SANTA ANA – Santa Margarita’s defense came through at critical times, making crucial stops in the second half Friday in the Eagles’ 17-7 win over Servite in the Trinity League football opener for both teams at Santa Ana Stadium.

Servite had the ball four times in the second half. The Friars punted on their first second-half possession and were stopped by Santa Margarita’s defense on three fourth-down plays.

Santa Margarita, ranked No. 3 in the Orange County Top 25, is 4-2 overall. No. 5 Servite is 4-2.

Santa Margarita had a 14-7 lead at halftime, pushed it to 17-7 in the final minute of the third quarter on a 23-yard field goal by Tyler Wiegand and maintained that lead through the fourth quarter.

Eagles senior quarterback Trace Johnson completed 22 of 36 passes for 187 yards and one to

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