O’Brien Throws for 3 Scores in Santa Margarita’s Victory

MISSION VIEJO —  Santa Margarita’s Sean O’Brien threw three touchdown passes, leading the Eagles to a 34-3 victory over Buena Park Friday at Saddleback College.

O’Brien, a senior, completed 14 of 24 passes for 153 yards and was intercepted once.

He was at his best in the second half when he was six for six for 67 yards and two touchdowns.

O’Brien, who runs the option, was also the game’s leading rusher. He carried 13 times for 80 yards.

Santa Margarita led, 21-3, at the half and neither team scored in the third quarter. But O’Brien led two touchdown drives in the final quarter.

His 20-yard scoring pass to Brad Finneran with 8 minutes 33 seconds left to play put Santa Margarita (3-0) up, 28-3. The final score came on a 15-yard pass to Kevin Duffy with 5:31 left.

Brian Finneran caught O’Brien’s other touchdown pass, for three yards, with 39 seconds left in the second quarter to put Santa Margarita up, 21-3. Brian Finneran also returned an interception 39 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter.

Brian Finneran was the leading receiver with six catches for 68 yards.

Buena Park (0-3) scored its only points on a 26-yard field goal by Estevan Chavez early in the second quarter.