TRABUCO HILLS – Before Friday’s game, Santa Margarita coach Rick Curtis said he wanted his players to focus on their tasks, with extra attention on taking better angles on defense.
The Eagles defense took all the right angles, forcing five turnovers and shutting out Venice, 42-0, in a nonleague victory at Trabuco Hills High.
Santa Margarita’s defense and special teams put the Eagles (4-1) on the scoreboard early in the first quarter. After Venice (0-4) went three-and-out on its first series, senior Kyle Sweet returned the ensuing punt 65 yards for the touchdown.
Two plays later, a sack by junior Matt Mark forced a fumble inside the Venice 5-yard line. Senior Rick Wade recovered the fumble for a scoop-and-score touchdown and a 14-0 lead.
Santa Margarita’s run game got its offense moving in the second quarter, as senior Christian Caragao and junior Dre Hall scored rushing touchdowns of 17 and eight yards, respectively.
Venice threatened late in the second quarter, but an interception by senior Grady Higgins and a 52-yard return ended the half.
In the third quarter, Santa Margarita continued to capitalize directly off turnovers. After Wade swatted and intercepted a screen pass, Caragao ran in from four yards out for his second touchdown and a 35-0 lead. Caragao finished with 10 carries for 79 yards.
Senior Connor Hilburn pulled in another interception for the Eagles on the next Venice possession. Hall followed with a 14-yard touchdown run for the final score. Hall finished with eight carries for 66 yards and two touchdowns.
Santa Margarita held Venice to 184 yards of offense.
