In the first quarter of the Southern Section Division I final at the Rose Bowl, everyone seemed to know what Santa Margarita High was going to do again and again — put the ball in the hands of Trent Mosley.
Every offensive play Santa Margarita made in the first 12 minutes involved a pass or run from Mosley.
“Why not?” Defenseman Trace Johnson said.
In the end, Santa Margarita defeated Corona Centennial 42-7, with Mosley scoring four touchdowns and catching 10 passes for a staggering 292 yards. Two weeks later, he had 11 catches for 183 yards and three touchdowns in a 47–13 victory over De La Salle in the CIF Open Division State Championship Bowl.
It was the culmination of a return to greatness for Mosley, who was named Trinity League Player of the Year in his second year but was slowed by injuries last season. This season he finally recovered from his injury in the first match and every opponent knew what a challenge he presented.
Mosley was selected as Southland Footballer of the Year by The Times.
Trent Mosley lifts the Division 1 South championship trophy won by Santa Margarita at the Rose Bowl.
(Craig Weston)
There's no doubt where his talent comes from – it's in his genes. His mother, Cindy, was a Heisman Trophy winner in Notre Dame football. His father, Emmett, played football at Notre Dame. His sister Jalyn played soccer at Iowa. His brother Emmett works as a receiver in Texas. Younger brother Grant is another top receiver for Santa Margarita. The three brothers are used to seeing who is the most competitive among them.
“Usually my basketball games with my brothers would end in fights. Video games, fights,” Trent said. “Blessed to have the experience and their guidance.”
There is no sport or position that Mosley cannot master. He used to love playing lacrosse and his versatility is his superpower. Once he arrives at USC, his college of choice, the Trojans will have a variety of plans for how to use him, whether it be as a receiver, wild card back, punt returns or kickoffs.
Centennial coach Matt Logan called him “phenomenal.” De La Salle coach Justin Alumbaugh said, “Oh my God.”
Mosley has added extra speed this season, leading to even more big plays and showing what he can do when healthy.
“The gifts God gave me, speed training in the offseason, and playing lacrosse two years ago all come together to produce what I can do now,” he said.
