PHOTOS: Defense helps Irvine rally from halftime deficit for win over Portola in opener

Deacon Moss of Irvine catches a pass for a big gain on the opening drive. (Photos courtesy Jim Tomlin, For OC Sports Zone).

Irvine High School’s football team battled back from a 10-2 halftime deficit to defeat Portola 31-10 in a nonleague game Friday night at Irvine Stadium.

It was the season opener for both teams.

Irvine struggled in the first half with three turnovers.

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The defense kept the Vaqueros in the game and sophomore cornerback Deacon Moss came through with two interceptions, one a pick six. Moss, in his first varsity game, also had a 16-yard catch.

Senior linebacker Harry Soltes also stood out on defense for Irvine.

Offensively, Irvine was led by Kendyn Beaver, who rushed for 145 yards. Nathan Sasaki rushed for 65 yards and two touchdowns. Irvine had 260 yards in total rushing.

Irvine quarterback Joseph Tierney had one completion for 16 yards, rushed for 18 yards and scored on a TD run.

“We knew going into the game that Coach (Peter) Abe would have a great plan for us,” said Irvine Coach Tom Ricci. “They really shut us down in the first half. Everyone asks what was said in the locker room at half time.

“There was no yelling and screaming, just ‘we need to execute.’ Our sloppy play in the first half showed and I think when we cleaned things up in the second half, that showed too.  I’m proud of what they brought to the table in the second half. We are used to being behind.  It doesn’t phase us.  We just work harder.”

Former legendary coach Terry Henigan was welcomed before the game and joined in the coin toss.

Coach Ricci’s Irvine team hosts Canyon Friday night at Irvine Stadium. Portola, coached by Peter Abe, hosts Summit Academy from Bluffdale, Utah next Friday night.

—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com