MISSION VIEJO – St. Margaret’s opened the season ranked No. 1 in the CIF-SS East Valley Division, and didn’t give any reason to doubt it in its season opener.
St. Margaret’s received contributions in every phase of the game in a 40-0 nonleague victory over Capistrano Valley Christian at Capistrano Valley High on Friday.
“It’s all about the we,” said St. Margaret’s coach Stephen Barbee, who has taken the helm for the Tartans while head coach Rod Baltau is on medical leave. “When you get all 11 guys coming together, it’s tough to stop.”
While the St. Margaret’s offense struck first with an 8-yard TD run from junior Nick Shanks, it was the Tartans’ defense that set the tone.
St. Margaret’s (1-0) forced three turnovers in the first half, including an interception and a fumble recovery by junior Taylor Freitas, which were turned into 12 points and a 19-0 lead. Sophomore James Eidt also contributed with a fumble recovery and a sack.
“Our offense feeds off the defense, and our defense feeds off the offense,” Barbee said.
The Tartans held CVC (1-1) to 81 yards of offense in the first half and finished the half with a 26-0 lead after senior Oscar Gomez Jr. ran 20 yards for a touchdown with 1:49 left. Gomez finished with 21 carries for 126 yards and two touchdowns.
St. Margaret’s special teams left their mark on the game and served as a back-breaker for the game as Shanks returned the second half kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown and a 33-0 lead.
Shanks contributed everywhere with his special teams touchdown; five carries for 32 yards and a touchdown; four receptions for 82 yards including a 52-yard touchdown catch from senior Ryan O’Hare in the third quarter. Shanks also played some defense.
