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MISSION VIEJO — Santa Margarita’s football program completed the final stage of a radical transformation Saturday at a destination many believed wasn’t possible before the season.

The Eagles played for the CIF State Open Division championship one season removed from a 5-7 finish, and just more than a year since an alleged hazing incident surfaced.

Along the improbable run, the Eagles held their season-ending awards banquet, planned before the campaign, on Dec. 6.

They have much more to celebrate.

Before a large showing by its faithful, Santa Margarita followed Trent Mosley, its defense and first-year coach Carson Palmer one more time for a 47-13 victory against previously undefeated De La Salle

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