After snapping streak, University hosts Century in non-league game Friday night

University’s football team takes the field for Friday’s game vs. Ocean View as the captains meet for the coin toss. (Photo: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone)

University’s football team will be out to notch its second consecutive victory Friday when it hosts Century Friday night in a non-league game. Kick-off is at 7 p.m.

University is 1-1 and coming off a 13-12 victory over Ocean View which snapped the program’s 12-game losing streak dating back to 2018.

“The win was big for the program, they got a chance to feel what winning is like again,” said University Coach Vince Mesa, who was named the Los Angeles Chargers Orange County high school football coach of the week. “Now they have got over that hump, we can focus on being consistent.

“The win gives us great momentum for the Century game.” 

University got big performances from quarterback Ziyad Merchant and receiver Noah Scherson against Ocean View.

Merchant connected with Blaine Anderson on a 39-yard TD pass with 7:02 left in the game to put the Trojans ahead 13-12. Merchant came into the game when starting quarterback Koa Saito was injured but Mesa said both quarterbacks will be available against Century.

Mesa was also pleased with the play of Dominic Bejarano. 

“Dominic plays fullback and linebacker,” Mesa said. “He had a huge goal-line tackle preventing a touchdown and had around nine tackles.”

Coach Dave Perkins Century team comes into Friday’s game with an 0-2 record but the two losses have been by a combined seven points. The Centurions opened with a 20-19 loss to Saddleback before falling to Azusa 12-6.

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