A look at the top high school football players and a preview of week nine games

Irvine quarterback Marc Filia led the Vaqueros to a key PCL victory. (Photo courtesy James Tomlin)

IRVINE (3-5, 2-1)

Last week: Irvine 29, University 12

Offensive player of the week: “Marc Filia accounted for 70 percent of our offensive yards with his arm and legs,” said Coach Erik Terry.  “He also threw three touchdown passes.”

Defensive players of the week: “Lorenzo Bazzani and Dany Frukacz led our team in production from their linebacker and safety spots respectively,” Terry said.

Special teams player of the week: “On special teams our extra point block unit blocked both of University’s attempts,” Terry said.

Coach’s comment: “Our players did a great job of staying focused through all the distractions of last week and being where our feet were,” Terry said. “Fortunately that focus helped lead us to a victory on the scoreboard.”

This week: Irvine hosts Portola Friday at Irvine Stadium. “This week we are looking forward to focusing on what we can control and putting together our best four quarter performance this season,” Terry said.  “Portola is a formidable opponent and we will need to have a one play at a time mentality against them.”

TUSTIN (3-5, 2-1)

Last week: Tustin 45, Pacifica 7

Offensive player of the week: Sophomore receiver Girard Bell.  He had five carries for 59 yards and three touchdowns.

Defensive player of the week: Nick Mierez, who had an interception that set up a touchdown.

Coach’s comments: “All in all I though we played our best game of the season and won all three facets of the game,” said Coach Myron Miller. “Our goals haven’t changed, which is to get better everyday. We’ll have to do this as we prepare to play a tough Cypress team.”

This week: Tustin plays Cypress Thursday at 7 p.m. at Western High.

WOODBRIDGE (5-3, 3-0)

Last week: Woodbridge 21, Beckman 0 (suspended in first quarter for lighting).

Offensive players of the week: Jacob Nash and Kyle Hurry. Jacob had two receptions for 62 yards and two TD’s.  Hurry was 3-for-4 for 93 yards and two touchdowns.

Defensive player of the week: Colin Turner had four tackles on Beckman’s 12 offensive plays.

Special teams player of the week: Jacob Nash had 68 yards in punt returns with one touchdown.

This week: Woodbridge hosts University Friday night. “This week we have the opportunity to get our first football league title in 20 years and win the Fence Post in back to back years,” said Coach Rick Gibson. “University is  well-coached and has a very athletic defense and a very good returning quarterback as well as a pounding rushing game. We will have to play at our best to be successful.”

NORTHWOOD (6-2, 2-1)

Last week: Northwood 33, Portola 7

Offensive player of the week: Mccaine Mould, 10 carries for 90 yards.

Defensive players of the week: Aron Milgrum, one sack and one caused fumble and Nader Ibrahim, one sack and one interception.

Special teams player of the week: Jackson Baker, three tackles and two broken up passes.

Coach’s comment: “We were in a tough battle early with a well coached Portola team,” said Coach Pete Mitchell. “Fortunately, we started hitting on all gears and were able to get back on the winning side of things.”

This week: Northwood plays Beckman Thursday at 7 p.m. at Tustin. “It’s a very important game for our play-off hopes against a good Beckman team,” Mitchell said.

FOOTHILL (2-6, 1-0)

Last week: Foothill 44, Esperanza 7.

Offensive player of the week: Roman Pistone, 145 yards rushing, two touchdowns.

Defensive player of the week: Justin Krantz, four tackles, a pick six and a recovered block punt,.

Special teams players of the week: Nathanael Wright and Joseph Chu both with blocked punts

Coach’s comment: “With league starting we knew we needed to get off to a good start and play well,: said Coach Doug Case. “We were able to take care of all facets of the game and put us in position to play for a playoff spot as well as stay in contention for the league title.:

This week’s game: Foothill hosts Brea Olinda Friday at 7 p.m. at Tustin.  “With Brea beating El Dorado this game is for at least a share of the league title,” Case said. “We’re finally healthy and playing some decent football. This is the time of year when you want to be firing on all cylinders. Brea is a good team and we will have to play mistake free to get this done. Looking forward to a great match-up.”

UNIVERSITY (2-6, 1-2)

Last week’s game: Irvine 29, University 12

Offensive player of the week:  Eddie Castillo 29 carries for 219 yards, one touchdown and the Trojans offensive line.

Defensive player of the week: Austin Lake, one interception, one hurry and four tackles.

Special teams player of the week: Musab Elasegh

Coach’s comment: “I was very proud of the effort our team gave in last week’s game against Irvine,: said Coach Scott Meyer. “We played hard on offense and defense and did a really good job of running the ball.”