Led by head coach Carson Palmer, Santa Margarita won its first matchup against a nationally-ranked opponent this season on the back of big plays by the defensive unit.
The defending Open Division state champions took a 21-14 lead on the final play of the third quarter on a 30-yard, pick-six from junior cornerback
Caron Williams. In four career games versus Centennial, Williams has
five interceptions including pick sixes in back-to-back seasons.
Although Centennial responded to the defensive score with an explosive scoring drive, a blocked extra point that ricocheted off the upright was the ultimate difference.
Former NFL quarterback Carson Palmer continues strong start to his coaching career with eighth straight win. (FILE PHOTO: Scott Padgett)
Senior Braylin Drake payed off Centennial’s touchdown drive with an 11-yard run following. That came on the heels of a 15-yard scamper from Hawaii pledge Jaden Jefferson followed by an 18-yard
strike over the middle to from Jefferson to USC commit Quentin Hale.
Santa Margarita started the contest strong as sophomore
Adrian Petero punched home a one-yard touchdown run to cap a short drive that started on Centennial’s 32-yard line following a forced fumble by freshman
Aydan Steen and recovered by USC commit
Isaia Vandermade.
Following a fourth-down stop around midfield,
Jaion Smith took a toss to the left four yards for the score to make it 14-0 Santa Margarita mid-way through the second quarter. A 15-yard, third-down run from
Fletch Palmer set up the touchdown.
Centennial responded with a 13-play, 75-yard touchdown drive to cut the lead to 14-7 with 1:30 remaining before the half. Hale hauled in a 7-yard touchdown reception, his fourth catch of the drive, on a throw from Jefferson off his back foot going to his left to evade pressure.
Following a defensive stand on fourth down around mid-field, Centennial continued its momentum in the third quarter as Hale hauled in a 15-yard reception on third down before
Kennie Leggett snagged a 26-yard touchdown over the middle on the next play to tie the game at 14-14.
Santa Margarita’s defense came up big all game, consistently delivering excellent
field position to the offense while keeping in check a potent Centennial offense
that scored 41 points in its season-opener last week.
