Irvine’s defense stands out in CIF Division 8 quarterfinal round playoff victory

Irvine Vaqueros front row No. 2 Jaydon Heo, No. 6 Sina Saferzadeh and No. 32 Seamus Hoffman with the offensive line and long-time assistant Dave Done after Friday’s win on a rainy night. (Photo courtesy Kevin Hall).

Irvine High School’s football team is headed to the semifinal round of the CIF Division 8 playoffs to face Brea Olinda Friday night.

The game will be at Brea Olinda with the winner facing the winner of the Beckman-Palm Desert game in the championship game the following weekend.

The Vaqueros captured a 14-0 victory over Quartz Hill on the road Friday night in the quarterfinals. Irvine has allowed just seven points in two playoff games.

Irvine’s Jaden Heo scored on an 11-yard TD after Seamus Hoffman went down with an ankle injury in the fourth quarter, according to Coach Tom Ricci.

Vaquero quarterback Sina Saferzadeh ran for 97 yards on 16 carries and a touchdown while Hoffman rushed for 91 yards on 23 carries.

Hudson Thewes came up with a big fumble recovery in the fourth quarter on a muffed punt for Irvine (9-3). Quartz Hill finished the season 7-5.

“The defense was lead by Will Walters who also had a huge sack on the 4-yard line,” Ricci said. “Cole Riedel and Cameron Galatioto secure the edge on D all night.”

The Irvine defense stopped four, fourth down conversion and had a goal-line stands from the four and one yard lines.

“We knew all week it was going to be a mud bowl,” Ricci said. “The rain never stopped, but neither did our running game. The ball was slick but we only had four negative rushing plays despite the rain. We practiced with a wet ball all week to make sure we could handle it.

“Offensive and defensive line won the battle in the trenches. Anchored by Mason Pruce on defense and big Kota Seshimo on offense, our line got great push when we needed it. I couldn’t be happier with our effort. We were soaked to the bone but nothing matters once you get the win. Our boys played their hearts out.”