Friday, September 5, 2008
Santa Margarita's good times don't last in opener
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A new pass-heavy attack works early, but the Eagles get worn down in a 35-14 loss to St. Bonaventure.
OCVarsity.com
VENTURA – Santa Margarita’s small visiting crowd was on its feet and roaring. The Eagles unveiled their new pass-happy offense Friday night at Larrabee Stadium and, for a moment, there was a lot to smile about. That lasted for about five plays.
After quarterback Ryan World and receiver Gavin Escobar drove Santa Margarita a quick 71 yards against host St. Bonaventure, the Eagles’ first drive stalled out on fourth down and goal at the 1-yard line, as the shotgun snap sailed over World’s head. The Eagles did not get that close again until they were already down three scores.
St. Bonaventure, the top-ranked team in the CIF-SS Northern Division, averaged 50 yards per touchdown run on the way to a 35-14 victory.
“We showed some great flashes of some really good football,” Santa Margarita coach Mike Jacot said of his young, transitioning team. “So, I’m excited.”
However, after the opening drive, the Eagles offense did not turn on again until the second half, when World completed 8 of 11 passes for 106 yards and two touchdowns.
After each score, St. Bonaventure answered before the Eagles could close the deficit to single digits.
With Santa Margarita worried about Seraphs senior running back Patrick Hall, who has committed to USC, St. Bonaventure’s other runners burned the Eagles. Junior Devon Blackledge carried 11 times for 148 and a 73-yard touchdown, while senior Isaiah Barton had 154 yards on 5 carries, including touchdowns of 87 and 50 yards.
“We did a good job in limiting him (Hall),” Jacot said. “They did a good job of hurting us with their other weapons.”
For Santa Margarita, World finished with 239 yards on 18-of-31 passing, including two touchdowns and two interceptions. Escobar had nine catches for 162 yards and a touchdown.
Click here for Santa Margarita's stats, roster and schedule
Contact the writer: jkay@ocregister.com
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