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California high school football program adds star transfer quarterback from Florida

Wg0vf-nP_400x400by:Keegan Pope•03/28/25•

bykeeganpope

Syndication: Ocala StarBanner
Buchholz quarterback Trace Johnson (12) passes during the first half of an FHSAA 6A Semi Final against Osceola at Citzens Field in Gainesville, FL on Friday, December 6, 2024. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]

The toughest league in California high school football just got that much more difficult.

On Friday, Gainesville (Fla.) Buchholz star quarterback Trace Johnson announced he was transferring from Gainesville to Santa Margarita Catholic High School, about 50 miles southeast of Los Angeles. In California, he will join Trinity League contender Santa Margarita, which hired former NFL quarterback and USC Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer as its head coach this offseason.

“After much thoughts and prayers, my family and I have decided I will be transferring to Santa Margarita,” Johnson wrote in his announcement on Twitter. “Thank you Buchholz. Thank you to coach Palmer for the opportunity.”

Johnson was the starter for Buchholz each of the last two seasons and led the program to a 23-5 record and back-to-back region titles. Across those two years, he combined to throw for 6,366 yards and 64 touchdowns. The Bobcats made it to the state semifinals both times, falling short against Lakeland and Kissimmee Osceola, respectively.

Johnson currently holds reported offers from Arkansas State, Central Michigan, East Carolina, Georgia Southern and Southern Miss.

Palmer, who starred for Eagles as a prep before going onto USC, was named head football coach at his alma mater in mid-December.

During his time playing there, Palmer helped lead the Eagles to multiple CIF titles and also earned All-American, All-State, All-Southern Section, and All-CIF State honors.

He was a volunteer coach for the freshman team last season when his son, Fletch, was playing quarterback. Santa Margarita, one of the top programs in southern California, finished 5-7 overall this year. Head coach Anthony Rouzier was put on administrative leave in early October following reported hazing incidents in the locker room and was eventually removed from his position.