Tartans Stay Unbeaten, Hand Fountain Valley a Loss, Score 24-9 (2025)

San Juan Capistrano – Tartan Field (SMHS)

Fountain Valley’s struggles continued Friday night, as the Barons dropped their third straight game in a 24-9 loss to St. Margaret’s at San Juan Capistrano.

The Tartans (3-0) showcased a balanced attack and opportunistic defense. Quarterback Kai Letcher completed 73% of his passes for 168 yards and a touchdown, while receiver Sam Ludlum hauled in a career-high 63 yards and a 9-yard touchdown grab in the fourth quarter. Sammy Grant-Lewis delivered one of the night’s biggest plays, intercepting a pass and returning it 6 yards for a first-quarter pick-six that gave St. Margaret’s early momentum.

Fountain Valley (1-3) struck first on Jack Chavez’s 29-yard field goal, but turnovers proved costly. After Grant-Lewis’ defensive touchdown put the Tartans ahead, the Barons responded briefly with Nathan Lares’ 1-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter for a 9-7 lead. However, Fountain Valley’s 2-point attempt failed, and the advantage was short-lived.

Kai Letcher answered with a 2-yard rushing score late in the second quarter, and Mason Allison drilled a 38-yard field goal in the third to extend the Tartans’ lead to 17-9. Ludlum’s touchdown reception in the fourth sealed the game at 24-9. Allison was perfect on the night, connecting on all three PATs and his lone field goal attempt.

For the Barons, Chavez had a strong showing on special teams with both a field goal and an extra point, while Lares continued to be a reliable option in the run game. But Fountain Valley couldn’t sustain drives against a Tartans defense that tightened up in the second half.

The win was St. Margaret’s fifth straight dating back to last season. Fountain Valley, meanwhile, will have little time to regroup before facing Edison next Friday — a tough test against a Chargers defense allowing just 13.5 points per game. St. Margaret’s will look to remain unbeaten when they face Capistrano Valley Christian the same night.