PHOTOS: Big defensive plays lift Irvine past Kennedy in final non-league game

Irvine’s Brandon “Figgy” Figueroa finds a hole and picks up yards Friday night. No. 9 is Kennedy’s Kane Makhlouf. (Photos courtesy Mark Bausman).

Big defensive plays helped Irvine High School’s football team defeat Kennedy 28-14 in the final non-league game for both teams Friday night at Irvine Stadium.

Linebacker Joe Lynch caused both fumbles for Irvine (3-2). The Vaqueros recorded two interceptions and two fumble recoveries. Deacon Moss had some catches and also recovered a fumble and scored for a TD.

To see the slide show, click on the first photo:

A young Kennedy fan helps with the coin flip.

Irvine's Tommy Clarke tries to tackle Isaac Talamantes of Kennedy.

QB Devin Almazan drops back to pass for Kennedy.

Irvine quarterback Khoa Bui drops back to pass. No. 33 is Kennedy's Ezekiel Gomez.

Brandon Figueroa (left) and Khoa Bui of Irvine celebrate a touchdown.

Irvine cheer squad members root on the Vaqueros.

Kennedy QB Dereck Almazan is under pressure by Irvine's Jude Toussaint.

Brandon Figueroa scores a TD for Irvine.

Kennedy's Isaac Talamantes goes airborne as Jaden Burke of Irvine defends.

Kennedy's Isaac Talamantes breaks through Irvine defenders.

QB Dereck Almazan recovers a high snap while Irvine players move in.

Luke Griggs of Irvine pursues Deon Bynum of Kennedy.

Irvine Vaqueros strip the ball from a Kennedy defender setting up a Deacon Moss TD.

Irvine's Deacon Moss scoops up the stripped ball and scores.

Irvine players meet after the game.

Brandon “Figgy” Figueroa scored two touchdowns for Irvine. Smith Spivey had two interceptions for the Vaqueros.

“Kennedy was a well coached and physical team,” Irvine Coach Tom Ricci said Saturday. “They had a great scheme for us. After their first score, we were a little concerned, but the PAT blocked by Deacon Moss jump started us. We had a 17 play drive that Figgy punched in for a score. He had two scores on the night: one receiving and one rushing.

“Deacon Moss had a scoop and score for a touchdown and a receiving touchdown. Figgy rushed for over 100 yards and Smith Spivey had two interceptions. We had four total turnovers on defense. Two were caused by Joe Lynch at linebacker.”

Both teams have byes next week. Irvine opens Iota League play on Friday, Oct. 4 at the Santa Ana Stadium vs. Santa Ana. Kennedy (3-2) hosts Valencia on Friday, Oct. 4 at home in the Lambda League opener.

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