MISSION VIEJO, California, Dec. 13 — It’s the North vs. the South.
Or more specifically, it’s the kings of Northern California vs. the champions from Southern California in a game that will decide the Golden State’s Open Division championship Saturday night.
As usual, the favorites hail from the CIF’s Southern Section, but it’s not the usual suspects from Mater Dei [Santa Ana, CA] or St. John Bosco [Bellflower, CA]. No, this time it’s the No. 7/SN No. 15 Santa Margarita [Rancho Santa Margarita, CA] Eagles who are still standing and seeking their first state championship since 2011.
On the other side, it’s a familiar face in the collective visage of the No. 15/SN No. 25 De La Salle [Concord, CA] Spartans, the Northern California representatives who will be looking to break a streak of seven straight losses in the title game.
Game time is set for 11 p.m. EST (8 p.m. PST local).
WATCH ON THE NFHS NETWORK: No. 7/SN No. 15 Santa Margarita [Rancho Santa Margarita, CA] Eagles vs. No. 15/SN No. 25 De La Salle [Concord, CA] Spartans
__________
Refresh for updates
__________
|| FIRST QUARTER ||
__________
End of the first quarter: Santa Margarita 19, De La Salle 0
The first quarter is in the books, and it’s all Santa Margarita so far.
__________
SANTA MARGARITA 19, DE LA SALLE 0
Johnson finds Luke Gazzaniga on a wide-open post against a blown coverage. It’s too easy for the Eagles right now, and with their elite defense, it’s possible they’ve already scored enough to win this game.
__________
De La Salle with a quick three-and-out on offense, and they punt on a 4th-and-19. Mosley returns it inside De La Salle’s 35. This is already starting to look ugly.
__________
SANTA MARGARITA 13, DE LA SALLE 0
Trace Johnson finds Mosley with a short swing pass to the right side of the field, and the senior standout does his thing winding and weaving his way 34 yards through traffic before running over the final defender at the goal line. Again, the early feeling watching this is not good for De La Salle.
__________
Santa Margaria quickly approaching the red zone again.
__________
De La Salle puts together a good drive to get into position for a short field goal attempt. But it’s blocked by Santa Margarita, ending the scoring threat. If you’re a De La Salle fan, you’re encouraged by the offense being able to move against the Eagles. But combined with the defensive personal fouls on Santa Margarita’s first drive, you also get the feeling early that this could be a really tough night for the Spartans. It’s early, we’ll see how they rebound from the lost scoring opportunity.
__________
SANTA MARGARITA 7, DE LA SALLE 0
Helped along by a couple of personal foul penalties, Santa Margarita drives quickly on its first possession, scoring on a short run by Trent Mosley out of the Wildcat formation.
__________
Santa Margarita won the toss and deferred to the second half. De La Salle picks up one first down against this stout Eagles’ defense before being forced to punt.
__________
They’re under way in California! This is the final game of California’s high school football season.
__________
Coming soon!
__________
De La Salle vs. Santa Margarita start time
- Date: Saturday, Dec. 13
- Start time: 11 p.m. EST (8 p.m. PST local)
The game between De La Salle and Santa Margarita is being played at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, California.
How can I watch De La Salle vs. Santa Margarita today?
MORE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PLAYOFF HEADLINES