Playing in the CIF Northeast Division championship football game against an opponent with a two-year, 27-game winning streak, Brentwood had to make the most of its opportunities.
But that didn’t happen Saturday night, December 8.
Brentwood failed to score twice in the first half after advancing inside St. Margaret’s 10-yard-line and went on to a 37-6 loss to the school from San Juan Capistrano.
In a game played at Notre Dame High in Sherman Oaks, Brentwood’s season came to an end with a 12-2 record while St. Margaret’s went 14-0 for the second consecutive year.
“It’s been 17 weeks of hard work but it’s been a pleasure to work with these players,” said Brentwood coach Patrick Brown. “It’s been a close-knit group and it’s been an enjoyable experience.”
Brown made no secret of the fact the team he coached in his 29th year at the school was one of his favorites.
The 2007 Eagles tied the school record for wins in a season. Their only two losses were to quality opponents. The first loss was to Paraclete, which reached the CIF semi-finals in its division. But as much as the record, Brown liked the fact the players got along so well.
It rained in parts of Southern California Saturday night, and rain most likely would have hampered Brentwood’s wide-open offense. But rain didn’t fall at this game.
“We played a very good team, and when we didn’t make the most of those early opportunities it made a big difference,” said Brown.
“We were down 16-0 at halftime and we couldn’t settle for field goals because we knew St. Margaret’s could score more points. We were intercepted three times and the score mounted.”
Trailing 23-0, Brentwood scored its only touchdown on a six-yard run by Josh Amster out of a spread offense. The Eagles then attempted a two-point conversion but didn’t make it.
There were 14 seniors on the Brentwood squad. Mason Moss was one of the best quarterbacks in school history and all-CIF Ben Oliva one of the best receivers.
As the season went along, the Eagles’ following grew. Crowds became larger at home games and many Brentwood fans traveled to Sherman Oaks twice in the playoffs.
Brentwood easily won its first three playoff games, scoring at least 30 points each time. But in the finals it ran into clearly the division’s top team.
St. Margaret’s winning streak is the longest of any high school team in California.
