Irvine gets big road win, defeating Laguna Hills 39-14 to gain confidence for opener

irvine football coach Tom Ricci meets with his players after Friday’s game. (Photo courtesy Irvine football)

Irvine High’s football team had another impressive performance Friday night, defeating Laguna Hills 39-14 for its second straight victory.

The nonleague win on the road against a talented Laguna Hills team should be a big confidence booster for Irvine, which opens league play next Friday hosting Woodbridge at Irvine Stadium.

“We played a solid game.,” Irvine Coach Tom Ricci said Saturday. “Offense, defense, special teams were all firing on all cylinders.  Our goal this year was to not be one sided. I feel like we are achieving that goal. I’ve got to hand it to Laguna Hills, they were well prepared and well coached. We knew this would be one of our hardest games.  But you know what they say, ‘iron sharpens iron’ and Laguna defiantly sharpened us last night.”

Quarterback Beck Moss led the way for the Vaqueros, completing 15 of 23 passes for 239 yards and three touchdowns. His long-time neighborhood friend Kade Zimmerman had five catches for 142 yards and two touchdowns. Cory Beck had five catches for 61 yards and a touchdown.

Cameron Goods had a another great effort and led the running attack with 61 yards on five carries and a touchdown.

“Our running game was solid with Cameron Goods having another great week with a TD,” Ricci said, “That opens up the Zimmerman, Moss connection. They connected on a few huge plays for TD’s.  And what is better than one Zimmerman?  Two Zimmermans.

“Tate was a monster on defense.  He and our other linebacker Baden Tanikawa did a great job shutting down the run and had a few sacks each.  On special teams, Kade had a punt return for a TD and two point score while Tate put five kick-offs out of the back of the end zone!  My Pittsburgh Steelers don’t even do that!

“Our O-line has been really solid thus far with newcomers Ethan Wheeler and Joey Ricci, both sophomores.”  

Laguna Hills (1-1) opens league play Friday night hosting Dana Hills (2-0).