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Championship Tartans Honored by City of San Juan Capistrano

The St. Margaret's Varsity Football Team was honored for its CIF Championship by the City of San Juan Capistrano during the opening City Council meeting of 2008.

During the ceremony, San Juan Capistrano Mayor Joe Soto said, "Tonight it is a true honor to recognize a group of talented athletes whose sportsmanship and spirit has led to an impressive victory.

"When you think about the St. Margaret's Tartans, a few words immediately come to mind: talent, hard work and drive. Those attributes certainly came into play when the St. Margaret's Varsity Football team clinched the 2007 CIF-Southern Section Northeast Division Title against Brentwood at Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks.

"The achievement is amazing and adds another notch on the Tartans' winning belt. The championship win clinched a back-to-back CIF championship and perfect season for the Tartans.

"The City and City Council of San Juan Capistrano congratulates Head Coach Harry Welch; the entire coaching staff; and talented football players for their outstanding victory and impressive record.

"I applaud you all for ending the season with an excellent record and making San Juan Capistrano proud."

St. Margaret's Headmaster Marcus Hurlbut, Coach Harry Welch and Quarterback Cameron Hiller accepted a certificate of recognition on behalf of the team in front of a standing-room Council Chambers of San Juan residents and St. Margaret's families.

Headmaster Hurlbut said, "Thank you Mayor, councilmen and the City of San Juan Capistrano. We are very proud to accept this recognition from the City and it means a great deal to us because we feel very much a part of the San Juan community."

Tartan Football Back to Back Champions

St. Margaret's Varsity Football team won the 2007 CIF-Southern Section Northeast Division Title, 37-6, against Brentwood on Saturday, December 8.

Brentwood took the opening kickoff and drove down the field only to be stopped when Michael Newman made one of his two interceptions on a tipped pass. The Tartans went on to score the game's opening touchdown on a one-yard plunge by Hunter Steffien.

The stellar defensive effort by the team allowed for a 16-0 lead by halftime. In the first half, the defense held Brentwood out of the end zone despite Brentwood having eight chances to score from inside the 10 yard-line.

When the Tartans came out of the locker room to start the second half, they appeared focused on the task at hand and they played that way scoring 21 second half points and only allowing six by the opposing team.

The Tartans were led in the game by Hunter who rushed for 248 yards and scored four touchdowns, finishing the year as the leading scorer in Orange County with an amazing 44 touchdowns. He also holds the record for most career rushing yards at St. Margaret's. Cameron Hiller led the Tartan passing attack, completing all five of his passes for 113 yards.

Max Sutro went 88/91 on PAT's this year placing him in a tie for number one in the United States. Over the past four years, the seniors on the team have led the Tartans to a phenomenal record of 48-3-1.

The win clinched back-to-back CIF championship wins and undefeated seasons for the Tartans. The team's record finishes 14-0 for the season and an undefeated record of 28-0 over the past two seasons giving them the longest winning record for Orange County high school football.

The football team would like to thank all of its loyal supporters who followed the team through the season.

Dave Tomlinson '95
SMES Athletic Trainer

For an Image Gallery from Saturday's game, click here
Orange County Register Article
Second OC Register Article
Athletes in Motion Video Segment

Contact:
Anne Mack
949.661.0108 x252
949.400.2055 (mobile)
anne.mack@smes.org