Irvine Vaqueros defense takes pride in consecutive shutout streak

Irvine assistant coach Andy Howe reviews defense with linebacker Baden Tanikawa (left) and Carson Walker. (File photo courtesy Jim Tomlin, For OC Sports Zone)

Irvine’s offense, led by star running back Cameron Goods, has been rolling up the points this season.

But the defensive unit for Irvine (6-0) has also been stellar and has a string of three consecutive shutouts coming into Friday’s non-league game with Woodbridge (1-5) at Irvine Stadium.

In its last three games, Irvine has defeated University 57-0, Beckman 36-0 and Northwood 35-0. The Vaqueros allowed a total of 30 points in their first three victories.

“First off, I have to give props to first year defensive coordinator Kyle Jaeger,” said Coach Tom Ricci.  “He’s done a great job bringing the defense along. He, along with Coach Tony Jaimez (from Katella) and Coach Andy Howe (former Irvine standout) have done a great job preparing for each game.

“Our staff has such great cohesion and works so well together, I feel that is a big part of why we are where we are.”

Irvine has been led by linebackers Tate Zimmerman and Baden Tanikawa. Zimmerman has 66 tackles and Tanikawa 45.

“We have been blessed with not one, but two great linebackers in Tate Zimmerman and Baden Tanikawa,” Ricci said. “They are tough to run on.”

Other players have also stood out on defense.

“Up front we have big Yousif Tawfik.  At 6-5 300 plus pounds, he is tough to move,” Ricci said. “When you combine him with the speed of Nick Rudolph, Logen Wilson and Harry Soltes (who we can’t even block in practice), it makes for a difficult day for running backs.

“Together they have also combined for over 100 tackles with Rudolph leading the way at tackle with 23.  If you add that with the 12 turnovers we have recovered on the season, it makes for a pretty stingy defense. Our goal is to be relentless on D. That is what we teach.”

Ricci said the defensive unit takes pride in what it does.

“I personally have taken some heat for leaving our starting defense in at the end of a game when we are up, but in talking with our players, they feel like they want to preserve that zero on the board,” Ricci said.  “I feel like it is their prerogative to do that.

“They’ve worked hard the entire game to keep a zero on the board, they don’t want to give it up. When a game gets out of hand, we rotate on offense, but our D gets to stay in to preserve what they have worked so hard to achieve.  It’s important to them and I understand that.  I love that mindset.”

Ricci realizes there are challenges ahead in the Pacific Hills League. Irvine opens up on Friday, Oct. 15 at Dana Hills.

 “Looking forward, we know we are going to be challenged in league,” Ricci said.  “Dana (Hills), Portola and Laguna (Hills) are all very well coached, respected programs.  We are working hard with the hopes of peaking at the right time. It’s going to make for a great end of the season.”

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