Football: Canty to start at QB for Santa Margarita

The post-Johnny Stanton era begins tonight for Santa Margarita and Coach Harry Welch has confirmed that junior Josh Canty will start at quarterback for the Eagles, who are hosting Anaheim Servite in their Trinity League opener at Saddleback College.

Stanton, who suffered an ACL injury in Santa Margarita's 35-27 victory over Ventura St. Bonaventure and will miss the rest of the season, will be on the bench to support his teammates and offer advice to Canty, who has seen only limited action as Stanton's backup, completing one of two passes for all of one yard and running seven times for 61 yards. Now, the spotlight is his, although sophomore Kyle Sweet may also get snaps if Canty struggles early. 

The Eagles (5-0) remain ranked No. 1 in the Southland by The Times. Coming off their bye week, they will have their hands full against the Friars (2-3), who are the defending league champions and have beaten Santa Margarita seven straight times.

Kickoff is at 7 p.m. and the stadium is beginning to fill. Stay logged on for live updates. 

-- Steve Galluzzo  

Photo: Junior Josh Canty makes his first start at quarterback tonight for Santa Margarita in its Trinity League opener against Servite. Credit: Steve Galluzzo / For The Times