Kickoff 2010: St. Margaret's Tartans

Last season record:

13-1, 3-0 (1^st Academy League, CIF East Valley Division champion)

Postseason:

2009, def. Ontario Christian, 12-6, in East Valley Division final

Coach:

Rod Baltau (1^st)

Home stadium:

St. Margaret’s

Outlook:

If the Tartans are going to claim a fifth consecutive CIF title, they will have to do it with some new faces. Coach Harry Welch, who guided the Tartans to three CIF titles and one state crown, is now at Santa Margarita. Linebacker Michael Schmall – the East Valley defensive player in the year in 2009 - transferred to Mission Viejo. St. Margaret’s returns four starters on offense and three on defense. The Tartans’ backfield also has a new look. San Clemente transfer Joey Sego takes over at quarterback for All-CIF pick Brennan Smith, who is being used more as an athlete. Kent Iizuka takes over at running back John Murayama, the East Valley offensive player of the year last season. But the Tartans are still talented. Murayama and Matt Duenes are returning All-CIF players. Duenes (fractured vertebra in lower back) might not return until Oct. 22 against Firebaugh. St. Margaret’s also scored big by hiring Baltau, a disciple of Welch who will keep the offensive and defensive schemes in place.

Starters:

See St. Margaret's starting players for the 2010 O.C. football season.

Factoid:

Baltau was an assistant for former St. Margaret’s coach Harry Welch from 2007-2009. He also played quarterback for Welch at Canyon of Canyon Country.

See the 2010 football previews for other O.C. small schools.