Media Mentions

"For the second-consecutive week, the senior LB had a huge impact game for the SMC defense as the team started the season with a 2-0 record. He has registered 16 tackles in each contest. This includes three for loss in Friday’s big win over No. 37 Norco, 36-14. Bower’s mark is fifth in the state after two games. This is nothing new, as Bower was a cog in last season’s defense — All-Trinity League Second-Team, third on the team with 58 total tackles and tied for second-most interceptions in the Trinity League during the regular season. He now has 1 1/2 sacks, two quarterback hurries, one pass defended and a fumble recovery in 2022. Bower is a star rugby player as well and holds a 4.1 grade point average."

"The defense remained dominant as linebacker Jacob Bower was a man possessed with his second-straight game of 16 tackles. He also had a sack."

"The Eagles made a short trip to face San Juan Hills (San Juan Capistrano) to open the campaign. ...  Jacob Bower collected 16 tackles."

SOUTHERN SECTION (DIVISION 1 TEAMS)

"On defense, the Eagles boast a myriad of contributors that are ballhawks: Blake Wilson (DB), Donovan Comestro (DB) and Jacob Bower (LB) led the way. Wilson contributed a team-leading 76 tackles and five interceptions. Comestro logged 70 tackles and three interceptions. Bower had 58 tackles and two sacks. Rouzier had a huge victory over ranked Los Alamitos for the signature win this past season."

"The literal last-second win by Santa Margarita Catholic over No. 18 Orange Lutheran was both good and bad news. The good news was the Eagles raised their final regular season record to 6-4.  ...  The defense is led by defensive tackle All-American Hero Kanu. The Eagles boast a solid defensive backfield manned by juniors Donovan Comestro, Blake Wilson, Jake Bower and Israel Solomon. Between them, they have notched 12 interceptions."

"A short preparation when facing a team like No. 3 Servite is never welcomed. Santa Margarita Catholic was riding a four-game winning-streak as it visited Orange Coast College for last week’s game. ...  Juniors Donovan Comestro and Jacob Bower also notched 24 combined tackles."

"The beginning of Trinity League season saw Santa Margarita Catholic make the short trip to San Juan Capistrano to take on rival No. 32 JSerra Catholic (San Juan Capistrano). SMC defeated the Lions 42-0 in the spring and were soaring high after their quality, upset win over No. 14 Los Alamitos. ...  Jacob Bower had another big game with a pick and two sacks."

"Still enjoying their come from behind win over No. 14 Los Alamitos, head coach Anthony Rouzier has his team gleaming with confidence and energy.  ...  Jacob Bower is a perfect example. He came out of nowhere to have a special game – two interceptions, a 27-yard fumble recovery and return for a score and nine tackles. He did this at the expense of Los Al’s quarterback Malachi Nelson."

Cal-Hi Sports Southern California Defensive Player of the Week 

"Southeastern Orange County is where we find our Southern California Defensive Player of the Week and my gosh what a doozy we found in Bower.

Facing a previous state No. 7 Los Alamitos and its 5-star quarterback Malachi Nelson, the offense produced the points but Bower was part of the defense that powered the Eagles to a 42-21 homecoming win to remember.

Bower, a 6-foot, 184-pound linebacker, was all over Nelson and intercepted the all-everything quarterback twice. He also scooped up a Nelson fumble, as well, and returned it for a 27-yard touchdown. In addition, Bower hit the shower with a registered nine tackles (one for loss).

With the victory, Santa Margarita improved to 4-1 with a lone loss to state No. 6 Norco and it allowed the Eagles to jump 10 spots to No. 12 in the most recent state rankings."

"As it took the field for the second half, trailing 14-0, it looked as if Santa Margarita Catholic had a huge slope to maneuver to get back in the contest versus previous No. 7 Los Alamitos. ...  The defense was led by Jacob Bower who intercepted all-everything quarterback Malachi Nelson twice and scooped up a fumble from his hands, as well, and returned it for a 27-yard touchdown. He also registered nine tackles (one for loss). Blake Wilson had an interception and Donovan Comestro contributed four pass defenses. This was, without a doubt, the biggest win for the program in some time. It is also the signature moment in new, young head coach Anthony Rouzier’s career."

"Nonleague games don't matter when it comes to league standings.  Santa Margarita's win over Los Alamitos on Friday night matter when it comes to placing teams in the CIF Southern Section playoff divisions. ... [Santa Margarita] scored touchdowns in their first four possessions of the second half, and got another one when Jacob Bower returned a fumble for a touchdown. ... Bower also had [two] interception[s]. ... Los Alamitos quarterback Malachi Nelson... was intercepted twice and at one point was 0 for 9 passing."