Carson Palmer and Son Lead Santa Margarita’s Historic Run

Santa Margarita Catholic High School finished the regular season 10-0 under second-year head coach Carson Palmer, with his son Fletch at quarterback. The record echoes the team’s 1997 season, when Carson was the Eagles’ quarterback. Fletch, a junior, earned the starting role this year and has not lost as a starter. He has thrown for more than 1,500 yards and 11 touchdowns.

The Eagles also secured their first outright Trinity League title in program history. Last season, Santa Margarita claimed the CIF Southern Section Division 1 title and the CIF State Open Division crown. Carson said this year’s team had improved with each win, while describing Fletch as resilient and continually developing. Fletch said his father holds him to a higher standard, and that he was honored to start.

Santa Margarita enters the CIF Southern Section Division 1 playoffs as the No. 1 seed in an eight-team field. The Eagles are set to host San Clemente in their opening game. Carson said his focus was on that matchup rather than the unbeaten record; Fletch said the team intended to take the postseason one game at a time. Carson, a former USC Heisman Trophy winner and NFL player, has been linked to the Trojans’ coaching job, but said he is where he belongs: back at his alma mater.