Trent Mosley from Santa Margarita Named Football Player of the Year by The Times
Santa Margarita High’s Trent Mosley Shines in Championship Victory
In a commanding display during the Southern Section Division 1 final at the Rose Bowl, Santa Margarita High School showcased its strategy early on: funneling the ball to standout player Trent Mosley. Throughout the first quarter, every offensive play featured either a pass or a run executed by Mosley.
"Why not?" said quarterback Trace Johnson, reflecting on the game plan.
The culmination of this strategy led to a decisive 42-7 victory over Corona Centennial, with Mosley delivering an impressive performance that included four touchdowns and ten receptions for a staggering 292 yards. Two weeks later, he continued to shine, making 11 catches for 183 yards and scoring three touchdowns in a 47-13 win against De La Salle in the CIF Open Division state championship bowl.
This season marked Mosley’s return to dominance after facing injuries that hindered him last year. Named the Trinity League’s player of the year as a sophomore, he overcame challenges following an injury in his opening game this season. His resurgence did not go unnoticed; he has been recognized as The Times’ football player of the year in the Southland.
Trent Mosley’s athletic prowess clearly runs in the family. His mother, Cindy, won the Heisman Trophy for soccer at Notre Dame, and his father, Emmett, also played football at the prestigious university. His siblings further demonstrate this legacy: his sister, Jalyn, competed in soccer at Iowa, and his brother, Emmett, is a receiver at Texas. Another brother, Grant, is currently a receiver at Santa Margarita.
Trent reflected on the competitive spirit within his family. "Usually my basketball games with my brothers would end up in fights. Video games, fights. Blessed to have the experience and their guidance,” he said.
Mosley’s versatility sets him apart from his peers. A former lacrosse player, he has developed a range of skills that will serve him well at USC, where he plans to further his education and athletics. Anticipating his arrival, the Trojans have numerous plans for his use, including roles as a receiver and wildcat quarterback.
This season, Mosley has demonstrated enhanced speed, creating more significant plays on the field. “The gifts I’ve been given by God, working out with offseason speed training and also playing lacrosse two years ago – all that coming together produces what I can do now," he noted.
Adapting and excelling under pressure, Mosley has garnered admiration from coaches across the league. Centennial coach Matt Logan described him as "phenomenal," while De La Salle coach Justin Alumbaugh was left speechless, stating, “Good lord.”
As Santa Margarita celebrates its championship success, Trent Mosley’s contributions on and off the field promise to leave a lasting legacy in high school football.
