Irvine football team wraps up summer session with scrimmage against Katella

Irvine’s football team prepared for the start of the season last summer with passing league games. (File photo Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone)

Summer football drills will be wrapping up Tuesday for Irvine High’s football team under first year Coach Tom Ricci.

The Vaqueros host Katella at 1 p.m. in a summer passing league game at Irvine Stadium.

“We are just finishing up summer ball,” said Ricci, the former Savanna High head coach who used to be an assistant at Irvine. “Practices have been going well. The work ethic in these kids is through the roof.”

It’s been a busy and productive summer for the Vaqueros, Ricci said.

Ricci said Irvine reached the semifinals of the Western Passing Tournament, defeating Katella and Jurupa Hills before losing to Western.

“They are stacked,” Ricci said of Western. “But a good showing overall for a bunch of juniors with not varsity experience. (I’m) really proud of the competition level.

“We have been doing passing league games every Tuesday and Thursday.  We have gone against some 30 different teams so far.”

After Tuesday’s match-up with Katella, Irvine will have a three-week break before starting up fall camp, Ricci said.

Irvine opens the season Friday, Aug. 30 at Irvine Stadium against Canyon.