprinted 84 yards for a touchdown.

Less than two minutes later--on Santa Margarita’s first play from scrimmage--Eagle quarterback Carson Palmer hit John Minardi for a 13-yard touchdown.

Palmer, who left the game in the third quarter, completed six of nine passes for 100 yards and three touchdowns. Palmer has thrown 17 touchdowns on the season and has no interceptions in 91 attempts.

And his backup didn’t look so bad either. Orlando completed touchdown passes of 72 and 63 yards.

“I’m going to be doing it next year,” said Orlando, a junior. “It’s fun to get the chance now with the offensive line and receivers we have.”

One receiver--Minardi--hauled in four passes for 141 yards.

Irvine’s Al Williams, who returned last week after missing several games because of a bruised knee, dressed against Santa Margarita, but did not play.