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Santa Margarita rolls over Los Alamitos, 38-27

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The first five games of the high school football season for No. 2-ranked Santa Margarita have all ended in victories, and now the Eagles can focus on the big picture: competing in the tough Trinity League.

Quarterback Johnny Stanton rushed for 156 yards and scored three touchdowns, and running back Ryan Wolpin rushed for 200 yards and scored two touchdowns in a 38-27 victory over Los Alamitos on Thursday night at Veterans Stadium in Long Beach.

The Eagles get next week off to prepare for an Oct. 13 Trinity League opener against Santa Ana Mater Dei. It’s scary how formidable the Eagles might be in another month on offense considering they are starting only three seniors and rolling up points in large numbers.

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Kicker John McGrory of Santa Margarita set a Southern Section record for consecutive conversion kicks. He came in having made 80 in a row and added five, breaking the record of 81.

Los Alamitos (4-1) burned the Eagles’ defense for two big plays in the first quarter.

On the second play of the game, Cody Paul ran 72 yards for a touchdown. On Los Alamitos’ next possession, quarterback Dylan Lagarde completed a 51-yard scoring pass to Josh Caiquo.

But Santa Margarita answered each time, finally taking the lead for good at 21-14 on a 52-yard touchdown run by Stanton at the end of the first quarter.

What makes the Eagles stand out is the dominant play of their offensive line, led by USC-bound tackle Max Tuerk. Stanton, who passed for 154 yards, has many options because of his protection.

eric.sondheimer@latimes.com

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