FOOTBALL POST-GAME: Players of the week and a look ahead

Quarterback Marc Filia was Irvine’s offensive player of the week.

IRVINE (1-3)

Last week’s score: Irvine 22  Dana Hills 9

Offensive player of the week: Quarterback Marc Filia was 17 of 29 for 295 yards and two touchdowns.

Defensive player of the week: Ethan Shank had 11 tackles and a 70-yard interceptions return that led to a TD.

Special teams players of the week: The punt return team had three returns for 38 yards and one block.

Coach’s comment: “We did not play to our full potential but the team showed great resiliency coming back from a 9-0 deficit in the third quarter to score 22 unanswered points,” said Coach Erik Terry. “Our defense also had a great goal line stand just before halftime.”

This week: Irvine hosts Orange Friday night at 7 at Irvine Stadium.

“Orange is a very good football team with some serious offensive firepower,” Terry said. “We will have to play with exceptional discipline in order to slow down their pistol Wing-T attack.

“They also have two outstanding defensive ends who we must account for on every play when we are on offense.  This will be a great final test for us as we head into PCL play.”

NORTHWOOD (3-1)

Last week’s game: Northwood 49, Bolsa Grande 7.

Top offensive player: Seven different players scored a touchdown.

Top defensive player: Fayez Kobeissy, six sacks, one interception, one caused fumble.

Top special teams player: Trey Littlejohn, kicker,

Coach’s comment: “Our youngsters are playing better,” said Coach Pete Mitchell. “We are starting to learn how to win.”

This week’s game: Northwood plays Cerritos Thursday night at Gahr High School. “It’s a really tough match-up against a good Cerritos team,” Mitchell said.

CREAN LUTHERAN (4-1)

Last week’s game: Crean Lutheran 22, Duarte 9

Offensive player of the week: Running back Tyler Buban, 11 carries, 57 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, one reception, 31 receiving yards.

Top defensive player: Jack Johnson, eight tackles, five assisted tackles.

Top special teams player: Buban, two blocked punts and one blocked PAT.

Coach’s comment: “We didn’t play up to our ability for three quarters, but we came together for a big stop on defense when we needed to and go the ball in the end zone when we had to,” said Coach Randall Reynoso.

“It was a total team victory and one we will remember for a long time. We enter our bye week and league play 4-1 and we will only continue to seek improvement. It was a great Homecoming crowd and great week for our school capped off by an incredible victory.”

PORTOLA (2-3)

Last week’s game: Webb Schools 43, Portola 6.

Top offensive player:  Trevor Yue, sophomore, 12 carries, 63 yards, 5.3 yard average in his first start of the year at running back. “He did a fantastic job carrying the load,” said Coach Peter Abe. “We look forward to his continued improvement in league.”

Top defensive players: Joseph Kim, junior lineman. “He is one  of our most improved players, carrying the load on both offense and defense on the line with fellow 2-way  starter and game MVP David Chiu,” Abe said. “Both are reliable forces in the middle of our front who play whistle to whistle for four quarters.”

Top special teams player: Miles Wat, sophomore. “He had a big kickoff return to set up a score to provide some much needed momentum going into halftime,” Abe said.

Coach’s comment: “There were Improvements across the board,” Abe said. “We’re  still working on a few things, but excited to see some of our young guys step up and play like varsity players,” Abe said.

“We’re looking forward to getting back to work this week to clean up some fundamentals, but happy with how our guys are making adjustments and improvements in their practice and passion on the field.  It’s an honor to be a part of the journey.”

This week: Portola has a bye. “Going into our bye week, the Bulldogs are looking to get back to basics and have some fun as guys rest up and get ready for a challenging Pacific Coast League.

FOOTHILL (1-3)

Last week: Foothill lost to Yorba Linda, 30-3.

Top offensive player: Zach Goral, four receptions.

Top defensive player: Joseph Chu, six tackles.

Top special teams player: Abe Tuchman, kicker, 22-yard field goal.

Coach’s comment: “We played tough out of the gate with forcing punts and moving the ball,” said Coach Doug Case. “The game went from 0-0 after the first quarter to 20-0 after a 100-yard interception return by Yorba Linda on the last play of the half.

“The rest of the game was more of the same. We are doing well on both sides of the ball, but having trouble finishing the drives. We need to be better in the red zone. Yorba Linda was very physical up front and when we took a shot we didn’t execute. Defense playing tough as well just gave up some long runs once they got through our front line. We need to be more physical in all aspects of the game. The positive take away is that our youngsters are gaining valuable experience which should pay off in the future.”

This week: Foothill plays Canyon Friday night at 7 at Fred Kelley Stadium.

“We are excited to play this week,” Case said. “We think we match up size wise a little better the some of the games we’ve played so far. Canyon is coached very well and has a very good program. We will need to execute to the best of our abilities. I’m challenging our guys to improve each and every week so when we hit league play we are firing on all cylinders. A little success could go a long way for our young team.”

UNIVERSITY (1-3)

Last week: Katella 36, University 0

Defensive player of the week: Austin Lake, one interception, 16-yard return.

Special teams player of the week: Ali Berri, punter, averaged 43 yards a punt.

Offensive player of the week: Lineman Andre Le.

Coach’s comment: “Despite the loss, I felt like there were some areas that we improved in,” said Coach Scott Meyer. “That is our goal each week right now, just improve and work on our game to try to get ready for the Pacific Coast League.”

This week: University plays at Segerstrom Friday night.

WOODBRIDGE (2-3)

Last week: Santa Ana 40, Woodbridge 21

Offensive player of the week: Elyjah Rush, nine rushes for 93 yards and two catches for 11 yards. Jacob Nash 10 receptions for 65 yards.

Defensive player of the week: Max Tipple with eight solo tackles and Colin Turner with nine tackles.

Coach’s comment: “This was a stinker. Hopefully we learn from our mistakes and move forward,” said Coach Rick Gibson.

This week: Woodbridge has a bye.

TUSTIN (1-4)

Last week: Ayala 34, Tustin 0

Offensive player of the week: Matt Rodriguez, junior running back, 17 carries for 77 yards.

Defensive player of the week: Anthony Casares, senior corner back, one interception.

Special teams player of the week: Freddie Villamar, blocked an extra point.

Coach’s comment: “It was another tough game vs. a good team,” said Coach Myron Miller. “We have a much deserved bye this week as we prepare for our league opener vs. Kennedy on Sept.  28.”