PHOTOS: Undefeated Irvine powers past Dana Hills in league opener

Cameron Goods of Irvine scores one of his three touchdowns Friday night. (Photos courtesy Jim Tomlin, For OC Sports Zone)

Irvine High’s football team captured a resounding 47-28 victory over Dana Hills Friday night in the Pacific Hills League opener in Dana Point.

Irvine running back Cameron Goods continued his outstanding play, rushing for 261 yards on 24 carries and three touchdows, according to Irvine Coach Tom Ricci. Goods now has 24 touchdowns on the season, four shy of the school record.

“Cameron Goods ran like a man possessed last night,” Ricci said Saturday. “He’s so fluid, he’s fun to watch.”

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Dana Hills was led offensively by quarterback Bo Kelly who passed for more than 400 yards and four touchdowns.

The Dolphins struck early with an 80-yard touchdown on their first possession, Irvine had not been scored upon in four consecutive games. But the Vaqueros (8-0, 1-0) responded.

“It was touch and go from the beginning when they scored on the first play on a hitch that went for 80 yards,” Ricci said. “But our kids didn’t panic. We told them all week that this team is capable of scoring on us, so we were prepared for that inevitability.

“Our team goes by the motto ‘they score we score.’ And we believe that Bo Kelly is a heckuva QB and Dana had a great scheme for us. Our goal was to minimize the big strikes and make them drive the ball.

“Tate Zimmerman, who had a pick, and Baden Tanikwa put a lot of pressure on the QB with the help of Nick Rudolph and Logen Wilson. They had some huge sacks and got a safety early on.  On offense our goal was to slow the game down, but score often. We knew we were going to have to outscore their passing attack.”

Irvine also got a strong performance from quarterback Joseph Tierney.

“Joe Tierney did a great job at the helm with a nice TD pass to Jack Condon,” Ricci said. “I’m really proud of the way we played.”  

Irvine now prepares for a meeting with Portola next Friday at Portola. Irvine could take a huge step toward a league title while Portola (7-1, 0-1) will be out to bounce back from a 10-0 loss to Laguna Hills in its league opener.

The winner of the game will also receive the Dennis Toohey Fence Post Trophy, Ricci said.

Dana Hills (6-2, 0-1) hosts Laguna Hills Friday night.

FINALS

Pacific Hills League

Laguna Hills 10, Portola 0

Irvine 47, Dana Hills 28

Pacific Valley League

Northwood 51, University 7

Woodbridge 28, Beckman 15