By: Chuck Nan
Sports Information Director, January 5, 2026
On December 12, 2024, Santa Margarita Catholic High School (SMC) President Andy Sulick announced class of 1998 alum and former collegiate and NFL quarterback Carson Palmer was the new head coach of the football program. At the time, Sulick keenly stated, “His football pedigree is unmatched. As an alum he understands the culture.”
Palmer wasted no time in executing a new foundation for the program, established upon innovative football philosophy, core values, player expectations and team objectives. His next task was hiring a stable of notable and experienced coordinators and position coaches. Three hundred and sixty-six days later, Palmer and his team raised the plaque, emblematic of their achievement - 2025 CIF State Open Division football champions.
The months in between witnessed Palmer building an organization that not only emphasized athletic performance but academic success, character development and deeper Christian faith. In short it was a return to “Eagle Culture.” Jim Hartigan, the school’s first football coach, was the original architect. Palmer was his quarterback in 1996 and 1997 and embraced the principles as he moved on in his career. Hartigan is now SMC’s Vice President of Athletics.
Palmer was keen to see the value of the presence and input of former Eagle’s players to the current squad. He scheduled a session after a practice for all to mingle, but not for socializing. The objective was to have the athletes look beyond their football life, now and in the future, in favor of success in faith, life, business, family, etc. Approximately 30 alumni welcomed the opportunity and committed their time.
Brian Berg from the class of 1996 was one who appeared in support. A successful businessman, he has supported the program in several ways, most recently with advertisements in the media guide. This recent season Berg returned to campus as an assistant coach with the freshman team.
“Whether the players returned from the prior year or were new additions, the change was made internally with buy-in to the team -- understanding and trusting in the culture over self-reliance. They worked themselves beyond expectation. The team not only believed in each other, but sum total of the TEAM as a whole and that they could be great,” said Berg.
Once the season began, the team’s personality took shape. The defense was stout and would be a cornerstone for success. The offense would be systematic, utilize players at skill positions and rely on explosive plays from their highly talented offensive athlete -- Trent Mosley.
The Eagles faced the challenge of having the toughest schedule in the nation and being a member of the rugged Trinity League. But as the season progressed, game-to-game, the defense thwarted opposing offenses from both state and national powerhouse programs. Win or lose, several high-octane opponents were befuddled as they were held to single-digit points.
Mosley was injured in early action and missed several games. Coach Palmer had faith in other veterans and newcomers to rally and produce offensive output to compliment sturdy play from the defense.
SMC completed the regular season with a 7-3 overall record and a share of the Trinity League title. Mosley returned during the league campaign to spark the club. His presence alone gave headaches to the opposition who searched for ways to hold down his offensive abilities.
After a loss to St. John Bosco (the last of the season), the Eagles surged into the postseason on a wave of momentum and demonstrated a run of dominance that was described by many as “magical.” Silently, a quiet cool and spirit of confidence resided within the team.
Two lopsided victories put the Eagles into the Southern Section Division 1 championship game at the legendary Rose Bowl Stadium. From the first play, Mosley was otherworldly as he torched the Centennial (Corona) defense en route to a 42-7 win. Mosley’s record performance included over 300 yards of offense and four touchdowns. The Eagles defense shut down the nation’s No. 1 offense in smothering fashion.
The victory opened the door to the State Open Division championship game where SMC faced the most storied program in high school football history -- De La Salle (Concord). The Eagles vaulted to an insurmountable lead by halftime and the Spartan’s offense and defense could not gain any traction. Mosley was stellar again as he scored three touchdowns to punctuate the team’s historic run.
Offensive lineman Niniva Nicholson summed it up, “It’s love. That was really the main recipe. We bonded together and we loved each other. If you love each other, you’re going to hold each other accountable. We love our culture.”
Senior safety Logan Hirou reflected on the challenges that this senior class endured the past couple of years. “It’s pretty crazy to see how the program has changed.”
Despite experiencing three early losses, SMC was lauded for its triumph and named the consensus No. 1 team in California by all media outlets. The Eagles also received respect on the national front -- ranking in the top-six of every reputable poll.
Individually, several Eagles’ players received local recognition. Dash Fifita was selected as the Trinity League Defensive Player of the Year for the second-consecutive season. The senior linebacker and his veteran mates were complimented with newcomers to anchor an unyielding corps that allowed only 29 points in four playoff games.
Mosley came away with just about every award an individual could possibly win -- Trinity League Most Valuable Offensive Player, consensus California Player of the Year and numerous All-America honors.
Palmer reflected on the year, his team and the first-season success. “This team is never afraid to fail, they love to compete and they love working together,” he said. “This community gives us incredible
support. Our school loves football and embraces us.” He finished by saying “I’ve got a great environment to be working in with great people. It’s just been a unique experience that would be hard to replicate.”
Jubilant after the win, Sulick expressed his view with the program’s success with Palmer at the helm. “Carson felt he was called to this job. And as much success as he has had as a football player he’s also a great husband, father and man.”
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