2004 - DORSEY 27, EAGLES 7 (MISSION VIEJO, Sept. 17, 2004) – Santa Margarita couldn’t contain the speed and experience of the Dorsey Dons nor could they capitalize on red zone opportunities and fell 27-7 in their home opener at Saddleback College before 3,500 fans. The outcome evened both teams’ records at 1-1. The Eagles started out red-hot as they marched 82 yards on 12 plays in the first 5:51 to take a quick 7-0 lead. On the drive Jon Daniels completed five of seven passes including a 32-yard scoring strike to Kyle Bryant (seven receptions for 105 yards) where the senior receiver caught the pass on the five and twisted his way around two defenders and crossed the goalline for the score. The Dons needed only 41 seconds to tie the game as Jeremiah Johnson broke off a 43-yard scoring scamper at the 5:28 mark to tie it at seven all.

On the second play of the Eagles next offensive possession the Dons returned an interception to the Eagle 11 but were turned away on a great eight-play defensive stand that kept the score tied. After an exchange of punts the Dons returned an interception for a touchdown with 5:32 left in the half to take a 13-7 lead. With 4:10 left in the half Mike Rusert recovered a fumble on the Don 15 however, the Eagles were unable to convert on a fourth and goal from the one and went into the lockerroom down by six.

The Eagle defense responded again on the Don’s first series as Rusert and Brad Dixon teamed up for a sack on third down at the Don 21. A 15-yard punt return by Ryan Maxwell set up the Eagles on the visitors 34; however the drive stalled on the eight before a missed field goal from 24 yards out kept the score 13-7. Stefon Johnson’s 84-yard run increased the lead to 21-7 just 26 seconds later. The Eagles then proceeded to go on an impressive 15-play drive over the next 7:35. Using a mix of Daniels passes and Jon Angelo runs they picked up four first downs and got as far as the Dorsey 12 before another missed field goal ended a promising drive. Jeremiah Johnson’s 18-yard run with 4:32 left closed out the scoring.

Despite the early interceptions Daniels had a productive day completing 15 of 32 passes for a career-high 187 yards. The Eagles were very efficient between the twenties and managed 18 first downs and controlled the clock by a nearly 2:1 margin. Unfortunately, they were done in by turnovers and penalties and lack of effectiveness in the red zone on offense and missed tackles on defense. Rusert led the defense with nine tackles, ½ sacks and a fumble recovery while J.D. Dawson, added nine tackles of his own.