CALIFORNIA OPEN DIVISION STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: NORTH MEETS SOUTH AS SANTA MARGARITA BATTLES DE LA SALLE

CALIFORNIA OPEN DIVISION STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: NORTH MEETS SOUTH AS SANTA MARGARITA BATTLES DE LA SALLE

Saturday, December 13, 2024 | 8:00 PM
Saddleback College, Mission Viejo

The stage is set for one of the most anticipated showdowns in California high school football as the No. 5 Santa Margarita Eagles (10-3) face the No. 15 De La Salle Spartans (12-0) in the CIF State Open Division Championship Game Saturday night at 8 p.m. at Saddleback College MaxPrepsOC Sports Zone.

THE MATCHUP

This North versus South clash pits two programs with rich traditions and contrasting storylines. Santa Margarita is making its first Open Division state title game appearance High School Football America, while De La Salle is appearing in its 13th Open Division championship since 2009 High School Football AmericaMaxPreps. The Spartans enter with a pristine 12-0 record, while the Eagles have surged through the playoffs after a challenging regular season.

THE CARSON PALMER FACTOR

In what could be considered one of the greatest first-year coaching performances in California history, Heisman Trophy winner and former NFL star Carson Palmer has led Santa Margarita to a CIF Southern Section Division 1 championship Eaglesfootball and now stands one win away from a state title. The Eagles have been battle-tested all season, facing a murderous schedule that included signature victories over Mater Dei, Sierra Canyon, and Corona Centennial twice MaxPreps.

TRENT MOSLEY: THE X-FACTOR

Junior wide receiver Trent Mosley put on an absolute show in the Section championship, catching 10 passes for 293 yards with two TD receptions and two rushing touchdowns Eaglesfootball as the Eagles demolished Centennial 42-7 at the Rose Bowl. The USC commit (5-11, 170) has been virtually unstoppable this postseason and will be the player De La Salle must account for on every snap. His versatility as both a receiver and wildcat quarterback makes him nearly impossible to defend.

THE LEGENDARY SPARTANS

De La Salle, led by head coach Justin Alumbaugh, enters with eye-popping wins over Lakeland (Florida), Cathedral Catholic, and Pittsburg MaxPreps. This is a program synonymous with excellence—the school that produced the legendary 151-game winning streak and has dominated California football for decades. The Spartans are looking for their first state title in 10 years and boast an undefeated record that speaks to their consistency and championship pedigree.

WHAT’S AT STAKE

For Santa Margarita, it’s a chance to cap off a magical season and bring home the school’s first Open Division state championship. For De La Salle, it’s about reclaiming their throne atop California football and proving that the Spartans’ dynasty is far from over.

Southern California has won the Open Division crown eight straight years dating back to 2016 MaxPreps, and Santa Margarita will look to extend that streak. But standing in their way is one of the most storied programs in high school football history, desperate to return Northern California to glory.

THE PREDICTION

This game has all the makings of an instant classic. De La Salle brings an undefeated record, championship experience, and a defensive system that has shut down elite competition all season. Santa Margarita counters with momentum, an explosive offense led by Trent Mosley, and the tactical brilliance of Carson Palmer.

The Eagles’ recent dominance—particularly that 42-7 demolition of Centennial—suggests they’re peaking at exactly the right time. Mosley is playing at an All-American level, and Palmer has his team believing they can beat anyone.

However, De La Salle’s undefeated record and playoff experience cannot be overlooked. The Spartans have been in this position numerous times and know how to handle the pressure of championship football.

Final Prediction: Santa Margarita 31, De La Salle 28

Expect a back-and-forth battle that comes down to the final possession. Trent Mosley will make 2-3 plays that De La Salle simply can’t stop, and Carson Palmer’s experience in big games will prove to be the difference. The Eagles extend Southern California’s dominance and cap off one of the most improbable first-year coaching runs in state history.

The kickoff is at 8:00 PM Saturday night at Saddleback College. Don’t miss what promises to be an epic battle for California supremacy.