FOOTBALL 2021: Irvine High players and coaches aim to capture league crown

Irvine Coach Tom Ricci talks to his team after a game last season. (Photo courtesy Irvine High football)

Irvine High football players and coaches have a couple of goals as they head into the six-game spring football season beginning Friday at 7 p.m. with a Pacific Coast Conference game against Dana Hills at Irvine Stadium.

“My season goal is to continue to improve upon last year,” said second-year Coach Tom Ricci. “We are way more seasoned than we were then and I think it will show. “

Irvine is in the Pacific Valley League, one of two four-team leagues in the Pacific Coast Conference. Other teams are University, Woodbridge and Beckman.

“Our team season goal is win league,” Ricci said. “That’s all my seniors have talked about during the off-season. They were hopeful that we would have at least a league part of the season and they are determined to win it.

“They have worked hard through the offseason with this goal in mind.”

Irvine’s offense will be led by senior quarterback Beck Moss and senior receiver Kade Zimmerman. Zimmerman also plays defense. Other top returners are strong safety Sam Dimaculangan and kicker, running back and linebacker Tate Zimmerman, the younger brother of Kade Zimmerman.

Among the newcomers expected to contribute are defensive back Amareie Boochee (a tranfer from Warren High School), linebacker Baden Tanikawa, running back Cameron Goods and defensive back Jack Condon.

VAQUEROS SCHEDULE

Friday, March 12, vs. Dana Hills, home

Friday, March 19, vs. Northwood at Irvine Stadium (away)

Friday, March 26, at Laguna Hills

Friday, April 2, Woodbridge, home

Friday, April 9, Beckman, home

Friday, April 16, at University

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