A lot on the line in Irvine-Portola showdown, including Fence Post Trophy

The Dennis Toohey Fence Post Trophy goes to the top football team in Irvine. (Photo Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone)

Irvine and Portola football teams will clash Friday at 7 at Portola in a Pacific Hills League showdown that features two of the county’s best running backs, Irvine’s Cameron Goods and Portola’s Nova Kebeli.

It’s a big game with league title and playoff ramifications. Irvine is 8-0 and 1-0 atop the league with Laguna Hills (7-1, 1-0) while Portola is 7-1 overall and 0-1 in the league. Laguna Hills plays at Dana Hills (6-2, 0-1) Friday night in the other league game.

The winner of the Irvine-Portola game will win the Dennis Toohey Fence Post Trophy, according to Irvine Unified Athletic Director Mark Cunningham.

“Both teams have beaten the other Irvine schools,” Cunningham said.

Portola won the trophy for the first time in 2019. Irvine is looking to win it for the first time since 2013. The 2020 football season was delayed until the spring of 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic and a decision was made by the district athletic officials not to award the Fence Post, according to Cunningham.

The trophy goes to the Irvine team with the best record against other Irvine teams and is named in honor of Dennis Toohey, the late former Irvine youth football coach, who had a big impact on local players. The Fence Post reflects Irvine’s ranch heritage.

Dennis Toohey died on Nov. 2, 1990 of cancer at the age of 56.

Portola Coach Peter Abe said the Fence Post will be on the field and the winning team will receive it after the game.

“It should be an exciting game,” Abe said. “Two tough teams, battling it out on a Friday night under the lights … Couldn’t ask for more. It’s an opportunity to play a full season, with the city-championship on the line and with a CIF playoff opportunity on the line. Where else would you rather be? Excited to watch the dawgs play, and look forward to a great game.”

“Coach Abe always has his boys ready to play,” added Irvine Coach Tom Ricci. “We know this will be a smash mouth game with the top two running backs in the county going at it. It’s going to be extremely physical. It’s a good rivalry that we are developing.”

Ricci added that Irvine can win a share of the league title with a victory.

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