California High School Football: Santa Margarita's Carson Palmer gets signature win over Mater Dei

Both losses for No. 21 nationally ranked Santa Margarita Catholic came against Mission Viejo and Bishop Gorman (Nev.) by a combined 18 points. Each game a defensive duel, leaving Eagles head coach Carson Palmer in search of another signature win, the first being a 33-27 victory over Corona Centennial on Aug. 28.

For all the offensive accolades Palmer achieved in college and the NFL, his team pulled off its biggest win of the season by way of defensive play. Behind a stifling defensive effort, Santa Margarita handed No. 6 ranked Mater Dei (6-2) their second loss of the season in a 7-6 decision Friday night.

The win for the Eagles is the first time they’ve beaten the Monarchs since 2013. It may have seemed like an eternity waiting out the final few minutes of this game, however, if you were Palmer and the Eagles against Mater Dei’s potent offense.

Mater Dei struggled all evening on offense, but was able to take the early lead after a Ryan Hopkins (Wisconsin commit) to Kayden Dixon-Wyatt (Ohio state commit) 11-yard touchdown pass.

Turnovers plagued both teams throughout the contest, with Mater Dei and Santa Margarita committing multiple miscues in giving the other an extra chance on offense. With the way the defenses were playing, it didn’t matter the number of possessions. It was who would make the big play down the stretch needed.

Heading in to what would be the go-ahead drive of the game, Tulane commit Trace Johnson would have to make a big throw and he did. With 7:32 remaining in the game, Johnson connected on a 60-yard pass to freshman Adrian Peterson, setting up the go-ahead score.

Santa Margarita (6-2) would take the lead with 5:05 remaining in the game when USC commit Trent Mosley scored on a 2-yard run. The Eagles’ defense would on in the final minutes to give Palmer arguably his biggest win yet as Santa Margarita head coach.

How to Follow California High School Football

For California high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the nation, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the Golden State, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the high school football excitement across California.