Irvine football team counting on solid leadership and returning players to lead the way

Irvine takes the field for a game last season at Irvine Stadium. (Photos: Fernando M. Donado For OC Sports Zone).

Irvine High School’s football team is making progress as it prepares for the season opener on Friday, Aug. 18, according to Coach Tom Ricci.

“We are looking to continue to build on last year’s team,” Ricci said.  “We have good leadership and seasoned veterans leading the charge. We have a good mix of young skill and veteran big bodies.  I think our biggest positive is our mentality. They play hard for each other and have each other’s back more than most teams I’ve seen. There is rarely any negativity. If we can stay healthy, there are good things in store for this group.”

Ricci said he’s expecting a big year from his linemen.  

“We are lucky enough to return some of our best linemen for another run,” he said. “AJ Godinez, Cyrus Doherty, Max Quinonez and Katrell May are all big and physical and I enjoy watching them do what they do,” Ricci said. “(Receivers) Deacon Moss and Joe Lynch haven’t really let any balls hit the ground in the off-season, so I’m hoping that will lead to some pretty fun Friday nights.”

The Vaqueros quarterback will be senior Khoa Bui, who Ricci said, “has been doing a great job working hard in the off-season. He is ready to take the reigns from Joe Tierney has made the move to middle linebacker to shore up our middle.

“Other newcomers include our running back Brandon ‘Figgy’ Figueroa who got some runs last year, but is ready to turn it on this year, and Braden Garlock who has been taking starting reps as our X.”

Ricci said he he expects his team to keep developing each week.

“I feel like we are way ahead of where we were last year at this time, so I’m hoping that will parlay into a good season,” he said.

Irvine was 4-6 overall and 0-3 in the Pacific Coast League last season. This season, the Vaqueros will compete in the Pacific Hills League with Woodbridge, Beckman and University.

2023 SCHEDULE

Friday, Aug. 18, at Portola

Friday, Aug. 25, at Canyon (Fred Kelly Stadium)

Friday, Sept. 1, at Troy

Friday, Sept. 8, (H) vs. Trabuco Hills

Thursday, Sept. 14, (H) vs. Laguna Hills

Friday, Sept. 29, at Northwood (Irvine Stadium)

Friday, Oct. 6, at Dana Hills

Friday, Oct. 13, at Woodbridge (University)

Thursday, Oct. 19, at Beckman (Tustin)

Friday, Oct. 27, (H) vs. University

For best view, click on the photo:

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

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