Irvine Coach Tom Ricci celebrates 50th victory, Vaqs defeat El Toro in final seconds

Irvine coach Tom Ricci leads his team in a game earlier this season. (FILE PHOTO: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone).

It was a memorable night for Irvine Coach Tom Ricci, who celebrated his 50th victory leading the Vaqueros when Irvine rallied for a 7-6 Foxtrot League victory over El Toro Friday night at Irvine Stadium.

Seamus Hoffman caught a desperation pass froim Ronin Scheinblum on fourth down with less than 30 seconds and the Vaqueros (6-2, 2-1) made the point after to earn the victory, helping their CIF playoff chances.

Irvine is tied for second place with El Dorado.

Ricci, now in his eighth season as the Vaqueros head coach, said the win was his 65th overall.

“Crazy ending to that game,” Ricci said Saturday. “Got my 50th win though so it’s all good.”

Irvine Athletic Director Gabriel Cota praised Ricci’s accomplishments.

“We’re incredibly proud of Coach Tom Ricci and all the athletes who have contributed to this tremendous milestone,” Cota said.

“In an era when coaching turnover is increasingly common, Coach Ricci has remained a steady, consistent presence in the lives of our student-athletes. While his success on the field speaks for itself, his impact goes far beyond wins and losses. He has made a lasting difference by developing his players not just as football players, but as young men. Reaching 50 wins is a testament to his dedication, leadership and commitment to our program, and we couldn’t be happier to celebrate this accomplishment with him.”

Irvine takes on league-leading undefeated Orange Thursday night at Fred Kelly Stadium before finishing the regular season on Thursday, Oct. 29 at El Dorado.

El Toro (4-4, 1-2) hosts Segerstrom Friday before wrapping up the regular season Friday, Oct. 30 at home vs. Orange.

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