Carson Palmer addresses QB competition at Santa Margarita Catholic (Calif.)

The defending CIF Open Division champion Santa Margarita Catholic (Calif.), the country’s No. 8 ranked team according to the most recent Rivals Top 25 National High School Football Rankings, had a quarterback competition in the off-season between Vanderbilt 3-star commit Matthew Smith and 2028 passer Fletch Palmer, who is son of head coach Carson Palmer. [ $19.99 gets you a FULL year of On3 | Rivals national coverage ] Palmer’s son, Fletch, ended up winning the competition between the two and according to Orange County Register’s Dan Albano, Palmer addressed the competition between his son and Smith, pointing out how competitive the competition got as the season drew nearer and nearer. “Matt Smith came in, was a senior. He came in kind as the leader. It was very competitive, from the beginning of spring. It got more and more competitive … They went head to head. Both had really good camps,” Palmer said of the quarterback competition between his son, Fletch, and Smith. Fletch got the nod as the Eagles’ starting quarterback in Santa Margarita Catholic’s 27-0 regular season opening win over Jones, throwing two touchdowns, and again versus Corona (Calif.) Centennial. For the season through two games, Fletch has completed 27-of-44 passes for 294 yards and two touchdowns. Last season at Villa Park, Smith threw for over 1,000 yards, seven touchdowns and in many ways looked very much in line to have a chance to start for the Eagles this fall. The younger Palmer, a 6-foot-1, 180-pound junior quarterback, started for a second straight week and it looks like he will be the starter for the foreseeable future. Santa Margarita Catholic the next two weeks will take on unranked teams like Highland and Inderkum before facing off against a solid Norco squad on Sep. 18. More about Santa Margarita Catholic High School “Santa Margarita Catholic High School, located in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, is a prestigious private school known for its rigorous academics, strong athletics, and commitment to spiritual development. Offering a range of AP and honors courses, the school prepares students for higher education and future success. Santa Margarita’s athletic teams are highly competitive, frequently achieving state championships. Emphasizing leadership, faith, and community service, the school fosters well-rounded students ready for future challenges.” For California high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the Golden State, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the state, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the California high school football excitement across the state.