Santa Margarita Rests, Cruises to Victory Over El Modena

The 100th varsity football game in Santa Margarita’s history turned out to be its 74th victory and its 15th in a row.

And, like its three previous games this season, this one wasn’t close.

Santa Margarita, ranked second in Orange County, defeated El Modena, 49-15, before about 1,500 Thursday at El Modena High.

The Eagles (4-0) did so while resting quarterback Carson Palmer (stress fracture in his left foot), and safety John Schweitzer; both could have played if needed. But it hardly mattered after the Eagles got past a slow start. They scored on six consecutive possessions beginning in the second quarter.

“Our goal was to rest some people, get some people healthy and try to develop some players,” Coach Jim Hartigan said. “Offensively, once we settled down, we did some nice things.”

Santa Margarita played especially well on defense. Though El Modena (1-3) ran more plays in the first half, 32-20, it was outgained 216-43 and trailed 35-0. The Vanguards’ offense didn’t run a play in the Santa Margarita end of the field until 9 minutes 19 seconds remained in the game.

Santa Margarita’s defense forced two fumbles and sacked El Modena quarterback John Garcia (15 rushes, 13 yards) three times. Charlie Williams (19 for 44) led El Modena runners. Spencer McCroskey, filling in for Schweitzer, recovered Garcia’s fumble in the end zone for Santa Margarita’s only first quarter touchdown.

Despite Santa Margarita’s overall offensive advantage (372 yards to 188), the offense staggered early. In fact, El Modena outgained Santa Margarita, 21-18, through the first quarter.

The game changed when Bryant Wolfsberger rushed for seven yards, then 57 to make it 14-0.

It then got ugly in a hurry. Santa Margarita ran only nine plays the rest of the half and scored three times, on two touchdown passes by junior Greg Orlando--to John Minardi (11 yards) and Mike O’Gorman (17 yards)--and an Orlando scoring run (13 yards).

The Eagles’ first blocked punt of the season, by Andrew Holstein, preceded Orlando’s run.

Wolfsberger, who missed Monday’s practice because of the flu, didn’t start but rushed six times for 132 yards in the first half. He finished with nine carries for 161 yards.

Orlando (seven rushes, 60 yards) added his second touchdown run in the third quarter, running 13 yards on a quarterback draw to capped a 65-yard drive and make it 42-0.

From there, the reserves took over--again. Santa Margarita has outscored its four opponents, 190-53.

“This is the fourth week in a row we’ve been able to play every kid in the program,” Hartigan said.