Trinity League Football Podcast
Orange County Register high school sports reporter Dan Albano (@ocvarsityguy) talks Trinity League football with Scott Barajas, former publish of Gridiron magazine. Listen for the inside scoop!
Trinity League Football Podcast
Game of the Year? Santa Margarita-St. John Bosco preview and Week 7 recap
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OCVarsity's Dan Albano and insider Scott Barajas review Week 7 highlighted by St. John Bosco's win against Orange Lutheran. They also preview the showdown between the Braves and Santa Margarita.
What is up everybody and welcome back to the Trinity League Football Podcast. I'm your host, Dan Albano with the Orange County Register and OC Varsity, and I'm joined by my partner, Scott Brajas. We are recording our show on Monday, October 12th, 2026. And Scotty, we are coming off a huge week, and we're going to even maybe the biggest week of the season so far, arguably Trinity League Game of the Year material here with Santa Margarita going to St. John Bosco coming up on this Friday. But we just saw Orange Lutheran go to St. John Bosco and get their shot at the Braves. Some big happenings, some developments with Moder Day, some injury problems with servite. And the list goes on. How are you doing tonight?
SPEAKER_02I'm doing pretty good, Dan. You know, uh finally enjoying this fall-like weather, even though it's a little maybe a little humid, but it's but it's finally cooled down and feel like a little bit of football weather, even for a few days. Uh I know some people didn't like the rain, but uh it kind of makes it feel like you know that that that that fall setting that we're so used to with that that cool weather. But other than that, you know, um, yeah, just just you know, good week of football. Um, and uh looking forward to uh yeah, this this week with that with uh with that big uh Bosco in the Santa Margarita matchup.
SPEAKER_01Yes, the winner of that game will be in first place all alone in this the the 2026 Trinity League standings. So just want to welcome everybody back. Thank you for your support. Thank you for following along this journey that we are on this year. Hopefully you've been coming with us all year long from the non-league season in August. Now we are in the middle of October, and yeah, we're going to week eight of the season, giant game coming up on October 16th. Like we said, St. John Bosco playing host to Santa Margarita. After this week, Scotty, it's gonna be two weeks left. It's gonna be we the last two weeks of the season, uh crunch time. We're gonna have a lot of updates. So um let's get right to it, uh Scotty. So um wanna start off with Orange Lutheran, you know, because that sets us sets us up for this big game uh coming up this uh Friday night. But last week it was St. John Bosco 28, Orange Lutheran 14, a little bit of a tail of two halves, as we've as we've seen with both of these teams, right, Scotty? Both of these teams have have been doing that a little bit. But uh some positives for Orange Lutheran was again Ryan Christensen, sophomore running back, helping power the Lancers offense. 19 carries, 140 yards, two touchdowns, and that was his fifth consecutive 100-yard rushing game. He's very consistent, really hard-running guy, and he's helping power the uh the Lancers uh offense, which uh got uh seven points in the first half, seven in the sec in the second half for their 14. Now this the tail for Bosco, 21 points in the first half, got off to that 21 to 7 lead, then they played an even second half. So that's where there's their tail two halves right now. The Braves are starting off really fast. But some interesting developments and positives for St. John Bosco was the running game. If you notice this and the game that Coa played at quarterback, but did you see Cascotti that Coa rushed for 85 yards to go along with two touchdown passes and 186 uh yards passing, and that complemented Malik uh Allen, who rushed for 85 yards, so a big ground presence from the Braves in this one, and also we got to uh mention the continued play of sophomore Kingston Fatu, who had um uh two sacks and an uh uh an interception. So he is really as after observing the sit-out period, he has really come along um as a sophomore, and uh and Willie Ava, uh defensive back safety, did have a uh total of 12 tackles to lead the Braves defense. So a couple of positives there um for the Braves that go to 2-0 in league, six and one. Um and don't look now, but uh St. John Bosco has indeed won six in a row since opening the season um with their their narrow loss out in uh Bishop Gorman. They have won six straight. Scotty, what was your take on this one?
SPEAKER_02Yeah, as you know, we've seen the unpredictability with some of these Trinity League games in the past, but you know, the one thing that remained the same was Bosco again, played the, like you said, the one good half of football from its offense, but they got a complete game from its defense. You know, they played all four quarters, um, and that's what kept Bosco in the game. But it was that defense that put the pressure on Olu, making it difficult for Regan Toki to get the passing game going, and he was pressured, he was flushed out of the pocket, um, he got sacked three times. They uh gave up 1212 yards passing, and they forced him to scramble 13 times, and he ended up getting 58 yards. Uh, you know, he he never really hurt them with those scrambles, even though he got yardage, they just they couldn't get any, they couldn't add you know to those to those uh uh yards and make Bosco pay for that. Uh, you know, and then the second week in a row, like you said, Kingston for two. You know, he made his presence felt. Um, like you said, he had again he he eight tackles, a sack, two sacks, and an interception. Um and it also didn't help the Olu offense that the Lancers were one of six on third downs in the first half, and they were two of ten on third downs for the game and one of three on fourth downs. And so that was a key, you know, and then on the flip side, Bosco was four of five on its third downs in the first half, but only one of four in the second half. And that was the story of the game because Bosco's big games came on those third down plays that set up three of four of their scores. Yeah, and then, you know, for the Olu, you know, they did score on the opening drive of the game, you know, set up by a 30 uh 30-yard rush by Ryan Christensen, but then it would take them on a fourth down to get the TD to get that 7-0 lead. But then Bosco answered right back on a one-yard touchdown run by Malik Allen. That was set up by a third and 11-yard conversion by DJ Tubbs. So that was the first one that they got, you know. And then Bosco added six-yard TD past the Tubbs, and that was set up by a 39-yard completion to Kuka Moyali on a third and 14. There was a second one. So, you know, and then Bosco's third score of the half came when Kingston, you know, 5'2 picked off Toki on Olu's 21-yard line. Then on the next play, Kanoa Koa connected with Kuka on a 21-yard TD, 21-7 Bosco, just like that. You know, and then, you know, Orange Luther looked like they finally got some momentum. You know, they got down to the 33-yard line, but they were denied by again by Kingston Fatto, who made back-to-back tackles for losses, including a tripped-up sack on Toki. You know, he came in on the safety blitz and that took them out of field goal range. And then on that next possession, Bosco again converted on a third down, 38-yard pass to DJ Tubbs. But Anhor the Great Johnson came from behind and punched out the ball, stopping Bosco from a possible, you know, another score. And then, you know, we get to the second half and it pretty pretty much played out like last week. The Bosco offense became non-existent except for one drive. You know, we completed only one of four second half, third downs. Koa, when Koa threw off, throwing off his back foot, falling away, he hit Kuka between two Olu defenders for a 16-yard gain. And then that led them next to connecting on a 48-yard pass to Kuka at the 20-yard line. And then the next play, Koa runs it in for a 20-yard TD, 28-7, just like that. See, Bosco is so weird with their offense. They can struggle, and then all of a sudden, boom, they put it together and hit three good plays just like that.
SPEAKER_00Yeah.
SPEAKER_02You know, so it's hard to say is Bosco's struggle as you know, is it focused? Because it seems to be, you know, it seems to be these second half flubs that they have, you know, or you know, was it Olu, the Lancer defense? Because they did contain the run game. You know, even though I know we we said they got 85-yard rushes from each of them, you know, they gave up some chunk yards, you know, and a lot of those, you know, big gains that get they got they came on those third downs. So, um, but you know, Olu was in the game, they finally converted on its second third down of the game when Christensen took it 78 yards for a score, you know, to cut it to 28-14 with eight minutes left. But after that, pretty much each team just traded possessions and just eight clock. And then the last minute of the game was interesting because Koa took a read option and went 52 yards to the one-yard line where he should have scored, but Chauncey Washington tracked him down from behind. And then Orange Lutheran's defense holds Bosco on first and second down runs, and then Bosco just elects to let the clock run out to end the game. So that was kind of you know, it was kind of an interesting little standoff that that you know that they kind of just held him at the end um because it could have inflated the score a little bit more. But um, you know, like I don't know, you know, you know what to make of Bosco's offense right now. You know, they seem to make plays, it's you know, it seems to be all Cucumuali to be the big play guy. Um we're not seeing the offense finish, you know, Cole was 50% again in this game, nine of eighteen, 186. You know, it's his fourth game at 50% or lower. When you have a defense like like Bosco does, you can rely on it, and then you're it takes some of the you know pressure off, and you don't have to be forced and have you know make those plays. Um, but like I said, this time the defense kept you know Orange Luther from reaching the end zone more than it did. Um, if not for Christensen, you know, uh Olu wasn't getting a lot of offensive production. But I will say this though, I will say that Raiden Velasquez has seemed to be the key receiver these last three games for Olu. He leads the team uh and catches these last and yards these last few games, and he's looked really good and uh uh and and fast and and quick, twitching um you know when he gets the ball. So and like it, and it looks like it's gonna be Toki for some time before we see Ezra Brown, who we I saw with that he had a cast, uh soft cast on his hand with that uh finger injury. So um yeah, it's yeah, something else to be what you know you know looking out for, but that's what we have on this one.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, interesting you spotlight um Raiden uh Velazquez. That's good insight, Scotty. He's a sophomore um that is emerging. Um, you know, for the season, he's got 23 catches for 434 yards and five touchdowns. And so he's been pretty consistent. You know, he had a very big game against Servite. You know, we talked about that one last week, right? Um he was pretty explosive, had, but he has had some pretty explosive plays. And, you know, I read off those stats and you can see like, yeah, the guy's averaging like 19 yards um per uh reception. So, you know, it's interesting you mentioned about the Bosco um offense because you know, if there is that potential, they can get really sizzling hot, then they can kind of cool off. But at the end of the day, um you have to look at their numbers and you're like, well, you know, for the season, they have the highest scoring offense in the Trinity League, uh, averaging about 40 points a game. But you know, we go deeper in the numbers so uh here on the Trinity and and so we we break down some of you know how some of those points come about and you know how the games flow. Um but it's something to see uh about the explosiveness there and you know the strive for consistency. You know, they like you said, you know, Bosco could have had another touchdown at the end. You know, that would have you know made their numbers look better, but you know, they're they're certainly looking at some different factors about just winning that game. Um scored 40 against Jay Sarah, um, which was about the same um total that we're gonna talk about here shortly with what Modern Day did, right?
SPEAKER_02Yeah, yeah, yeah.
SPEAKER_01So Monarch scored 41, Bosco scored 40. Um, they uh Braves scored 49 against um Kahuku, 63 against that St. Louis team that's one and six from uh Honolulu, Hawaii, had the 45 against Roman Catholic, and had 28 uh as well in a loss to um Bishop Gorman way back in August. So some interesting uh trends there, Scotty. Let's go to the game that you took in, which was Modern Day at J Sarah, and it was the Monarchs 41, J Sarah 7. And Scotty, I had billed this and kind of thought this was a kind of a crossroads moment for Modern Day based on the struggles of their offense, the previous couple games, where you know, yes, it was against high-caliber opponents for sure. I mean, a lineup of Centennial, Bishop, Gorman, Santa Margarita, and the Monarchs score 10, and then eight, and then seven, and they had they dropped two in a row, which the monarchs haven't dropped two in a row very often uh in recent uh history. I think they had the first time they had lost back-to-back games since 2013. So maybe I was correct in that when saying this was a crossroads moment because of the back-to-back losses, the offense, and even what Coach Laura had said himself that they really needed to make they they weren't finishing, getting the ball in the end zone. He said some things had to change. Um, maybe starting with him, he had to figure it out. And there was an important development that came out of this game besides the production. They got they improved on the um offensively, improved on the running game, made strides there. Uh, freshman quarterback, Peyton Guest did throw for a career high 203 yards, and then combined with the steady play of the defense led by DJ Clanton, that got the the Monarchs back on track with a win. And I think they did, you know, they did turn a quarter in a positive direction at a very important time because I think Modern Day can get on a little bit of a roll now. Um, yeah, I think they have a very good chance to win this week on Thursday on a short week against Servite that is struggling, lost two straight, and that will give Modern Day uh some very much needed momentum, I think, for a huge game against Orange Lutheran in week nine. So I think Modern Day successfully navigated this crossroads moment. What was your take on the Monarch's victory?
SPEAKER_02Yeah, so we've been talking all you know you know the last few weeks about having you know there need you know about a change or needing to be doing doing something. Well, a change was made in the play calling as Randy Wright, last year's offensive coordinator, took over the play calling duties from Laura, and it was apparent from the start, you know, the offense ran smooth, it ran in, you know, it looked in sync, you know, they hit highs on passing yards and passing TDs, putting up the most points they have had all year, you know, in route to that win. You know, and you know, but it was uh Asir Nemhard who got Modern Day going with the 27-yard TD run, and then he added a six-yard TD run to get Modern Day, you know, off to a 14-point lead. You know, then Mike Davis intercept interception set up the Monarch's next score. Um, and then Peyton Guess connected on the 11-yard slant to Jalen Greer that put them up 21-0 with like four minutes left in the first quarter. You know, and that was like the first time I've seen Modern Day run a slant all year, you know, and it's that's what everybody's, you know, you know, what everybody's been doing to them, and we were like, why can't they, you know, anybody, you know, why can't they incorporate the in into that offense? But you know, they did. So um, you know, but then again, you know, then the Modern Day defense played great. Um, they didn't allow Hayes Cloud here to scramble or get loose. Modern Day put constant pressure on him, sending various blitzes with pressure from all over on Haynes. Um, but the key guy was DJ Clanton again. He recorded two sacks, he had five hurries. Um, he also had a blocked field goal. Um and then you know, sophomore safety jaded to auto. He was also in coming in on safety blitzes. Um, he didn't register any, but but he, you know, he was in in Hayes's you know face and making him you know earn those yards or get you know running out of the pocket, um, trying to elude the rush, you know, and then when they did, Modern Day had a spy on him to contain him. And so they didn't let him get outside, so he never got anything you know longer than I think a five or six or a 10-yard run. You know, and if it wasn't for Hayes' agility, I think Modern Day probably would have had it close to double-digit sacks. You know, they held J Serra to negative 25 yards rushing and 150 yards of total offense. Um, and then Modern Day continued its you know, steady play you know throughout the game, increased its lead with Guest throwing a 14-yard PD pass to fellow first freshman Tristian Brown to make it 27-0 going into the half. And then Modern Day took the opening second half possession, marched down the field, and the EO used Russ Ocona, you know, Russ Sacona's 235 pounds, taking in the one-yard QB sneak to make it 34-0. And then Modderday capped it scoring on an ace Lutelli 60-yard punt return for score as he weaved in and out, eluding J Sarah defenders, and then he got a key block from Troy Bishop that sprung him loose. And then, you know, Modderday got the they invoked the running clock. Um, but J Serri eventually got on the scoreboard. They avoided the shutout. Um, but on that series, there was an inadvertent whistle where they, you know, they blew um modern day recovered fumble dead with about three minutes left on the clock. And so that allowed the J Sarah to continue, you know, kept the ball, and and that's how they they they scored on on that on that drive. So who knows if they would have if they would have been able to score with that running clock if they didn't if if that whistle wasn't blown. But um, but the bright spot for Jay Sarah is probably Dylan Finn and Braylon Spencer. They played well, you know, they combined for 12 tackle, uh 15 tackles, three tackles for loss, and then freshman Rhett Gabriel caught the lone TD for Jay Sarah. You know, he's somebody that we've we I've I've I'm high on and I've mentioned about him before, and it looks like he's gonna be a good one for the Lions. So we'll see if he starts to get used more into their offense. Um and then, but it like I said, it was pretty much the first time all year modern day look like a modern day team, you know, with these key changes going in, you know, with guests, you know, being his best statistical game because he was 63% 203, two TDs, and then having Randy, you know, run that offense has been better, I think, you know, for Modern Day and going forward, because it didn't really need to be this, you know, take this long for this change to be implemented. Because I think now going forward, you're gonna see this rejuvenation, and you know, it's gonna make them a better team. And you know, you know, can they go out and they win out, win out these next three games? You know, that's because they're gonna be able to add more offensive concepts, you know, build on this, because they only had like four days to implement all you know all of this, and and they did a great. I'm surprised that they did as well as they did with the with those four days, you know. Um so that'll see positive. So we'll see, you know, it'll be interesting. Um, and um yeah, just like I said, you know, Trinity League is unexpectable, and then you know, like I said, was it you know at first we just thought maybe it was to be a two, three or two-team race, you know. Now we'll see what happens.
SPEAKER_01So yeah, it's you know, speaking of that, I mean, uh I think this was a moment where modern day, you know, stays in the race big time. I mean, yeah, they open with Santa Margarita, lose by seven points. They um decide to make some some more changes, and they're finding their way with a younger quarterback. Defense is still playing well. Now they build some momentum and see where they can go. If they can build off the Jay Sarah win, try to build it off servite, get a big win, uh, you know, um against Orange Lutheran, and then you know who they close with on October 30th, uh, right, Scotty?
SPEAKER_02Yep, that's that's that's the rivalry game for the kids. You know, this next week's game that Dorotho.
SPEAKER_01At the bull.
SPEAKER_02Yeah, they come in. We know what happened last year, so it could happen again. Who knows? Like I said, that's what's so unexpectedly, you know.
SPEAKER_01So yeah, but you know, the thing is is that I on the you know on Jay Sarah, and we'll we'll talk about Friars here momentarily. Both those guys, I thought they might be more of a factor. Um, I I kinda you know Jay Sarah had one four straight coming into the Treaty League, um doing some impressive things with you know the ground game and uh Hayes and you know the big offensive line. I and some of the some of the Success and growth they were showing, I thought, on the pass game. And I'm su I'm a little surprised by uh Jay Sarah scoring seven points against Moderday and 14 against Bosco. Um and now I think they got it they got another tough one against um Orange Lutheran, and I'm not sure. And then it's Santa Margarita. I'm just I'm I'm not sure where uh Jay Sarah is headed right now, Scotty.
SPEAKER_02Yeah, that's exactly right. You know, you don't want to be in that's I said you you know that white this game was pivotal because nobody wants to be on that side. So um yeah, it's the way the schedule falls, and that's the rigors of the Trinity League. So we'll have to see if they can bounce back, but that that is a tough you know stretch for them.
SPEAKER_01Yep. All right, Scotty, one more game to wrap up from last week, and this one it has some of the the injury updates that you'll give us and that I alluded to at the top of the show. And this was also another interesting game, but it was Santa Margarita 27, Survite 3, and this of course keeps Santa Margarita undefeated. They improved to 7-0, and they're 2-0, tied across the top of the Trinity League with St. John Bosco. Survite actually scored first in this game, but then it was 27 straight points by um Santa Margarita. And I know you'll break down some of the um, you know, some of the injury updates on Survite. Um Though there were some positives I would say for the Friars. I know you'll probably uh discuss a little bit of you know, Gino Wing had some of his best numbers and played considering the defense he played and some of the weapons that he did not have. Gino Wing uh was definitely a positive for Survite, um, also with some of his movement, and you start to think about the weapons that Gino doesn't have, you know, that the running back and wide receiver, and he's um he's doing some good production. So I think that was a positive. But on the flip side, the flip side for Santa Margarita, Scotty, you have to look at their defense, you know, for the season now. Um they've allowed, they're allowed, they're holding opponents to 5.2 points a game. Um, you know, that's the season, it's about the same number in the in the the the Trinity League. Um the the offense hasn't been um that explosive in the Trinity League. Um, where you know 14 points against Moder Day, um 28 points, uh excuse me, 27 points against Survite. So you'll start to you kind of wonder a little bit about their their offense in the true Trinity League games, a little bit less than you know their non-league schedule, which wasn't as strong this year. So starting to see some better teams. Um, but you're starting to wonder about you know, where how about the Santa Margarita uh firepower? Um they've been battling a couple injuries as well. Um, got a first year starting uh quarterback in Fletch Palmer. So um A Train is still running the ball uh well, Adrian uh Patero, but it all starts with you know that Santa Margarita defense that I I know you'll um fill us in. And you know, um, you know, the one thing I'll leave you with, Scotty, is this, you know, this this last, you know, I think it's the last five games, you know, no one has scored more than seven points the last five games, starting with, you know, the Highland. And, you know, and Durkham got shut out, and Norco got shut out, and then Modern Day got seven, and Survey got three. So they're just so lights out on that uh defensive side. Um, you know, so they're their numbers are amazing with all the new players they have and so many young players. I know Isaiah Vandermaid had a very good game. The USC committed defensive tackle, he's been having a great year. But what did you have on this one, Scotty?
SPEAKER_02Yeah, you know, the Eagles won, you know, believe it or not, though, the game was closer than that 27-3 score. And, you know, like like last week's game against Modern Day, the Eagles offense hit on two big scoring plays. They capitalized on two turnovers inside Survite territory that led to two short yard yarded scores. Um, but it was Survite who took the 3-0 lead that you make you mentioned, you know, and that was actually set up after a Ken Ashley interception on a deflected ball off the hands of uh Grant Mosley um uh inside, you know, it was about in about 30-yard line. Survite didn't get much on it and allowed them to kick that three for this, you know, to get the three points up on the board. And then on the ensuing possession for Santa Margarita, Adrian Petero scores on a 59-yard run, and then Santa Margarita's up 7-3. But the big kind of story in this game was time of possession, and this is made why the game was a little bit closer. So um, you have to look at the number of plays that Survite ran versus Santa Margarita in that first half because Survite, get this, had the ball for 10 minutes and 30 seconds of that first quarter and nearly 20 minutes of the first half, and Santa Margarita had only run five plays, five plays with five minutes remaining in the second quarter. Yeah, right, and then it took Fletch Palmer three more plays before he connected with Van Rant Van Rapport for a 61-yard play action TD pass, and that made it 14-3. And then on the Friars next series, Santa Marcos defense recovered a fumble at the Survite 10-yard line when Survite's running back catches a tipped pass at the line of scrimmage, but he actually drops the ball when he loses his footing, and the Eagles return it for scoop it and return it for a scar, but it's called back for a blind side block. And then on that, you know, that you know, that same series, Palmer converts a third and 14, and the next play, Petero punches it in for a short yard TD, makes it 21-3 heading into the half. So Santa Margarita only had the ball for like maybe nine plays that whole entire half, and they lead 21-3. And Survite had the ball for like almost 20 minutes of that whole quarter. So that's just crazy how that how that how that could work. Uh, you know, and then Santa Margarita takes the ball to open the second half, they drive into server survite territory, and then Survite DB Devin Brown steps inside the receiver and picks the slant um at Survite's 10-yard line. But Servite couldn't actually do anything with it, so then the Eagles get the ball back, and their next score was set up on when Isaiah Vandermage strip sacked Geno Wing, and then losing her transfer defensive lineman, CJ Tuamonga scooped up the ball and returned it to the five-yard line. But Tuamonga was injured on the return, looked like he had a knee injury, and he was helped off the field. So, you know, that's an injury. He was he was a transfer sit-out, but he's he's like 6'2, like almost 300 pounds, and he looks like a you know, like they were using him inside the middle as a nose guard, and that was just another guy that they can get on a rotation, but we'll have to see if he comes back because he didn't look you know, it didn't look very good when he got up. So, and then three plays later, Dayon Smith punches the one-yard TD in with a minute and 51 left in the game to cap the score 27-3. Yeah, so you so you see how the game was like a lot closer than that 20, you know, 27-3 score, because um, you know, servite was pretty much they were they actually were moving the ball, you know, and that's what kept them with the possession going. You know, it was Juno Wayne's probably best game of the season, even though he was being pressured. Um he was stepping up in the pocket, he was completing passes, he was hitting the tight end, you know, Jake McClure and receiver Jaden uh Viaquero, who who's been out with an injury, he came back. Um, and even if it was short passes, you know, he was still they were just matriculating little by little. You know, they were using that short passing game because they couldn't run. And um, and that was in their favor. They just couldn't get more than 14 yards. I think that they they couldn't, I think everything was under like 10 yards, you know, with them.
SPEAKER_01Um yeah, Survey finished with about 50 yards, maybe 48 yards uh rushing, which is which is low, you know, nobody's really run on Santa Margarita all year.
SPEAKER_02No, and and 20 of it came 24 of it was on rang wang scrambles, you know. So, and you know, again, but again, that that Santa Margarita defense is tough, you know, with Caleb with Steen, as we we know, I think Caleb Nunez or Cruz Nunez, you know, both of them combined for 21 tackles, you know, and then holding Servite, like you said, to that 51 yards are rushing. But what was key for Survite, and then you you talked about it at the top, is that they were out seven starters. So no Jordan Wells, no Benjamin Harris, no offensive lineman, Troy Asuda, no linebackers, Alan Kenneth, Caleb IVA, and Edmome Kalia, or newly inserted DB Trevon Nunley. So that was kind of you know, you know, you would you would have figured that with all those guys out, that score maybe would have been more lopsided than it was. So we'll just have to wait and see if they return, you know, next week. So um, because I know cat uh Wells and Kennet have been out two weeks. Everybody else, this was their first week out. So um yeah.
SPEAKER_01You know, interesting one too. Um, if you saw on Survite, did you see um how um servite's last non-league foe Damien did last easy you see what happened to them last week?
SPEAKER_02Did they lose to Chino Hills or to they they lost, they lost to Edawanda. Oh, Edawanda, okay. No, I didn't see that one.
SPEAKER_01So a bit of a stinging uh loss for uh Damien. Um that's somebody so when that happens, you know, it's it when when you a team that you beat in the power rankings world, uh it's it's kind of it's uh it brings you down. Um your power ranking loses a little prestige um when your a team you've beaten goes and loses a game that maybe you didn't expect. Um but I think for the Friars Nation, um dropping a little bit, um maybe not the worst thing, and and where they're gonna fall, maybe if they you know, there's a lot of things that have to happen for them to get a maybe get an at-large uh berth in Division II. Um we'll wrap up a little bit with some playoff talk. I have some more updates um as some of the stuff that uh Scotty brought up uh last week um regarding the playoffs. Uh some good questions. Um so Scotty, before we look at this week's game, let's recap the standings. I did a little bit at the top, but Santa Margarita, St. John Bosco, both two and oh, the Eagles 7-0 overall, the Braves 6-1, and then Tide next, Modern Day and Orange Lutheran, both 1-1. Monarchs 5-2, Orange Lutheran four and three. And then at the bottom, tied at 0-2 Jay Sarah and Servite, this the Lions 4-3, and Servite 3-4. Um, also a little concerning for Survite is that they have lost back-to-back games, um, just like Jay Sarah. So there could be some separation going on in the training league with those two teams, Survite and J Sarah. How are they going to do? Um, but let's look at this week's game, Scotty. And we got to start um Thursday, uh coming up on Thursday, October 15th. This game is going to be at Orange Coast College, and it is the Survite Friars taking on Modern Day, one of the best rivalries in the Trinity League. Of course, the historical rivalry for Orange County and Southern California football that kind of takes the rivalry, you know, nationally. Um servite modern day is a nationally recognized um rivalry because it dates back to 19 uh 61. Um, the first time that these guys have played. Um and for the very most part, uh these are all been, you know, they've all been uh league games. Um so uh right now Survite um is definitely on the the other side of the rivalry, Modern Day in control right now. Have have not lost to the uh Modern Day has not lost to Survite since 2011. Um and that was in the first regime of uh Coach Troy Thomas. Um so it's it's been that long, 2011. Um Modern Day has been um in control. So um Scotty, we think that Modern Day has found some things on offense, made some changes with the play calling as you talked about. Um Coach Wright um having more of a say in the offense. Survite having a lot of injuries. Um here they are taking on their rivalry. You wonder if some of those players uh the rival if they'll be back. Um you know this is a this is a proud rivalry. Like I said, Scotty, this has spanned the Trinity League. And then before that, the teams played in the Sarah League, and then before that, our old-time listeners they'll know that they played in the Angeles League. Um, and they played, you know, almost 70 games uh since 1961. What is your take on this game, Scotty?
SPEAKER_02You know, this game almost was shaped up to be that seller-dweller game that we always uh you know look at, you know, but modern day climbed out of it for the moment, you know. The question we we say is that can they build on what they did last week? You know, we saw the difference, we saw the offensive rhythm, the variety in routes, the receivers, you know, catching balls, you know, but the key is still gonna be that O-line, you know, because the running game was solid, I believe, in the first quarter, but the rest of the game it was just okay. Um, you know, can Survite get back to the core of its team, you know, and play a competitive game uh similar to last week, you know, um against Santa Margarita, you know, without those crucial turnovers. Um, you know, where they're gonna get their offensive punch from, you know, if Wells or Harris, you know, are out again, you know, the fires are gonna need more than just the short passes, you know, and can they, you know, are they gonna be able to control the time of possession again, you know, um, or or you know, capitalize on it this time, you know. But it's it's a tall order for survivor, you know. I think you know what with I think modern days you know found what they want and I think it it's it's rejuvenated them and they they want to go out and um and and build on what what you know you know what they've uh what's been installed and and just you know grow from it. So yeah.
SPEAKER_01You know, it's interesting too. Uh you know, survey had shown, I thought, uh, a lot of progress. Like one of the interesting scores last year in the Trinity League, you know, you had to look at modern day 29, survite 19. That was a score last year's game, and that was you know that was a pretty good effort by the uh the Friars. Um, and then even the year before I took this game in in 20 uh 24, modern day 28 to 6. Um, you know, that's the survivor friars are playing some pretty good D kind of to get that, you know, um scores a little bit um closer. There had been a couple 40-point scores, uh high 40s by Modern Day, um, the last couple years before that. So um that was um that was pretty good uh progress, but you know, um but it seems like maybe mod but maybe survite like you said, they did play some better defense, and that time of possession is an interesting thing to build on. Um that's a good strategy, right?
SPEAKER_02Yeah, and you know, you know, something that you just you know, you you made a good point about the last scores in the last Q few games. Because you know you wonder, because you know, Survite it's still a rivalry game for Survite, but I think like Modern Day looks at the rivalry more so with Bosco, and so maybe that plays into it, you know, because maybe it's that's why the scores have been, they haven't been like total blowout scores, because it's it's you know, they just look at it as another game versus you know, kids can be weird sometimes. I just know that that that that modern day seems to feel that that you know Bosco is their rivalry, whereas I think like the alumni in the old schools feel that it's survived. But that's just my take.
SPEAKER_01So you know, the other thing interesting going on, we were kind of talking it up off the air. You look at the injuries and you look at the schedule for survivite. Um, here it is, you know, rivalry week with for Modern Day. Who does um Survite play next week? St. John Bosco. So they're going from you know Santa Margarita, Modern Day, St. John Bosco. We know they they opened with Orange Lutheran and gave up 56 points, and what kind of shape are they gonna be in? Um are the friars going to be in for their week 10 game against Jay Sarah. Last week, Scotty, you were talking about and you you raised some good questions about servite and you know, can they make the playoffs? What does it look like for them? Um, I mentioned the new rule this year in the southern section that you have to have at least three wins to apply for an at-large. But as you know, you kind of mentioned, and I I did confirm with the southern section, you know, survite, sure, they could apply for that at-large um with three wins because they they do have three wins right now, they're three and four. But once they are an at-large applicant, they still would lose out at three and four, they would lose out to a team that's five hundred. Um, so that five hundred that you kind of brought up last time, it still does matter in the at-large process that while you can apply with this new threshold of three wins, the old rules of you know, competing with your strength of schedule, um if you run up against uh a team with that's 500 or higher, and you have three wins like at Servite, they'll the Friars will lose out um to a team that is 500 or higher, um, even if that team has a um higher power uh or lower power rating than the friars. Um so it's gonna be interesting to watch, you know, the key question will be for the friars will be, you know, who is the competition in Division II in terms of the at-large applicants? Um, you know, and are they are they 500 or higher? Or are they all automatic qualifiers and there's not many other at-large candidates? Because the southern section will look to get some. They want to have one or two, two or three, I would say two or three at larges per division um after division one. Um, they definitely want to have a couple at larges. So there's a lot to know uh in the next three weeks on how that's all gonna shake out. But do you have any thoughts on this, Sadi? Because you did raise some good points last time.
SPEAKER_02Yeah, that was what you know that that clears up my my uh question to you because uh right now when you do look at the HS ratings, it's like I've seen sort of they have at four and four or five, and I like you know, like that's doesn't seem right for them to be in that in that slot in Division II. So um, and that's gonna get adjusted um uh you know going forward when when we said so, but that's something to watch for because like I said, you know, was it a couple years ago Olu played in Division II and they won it, you know, and if it it it's just you know, and I don't know if people will be very happy with that, but that's just uh something to watch for uh down the down the line. So with this new with this new implication of of uh you know being 300, being able to apply for it at large.
SPEAKER_01So yeah, and the other thing too, we were we were talking off air before the show about you know Jay Sarah too. I mean, they're sitting at four and three. We can we can talk about uh the lines here uh now. Um they're four and three. You know, maybe they really help themselves and win a week ten against survite and get that fifth win. But first things first, um coming up on Friday, this game is gonna be Friday, October 16th at Orange Coast College, just like the modern-day survite game on Friday is at Orange Coast. If I didn't mention that, um modern day survite is on Thursday at Orange Coast, and then on Friday, it's gonna be Orange Lutheran taking on uh Jay Sarah. So, Scotty, um an interesting one. Uh, I I do think that Orange Lutheran has been playing pretty well. I I think they're keeping it decently close and respectable against some of these opponents. I think they're they're showing a little bit more to me uh right now than Jay Sarah. Um, what's your what's your take on this game?
SPEAKER_02Yeah, you know, this is another one of those, you know, you go back over the last five games, you know, uh Olu has the lead three to two uh with them winning the last two. Uh and they won big last year, uh 63 to 23. So um, you know, and and like you said, you do mention that that Orange Lucent. I think they just have a little bit like their defense is just a little bit more, you know, they they played with Boston. They can do some things, they can do similar things to keep you know Hayes, you know, in the pocket or contain him. So I think you know, I think the issue with Jay Sarah is that their their running game outside of Hayes is lacking. They can't get a consistent run game going. Um, and I think that's kind of you know curltailed them a little bit. So, you know, and that their defense is is is a bend but don't break. But if you can't make up the points, then you're chasing points. And you know, I think it may come down to like you know, that's that's pretty much you know, you know, the differences. I think like Olu's I think it's a little bit more battle-tested. So even though I know they they each have that that that game against Sierra Canyon, but it just seems to me that uh Orange Lutheran has has been a little bit more battle-tested.
SPEAKER_01So yeah, uh Jay Sarah lost to Sierra Canyon, like you mentioned, season opener 42-21. Um Orange Lutheran closed out its non-league schedule, um losing to Sierra Canyon 18-10. Lancers did win the second half, and that one, um, we know that Orange Lutheran held its own against Bosco in the second half. So did Jay Sarah, though, which is one of the reasons I thought they might build on that and have a better showing against modern day. It didn't happen. Um and and then they they lost big. Scotty mentions the some of the the battle-testedness um of Orange Lutheran that maybe gives him that he views as an edge. And to your point, I mean Orange Lutheran opened the season, taking on Miami Central, and that game was at Orange Coast College 23-21 loss, and um another win that looks pretty good is the Basha win. Um, you know, 23-17. You know, I know Basha's, you know, we've we've talked a little bit about some of their ups and downs this year, but um, that is a quality win. The Cathedral Catholic win is pretty quality on the road as well. Um, but you know, Scotty, the the thing to close out with these two games is you know, we know what happens next week. Um, you know, if Modern Day takes care of business against Servite and Orange Lutheran takes care of business against Jay Sarah, next week it is Modern Day Orange Lutheran, and I think that's a huge game. Could be for could be for third place um outright, an automatic bid in the Trinity League. It could be for something else. Um Monarchs trying to get back into the race, Orange Lutheran trying to get back in the race with a lot of play. Maybe one of those teams can somehow factor pulling upset late, create a three-way tie for first place like we did last year. But I think you really gotta watch both the outcomes of this week with Modern Day, how they do against Servite, and how does Olu do against J Sarah?
SPEAKER_02Yeah, exactly right. You know, like I said, every game, every week is, you know, it it goes one goes one way, the other one goes the other way, you know. So it's it's uh you know, I know that that game was, you know, you know, I think the J Sarah Modern Day game and the Olu modern day game, I think those were the two that were circled on on, at least for me, that were like we're gonna be a tell sign, you know, because they could go either way, because everybody thought that Modern Day would split one of those two. Um and so far we're like you said, we're on course to where that looks like they could possibly be playing for that, you know, that third's third place slot. And then you know, if Modern Day ends up being somehow, you know, just has gotten to be the machine or gotten to be, you know, that the offense is just taken off to where it's it's it's you know, now it can if you have a that defense that can only hold teams to to 14 points and you have an offense that can now put more than you know at least you know 28 to 30, then the it's a whole different ball game.
SPEAKER_01So yeah. All right, Scotty. Uh so game of the year potentially uh setting up uh for Friday, October 16th at St. John Bosco. You have the Braves 6-1 overall, 2-0, taking on playing host to unbeaten 7-0, Santa Margarita, 2-0 in the Trinity League. So gotta throw out some rankings here. Um you start with, you know, uh, how about high school football America? Santa Margarita is third in the nation, St. John Bosco nine. Want to check out Max Preps, um, Santa Margarita also third in the country, Bosco eight. Um, I don't know if you saw this one, Scotty, but um USA Today um has moved uh their ranking. Santa Margarita now number one. They moved up one spot, they're number one in the country by USA Today, and they're super top 25. Um Bosco also uh highly ranked. Um Braves uh come in at number 12. Um they've had they actually dropped one one spot, um, interesting enough, uh, after their Orange Lutheran win. So that one is interesting, but uh some good um so there's a lot of national rankings here at stake. First place in the Trinity League at stake. Um it's about Santa Margarita's D defense, it all flows from there. How's that gonna set up their offense? What does that mean for the Braves? Um you know, their offense, their quick strike ability is a game where St. John Bosco is definitely gonna have to play four quarters, they're gonna have to stick in there and be resilient in this game to get a win. Um, we know last year that in league St. John Bosco took it to Santa Margarita pretty good, and uh Koa had a really good game and he hooked it up with those receivers. They passed well and they they put some points on uh Santa Margarita and won that game at Tribuco Hills. So Santa Margarita's gonna see that dynamic of a talented pocket passer in Koa, lots of receivers, Malik Allen. It's gonna be a test for the Santa Margarita defense, but we know that they've been answering the call all season, seem to be getting almost even better, uh, some of the stuff that they are doing. So this is gonna be a great game, Scotty. I'm gonna be up there in Bellflower covering this one. Excited to bring it back to you guys here on the Trinity League Football Podcast. What's your take on this one? And I definitely gotta get a prediction from you on this one, Scotty.
SPEAKER_02Alrighty, Dan. But you have you seen who the game of the week is? Because it's Oh, yeah.
SPEAKER_01Not this one.
SPEAKER_02No, yeah, come on, Spectrum. You know, what are you guys doing? They chose to go with Amott and Notre Dame Sherman Oaks, you know. Yeah, I know we're Trinity League guys, but you know, and I get that that that you know, Sherman Oaks, Notre Dame is 7-0, but like they have they haven't really played anybody, you know, and I think a Mott's gonna end up having their way with them, but you know, but we'll see. But we'll still bring you all, we'll still bring you all the details and the action for on that one. So, you know, yeah, but but this one, you know, it can almost be a pick'em game. Um, but you know, both teams have kind of been getting away with average, you know, offensive outputs, you know, only to be carried by their defenses, you know, because like either team has played, hasn't played that really complete game. They put up big numbers early, and then you know, the second half or the first half, it had they haven't done so. I know, and it's been versus, you know, they uh we're talking against top-rated opponents. You know, they've they've put up the numbers against teams that they've blown out, but we're we're kind of looking at it against the top-rated teams. Um, but you know, it's gonna be whose defense is gonna be better, you know, or whose offense will make enough offensive plays. You know, this will be Santa Margarita's only second away game this season. They've somehow they're scheduled, they only have three road games this year, like eight, like seven home games. So this is like they're only their second away game. Um, you know, but I'm gonna give you three names for each team that have been trending to watch in this game, you know. And I'm gonna start with Santa Margarita's Adrian Patero. You know, he's the workhorse, he has scored 13 of the 24 starting offensive TDs. 13. That's that you know, that's a huge offensive production. Uh Cruz Nunez. I know Steen gets all the notoriety, but Nunez has been very complimentary to Steen. He's been steady in that defense. He's also been bringing pressure, tackles for losses. Um, you know, and he he he's been um gaining steam as the season has gone along. And then lately, and then my last one is Grant Van Rackhorse. And he's been the hot hand of late. He's been the big play guy of, you know, he's been the guy that he that that Santa Margarita has hit when they've needed to. And he has deceptive speed. So uh, you know, those three guys have been, I think, have been, you know, either trending all year or or have been only trending. Now we and I didn't touch any any defensive guys because we all know about those defensive guys. Oh, you mentioned Nunez. Nunez, I take that back, but um, but he's kind of been under the Raider guy. So, but anyhow. So for Bosco, Kuka Mualahualahi, he's been their go-to guy. He's even when he doesn't have a lot of production, he has seems to have one or two catches for big gains, key first downs. And then he'll be the guy they bring in on defense at key times when they need the you know, a big stop or a spy. Then you got Ethan Coach. He's the edge guy. He's been all over the field this year. He's upped his game. He may not have all those stats, but if you watch his play, he creates havoc. Uh he makes everybody on his team better. He flushes people out of the pocket, he gets to those ball carriers and Q2Bs. And then Kingston Fatou, just of late. I mean, he's been an impact in these two games, similar to what Steen has done for Santa Margarita. You know, Fatu has that closing speed that's so good. He tracks the ball well. Um, you know, him and him and and we've got to remember this. You know, uh him and Kuka were the top incoming freshmen last year when they were when they first came into Bishop Montgomery. Remember those two guys transferred? That's right. And um, you know, Fatu went to Tustin, whereas Kuka came in early uh at Tabasco and didn't get really, you know, situated with with the you know, so so if people don't remember that, they were the top two guys. So um, and then this year you got the four top guys with Santa Margarita. So you got the you got six of the best you know, you know, freshmen and sophomore in this game. So so who's my prediction? I'm leaning with Bosco. Uh I wouldn't be surprised if Santa Margarita wins the same way they've been doing it all year. Um, but if Bosco hits some big plays, you know, and they can get out in front with two scores, that's gonna change the complex of the game for Santa Margarita because they haven't had to play catch up. They haven't had to play, you know. I think, I think, you know, um, you know, like modern day was was close. They only had to, you know, and it's funny because you watch the way Santa Margarita played in that modern day game. They were down 7-0, right? But it was tied up. But what did they do to try to get they did they wanted just to get, they felt like they just needed that one score to get above. And what did they do? They pulled the bag of tricks out just so they could get down there because they had a hard time getting steady, and it worked, but that's good coaching. You know, they used they used you know what what they saw, you know, they got modern-day flowing because you get teams that are aggressive flowing, and sometimes you can get them on a on a and that's all they needed, and they needed that one score, and that's you know, that was a difference in the game. So, but that's a one-score. We're you know, but if they can get but Bosco gets a two-score, that's you know, changes the complex of the game. So, um, so I you know, I'm not gonna be surprised at Santa Marta, but I'm just gonna stay, you know, because Bosco just seems to have that most explosiveness, and they got they got a good defense too. And if you you know, if you have to just match them up evenly, uh, you know, I'm gonna, like I said, so I'm gonna go Bosco just straight, like I said, but I wouldn't be surprised for the for for the Eagles.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, I gotta uh it's interesting. I and I I always uh look at the uh the trick plays, and I like to ask coaches a lot about them, like you know, calling it something you worked on during the week, you know, you know, what was the what was the strategy on that? And I I I had some interesting uh you know interviews over the years, covered, you know, obviously I covered uh Mission View a lot with Bob Johnson um back in in their heyday, and you know, his offensive coordinator was his son, Brett, who was you know a very good play caller, you know, former quarterback, had a very good feel for it. Um and you know, obviously working with his dad. Um they had some you know they had some very good opinions and some you know some stuff that had a lot of proven track record. But I I do remember that uh you know Brett's opinion was often that you know um the trick plays were sometimes could be viewed as admissions that we need a boost, like we're a little deficient, we're we're we we need that because of deficiencies that we have to do it, and you you kind of show your your hand in when you do that. Um so um, but hey, you have to, but you as teams, as coaches, sometimes you have to be you gotta be real with yourself and be like, yeah, we we we do need that play. Um and you can't you can't uh you have to admit it um rather than not calling it and saying, oh, you know, I'm too proud or I don't want to show it. Um or do you like yeah, we we we gotta go for it. Uh we're trying to win this game and we need it. So um it I do think of the things like that when I see the some of the trick plays that I saw from uh there was two by Santa Margarita. Um, you know, they they pulled off one nicely with the reverse to ran uh uh Van Raphorst. Um so hey, will we see something, some bag of tricks uh from Santa Margarita again? Uh shall be interesting. Um speaking of some stats too, Scotty. Last time, this one is courtesy of uh Adrian Peters. Last time Santa Margarita won at St. John Bosco, it was a while ago, 2010. Um as you you know, Scotty brought up um you know, the Santa Margarita playing on the road for only the second time this year. It's been a while since the Eagles won at St. John Bosco. So that should be interesting. The trick plays that you mentioned could be interesting, Scotty. I am picking Santa Margarita because you know, based on that defense and you know, um their ability to rise, it seems like, um, to raise their level. And I do think they want to, I think they're pretty darn hungry to to measure themselves against St. John Bosco. I think they give Bosco a lot of um a lot of respect. I think they think that that's the the biggest test for them in in the uh in the league, and they they know that the Braves beat them last the Braves beat the Eagles last year. So I think they're pretty hungry. I remember talking to um earlier this year after the centennial game, I talked to Karan um uh Williams of um the DB of Santa Margarita, and he mentioned, yeah, the biggest game we're looking for is St. John Bosco. So I'm picking the Eagles, you are picking the Braves, Scotty.
SPEAKER_02Yeah, yeah, I'm gonna I'm I'm I'm gonna throw the dice on this one um and and go lean on the Bosco side, but like I said, I it I wouldn't be surprised as you know, I usually can I just I I don't know, I'm just not sold on Santa Margarita's offense. So um, but again, if like I said, if they play the same way they've been doing it all year, and you know, but I'm gonna you know go the other way.
SPEAKER_01So all right. Hey, nothing long with an uh some healthy debate. Um, I do like how you mentioned the uh the sophomores and freshmen. Um, one of the guys that you also spotlighted for as a key player for Santa Margarita, you talked about Patero. What great is A train? He's a sophomore as well. So um there you go, another sophomore um you know, uh in this game. So yeah, it's gonna be a lot of young talent. It's gonna be uh, you know, really exciting game. I'm looking forward to it. So Scotty, it's a big week, man. Um as the as the schedule is getting started to shrink, man, um things are starting to get exciting, and uh we're going into I think you know, maybe the biggest week of the season right now.
SPEAKER_02Yeah, because we're you're we're at that at you know, after this, we got three games left, and uh, you know, and as we already said, we talked about the injuries creeping up, and you know, so now you gotta, you know, who's next man up, you know, who's gonna step up, and yeah, you know, that's that's that's what we're looking at right now.
SPEAKER_01So uh yeah, and you like in some of the playoff talk that, you know, which I'm glad you brought up in some of the divisions, Scotty's already got us thinking that way. A lot of these matchups, man, you start to look at some of the HS rankings that Scotty was bringing up and stuff like that. Some of these training league teams, they could be seeing each other again. And this is just the start of it. Um, you know, I I know we were talking off-air, I wonder if modern day and Olu are headed for you know a double dip. Um you know, I definitely wonder about Santa Margarita and Centennial as well. Um, if they have to um hook up again. Um we'll see uh how it all falls out. Um but um it's an exciting time of year, Scotty, and uh it was great talking to you, man, and and and great job once again tonight.
SPEAKER_02Yeah, always as well, you too, Dan.
SPEAKER_01So for Scapa Rajas, I am Dan Albano, and thanks for joining us on the Trinity League Football Podcast.