Scouting report: Santa Margarita

Rick Curtis is putting his stamp on his new team, Santa Margarita. The former Northwood coach has installed the spread offense.
Santa Margarita's Stash Rowley, left, and Grant Jaffe participate in run-blocking drills.
Santa Margarita's Cameron Platt participates in footwork drills during Friday's practice at Santa Margarita High.
Santa Margarita's Kyle Sweet was a first-team All-Trinity League receiver last season.
Santa Margarita assistant coach Dez Ralston, right, talks with Hall Dre during a practice at Santa Margarita Catholic High School.
Santa Margarita cornerback coach Corey Overton, middle, talks with Kyle Sweet, right, and JP Hackett during a practice at Santa Margarita Catholic High School.
Santa Margarita players catch their breath after sprinting 100 yards during a practice at Santa Margarita Catholic High School.
Santa Margarita's Noah Canty grimaces after the teams first official practice on Friday at Santa Margarita Catholic High School.
Santa Margarita's Kyle Sweet catches a pass from teammate KJ Costello during a practice at Santa Margarita.

By Steve Fryer | sfryer@scng.com | Orange County Register

August 26, 2014 at 11:45 p.m.

SANTA MARGARITA EAGLES

Coach: Rick Curtis (First year)

Last season: 4-6 overall, 1-4 league

Scouting report: After a couple of magical seasons under Coach Harry Welch, injuries contributed to a difficult 2013. Welch retired after the last-place finish and was replaced by Rick Curtis, who had been Northwood’s coach since 2000. Curtis brought in a new coaching staff and new offensive and defensive systems. That would give this the appearance of a transition year. But Santa Margarita has too much talent to be in rebuilding mode. The Eagles have 10 returning starters. Among them are quarterback KJ Costello (6-4, 218), first-team all-league receiver Kyle Sweet, UCLA-committed defensive end Rick Wade, and linebacker Grady Higgins who led the Trinity League in tackles last year. Santa Margarita, No. 45 in CalHiSports.com’s preseason state rankings, has an inexperienced secondary. That is an important position in a league with so many top-quality quarterbacks and receivers. Look for the Eagles to score a bunch of points and be in the thick of the race for playoff berths.

Players to watch: KJ Costello, Jr,; Rick Ellison, Sr.; Grady Higgins, Sr.; Kyle Sweet, Sr.; Rick Wade, Sr.

PROJECTED LINEUP

Offense

QB: KJ Costello, Jr.

RB: Matt Mark, Jr.

WR: Conner Bianchini, Sr.

WR: Kyle Sweet, Sr.

WR: Jerome Bohuslavizki, Jr.

TE: Rick Wade, Sr.

T: Will Sorensen, Sr.

G: Zach Josipovich, Sr.

C: Tanner Prenovost, Jr.