If you want an individual who has been in peak form in the postseason, it would be Santa Margarita High junior defensive lineman Isaia Vandermade. He has recorded eight of nine sacks in the last three games after getting healthy and gaining confidence.
The 6-foot-2, 270-pound junior is the son of Santa Margarita offensive coordinator Lenny Vandermade, who played at Mater Dei and USC.
It’s like the Eagles released him to terrorize quarterbacks and running backs in the playoffs. Wearing number 53, he overcomes offensive attacks and shows mobility and toughness with active hands.
He is part of a very effective defensive line on perhaps the best defensive unit in the state.
Santa Margarita, the Division 1 Southern Section champion, will close out its season Saturday night in the CIF Open Division state championship bowl game against undefeated De La Salle at 8 p.m. at Saddleback College.
This is a daily look at positive events in high school sports. To submit any news, please email eric.sondheimer@latimes.com.
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