Week 8 is the third week of the “Holy Wars” of Serra League play and is a pivotal game for the Eagles. They come into their match-up with St. John Bosco with a 3-4 record and 0-2 mark in league play.

This is the eight game between Santa Margarita and the St. John Bosco Braves and their fourth meeting at Saddleback College. The Eagles are 5-2 all time vs. the Braves and have averaged 38.0 points in their three previous games at Saddleback. Last year, Untimely penalties, costly turnovers and lack of offensive productivity all contributed to a 22-0 setback at the hands of the Braves. In 2002, SJB Quarterback Joe Suaza scored three touchdowns to lead the Braves to a 28-23 win over the Eagles at Saddleback College. In 2001, Ashton White put on one of the greatest individual performances in Eagle history as he rushed for 283 yards, scored four touchdowns and registered 12 tackles in leading the Eagles to a 35-17 win. (A recap of the 2001-03 games are included herein). In 2000, Tyler Thompson rushed for 203 yards and Ashton White added 137 as the Eagles began Serra League play with a solid 49-28 victory. In 1999, Tyler Thompson rushed for 130 yards and tied a school record with four touchdowns as the Eagles rolled to a 35-17 victory at SJB. In 1993, the Eagles won a wild 35-32 shootout largely on the strength of 11 receptions by Brad Finneran, while in 1992, QB Sean O’Brien led the Eagles to a convincing 42-6 win.

The Braves are 4-3 on the season and are coming off a 34-7 loss to Mater Dei. Last year they finished 7-4, and in 2002 the Braves finished 9-3 and captured their first ever Serra League title. The Braves are led by seventh-year coach Kiki Mendoza who is 36-36 (.500) overall.

Eagle - Brave History (SM Leads 5-2)
1992 SM 42, SJB 6 @ Saddleback College
1993 SM 35, SJB 32 @ St. John Bosco H.S.
1999 SM 35, SJB 17 @ St. John Bosco H.S.
2000 SM 49, SJB 28 @ Saddleback College
2001 SM 35, SJB 17 @ St. John Bosco H.S.
2002 SJB 28, SM 23 @ Saddleback College
2003 SJB 22, SM 0@ St. John Bosco H.S.

Situational Record – St. John Bosco Game
Varsity Game No. and all-time Record: 188 132-51-3 (.714)
Home Game No. and all-time Record: 98 72-22-3 (.758)
Week 8 Record: 11-4 (.733)
Record at Saddleback College: 64-19-2 (.765)
Record at Saddleback in league play: 20-10-1 (.661)
Record vs. St. Hjohn Bosco: 5-2 (2004 is 8th Mtg)
Record vs. Serra League Teams: 17-12-1 (.583)
Record in Serra League Play: 9-11-1 (.452)
Record vs. Los Angeles County Schools: 29-12 (.707)
Record as a Division I team: 38-23-2 (.619)