Irvine quarterback Marc Filia tries to scramble away from a Sunny Hills player.
IRVINE (0-2)
Last week’s game: Sunny Hills 49, Irvine 21.
Offensive players of the week: “Offensively Jacob Sears and Ethan Shank both stepped up at the WR position making critical catches that extended our two scoring drives,” said Coach Erik Terry.
Defensive player of the week: “Lorenzo Bazzani impressed in his first varsity start at inside linebacker,” Terry said.
Special teams player of the week: Jacob Haley returned four kickoffs for 134 yards including an 81-yard touchdown.
Coach’s comment: “Sunny Hills was well coached, disciplined and focused. As a coaching staff we did not have our team ready to play,” said Terry. “Several mistakes and two turnovers kept us from giving ourselves an opportunity to be in the game.”
This week’s game: Irvine plays at Huntington Beach Friday night. “This week we are looking to bounce back against a very athletic and physical Huntington Beach squad,” said Terry. “Our focus is on making sure we remember that every inch matters in everything we do. As a staff we need to get our players to believe in the process and each other.”
CREAN LUTHERAN (3-0)
Last week: Crean Lutheran 38, California Military Institute 14.
Offensive player of the week: Nolan Folsom: 13 carries, 181 Yards, two rushig touchdowns.
Top defensive player: Tackle Tom St. George, four Tackles (one for a loss) two forced fumbles, four sacks and one hurry.
Top special teams player: Kicker Connor Grace, 5 of 5 on point afters, five of seven on touchbacks and four punts (30,26,59,33) and one 27-yard field goal
Coach’s comment: “To this point in the season, our team has done everything we have asked them,” said Coach Randall Reynoso. “We continue to make strides of improvement, as we are very young and inexperienced at several positions. As we are still learning the schemes in all three phases of the game, we continue to focus on the things we can control; preparation and effort. Big test this week.”
This week: Crean Lutheran will play Beckman Friday night at Tustin. “It will be a big test for Crean Lutheran, as Beckman is a formidable match-up and will look to avenge last year’s loss,” said Coach Randall Reynoso. “Crean enters the game 3-0, but has not yet seen an opponent of Beckman’s caliber, while Beckman has played some quality opponents in their loses. Cross-town games are always fun. Should be interesting.”
PORTOLA (2-1)
Last week’s game: Godinez 28, Portola 22
Top offensive player: David Chiu, junior offensive and defensive lineman. “He played every snap on the line and keeps the interior of our offensive/defensive fronts secure,” said Coach Peter Abe.
Top defensive player: Adrian Valerin, junior linebacker and offensive lineman who had nine solo tackles and is the “vocal leader of our team,” Abe said.
Top special teams player: Kaveh Wojtowich, junior, kicker and punter.
Coach’s comment: “The Bulldogs started off fast, but some depth issues and a relentless ground game by Godinez cause some problems in the second half,” Abe said. “While in position for success in final few minutes of the game, we could not put it away. Great learning experience for our team.”
This week’s game: Portola plays at Whittier Friday night. “It’s another physical test this week against an extremely talented Whittier team,” Abe said. “The Cardinals are well coached, and will be the toughest test for the Bulldogs thus far. We are excited to continue our growth as we work to play our most complete and disciplined game yet.”
BECKMAN (1-2)
Last week’s game: Foothill 30, Beckman 6.
Special teams player of the week: “Jamar Coleman had a very good night in all phases of the kick game,” said Coach Marcello Giuiliano. “He made both field goal attempts, made a couple of coverage tackles and punted the ball effectively.”
Defensive player of the week: “Alex Luebbe played a really solid game at defensive end,” Giuliano said. He’s a career program kid that comes to work hard and be coached every day. The sideline went crazy when he recorded his first ever quarterback sack in this game.”
Coach’s comment: “Generally, our defense played well outside of a few big plays,” Giuliano said. “Our offense never found a rhythm that could create drives and score points.
This week’s game: Beckman hosts Crean Lutheran Friday night at Tustin High. “They are a very good 3-0 team, but right now, this is about us,” Giuliano said. “We need to improve how we’re playing, regardless of the opponent.”
WOODBRIDGE (1-2)
Last week’s game: Fountain Valley 35, Woodbridge 20.
Offensive player of the week: Cole Jensen, center.
Defensive player of the week: Dylan Hutton, defensive end,
Special teams player of the week: Jakob Trestik, two fields goals of 25 and 39 yards.
This week: Woodbridge hosts “A very good” Pacifica team Friday at 7 p.m. at University,” GIbson notes.
UNIVERSITY (1-1)
Last week’s game: Orange 61, University 15.
Special teams player of the week: Austin Lake.
Coach’s comment: “We played a very good Orange team and are continuing to focus on improving each week,” said University Coach Scott Meyer.
This week: University plays Glenn (1-2) Thursday night at Excelsior High School in Norwalk.
The Trojans picked up a forfeit win Wednesday because Laguna Hills used an ineligible player in its opening win over the Trojans, CIF officials said.
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