After losing their first game of the season and losing their star player, Trent Mossely, Santa Margarita entered this game as underdogs, facing off against the #9 nationally ranked Centennial. After battling it out for all 4 quarters, the game would go on into overtime. Ultimately, Santa Margrita would get job done over Centennial.
Things didn’t start well off for the Eagles as Centennial would do a trick play with Keawe Browne throwing an 80-yard pass to Tyler George to open up their night. Santa Margriata would answer right back, with Trace Johnson running in the first touchdown of the night.
Santa Margarita set the tone early with defensive pressure, highlighted by sacks from Jason Perez and Simote Katoanga. Quarterback Trace Johnson connected with Ryan Clark and Grant Mosley for first-half touchdowns, while cornerback Ca’ron Williams electrified the crowd with a 60-yard pick-six just before halftime, sending the Eagles into the locker room up 20-7.
Centennial, however, refused to fold. Running back Malaki Davis powered the Huskies’ comeback with a rushing score in the third quarter, and quarterback Dominick Catalano kept the pressure on. Late in the fourth quarter, Catalano threw a 75-yard touchdown to Zamuri Wilson and followed it up with a 43-yard strike to Ty Plinski, tying the game 27-27 after a missed PAT in the final minute of regulation.
In overtime, Centennial’s drive stalled inside the 10-yard line, turning the ball over on downs. Santa Margarita capitalized, with Adrian Petero punching in a one-yard touchdown to seal the 33-27 victory. Though the Eagles missed the extra point, their defense held strong, and the game ended in dramatic fashion.
Both teams delivered a statement to open the season, but it was Santa Margarita who walked away with a hard-fought overtime win in front of a packed stadium.
