Santa Margarita Head Football Coach Harry Welch Won't Be Charged

by Jeff Fisher
High School Football America

Charges will not be filed against Santa Margarita Catholic High School football coach Harry Welch following an investigation by the Orange County Sheriff's Department into an allegation that Welch pushed or shoved a player in December.

The announcement that charges would be filed was made on Thursday, however, Welch remains on administrative leave while school officials conduct their own investigation.

Last season, Welch led Santa Margarita to the Division 1 state title with a 42-37 win over Bellarmine.  It was Welch's third state title, all with different schools.

In 2006, Welch, who's been a high school coach for over 40 years, led Canyon Country Canyon to the Division I title.  In 2008, Welch did it again, leading San Juan Capistrano St. Margaret's to the Small Schools championship.

I two years, Welch has resurrected the Santa Margarita program with 22 wins in 27 games.  Prior to his arrival, Welch had only won six games in two years.

Many expect Santa Margarita to make noise on the national stage in 2012 because of the return of nine starters on offense, including senior-to-be quarterback Johnny Stanton.

Santa Margarita Head Football Coach Placed on Administrative Leave

by Jeff Fisher
High School Football America

Santa Margarita Catholic High School football coach Harry Welch has been placed on administrative leave while officials look into an allegation that Welch pushed or shoved a player in December.  

Last season, Welch led Santa Margarita to the Division 1 state title with a 42-37 win over Bellarmine. Welch's became the only head coach to win three state titles with three different schools. 

Santa Margarita Wins Division I Crown

by Jeff Fisher
High School Football America

Santa Margarita quarterback Johnny Stanton had a stellar game in the Division I state championship game against Bellarmine.

The junior QB passed for four touchdowns and scored the game winning touchdown on a one-yard dive with 16 seconds left in the game to lead the Eagles to a 42-37 win.

It was the school's first state football title and gave head coach Harry Welch his third state title since 2006, all with different schools.

Top California High School Football Coach Changes Schools

by Jeff Fisher
California High School Football Huddle

The only coach to lead two different teams to state bowl game victories has been hired as the new head football coach at Santa Margarita.

Harry Welch has a career record of 222-49-2. His CIF state bowl championships came at Canyon High and St. Margaret's. The OC Register's Steve Fryer takes a look at whether Welch will make an immediate impact at Santa Margarita in the Trinity League.