PHOTOS: Defending champion Woodbridge opens with 27-10 victory over Irvine

Justin Morgan of Woodbridge picks up a gain Friday night. (Photos courtesy Jim Tomlin, For OC Sports Zone)

Woodbridge, the defending Pacific Coast League champion, opened league play Friday night defeating Irvine 27-10 at University.

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

Max Tipple of Woodbridge returns the ball after an interception.

Irvine's Jacob Sears hauls in a catch as Tommy Prince of Woodbridge comes in to make a tackle.

Max Lee of Irvine holds on to the ball as Max Tipple of Woodbridge defends.

Tommy Prince of Woodbridge gains yards against Irvine.

Irvine quarterback Beck Moss is pressured by Sebastian Garibay of Woodbridge.

Nathaniel Choi of Irvine tries to elude a tackler.

Woodbridge quarterback Tate Smith drops back to pass Friday as Irvine's Trent Sasaki applies pressure.

Kade Zimmerman of Irvine goes up to make a catch against Woodbridge.

“Our offensive line played very well against Irvine,” said Woodbridge Coach Rick Gibson. “We rushed (unofficially) for 199 yards and passed for an additional 150 yards.

“Three backs played strong: Max Tipple, Tommy Prince and Justin Morgan. Each back was over 60 yards.

“Defensively we were led by our defensive line. They played the run well as well as giving us a good pass rush. Owen Lucas played well at safety. Special teams were led by Jakob Trestik who had two punts, one for 50 and another for 60 yards.”

The Warriors also got a strong efforts from Jacob Dube, who scored on a 50 yard pass and Vincent Garcia, who scored on a 25 yard pass. Max Tipple and Tommy Prince each had rushing touchdowns for Woodbridge (2-4, 1-0).

Irvine QB Beck Moss completed 15 of 37 for 202 yards and one TD.  Jacob Sears had five receptions for 78 yards and one TD and Kade Zimmerman had five catches for 71 yards.

“We went in with the attitude that we can win this game,” said Irvine Coach Tom Ricci. “I think it really showed in the first half. Defense did a fantastic job getting the stops when we needed to. 

“Offense moved the ball well, we just had a problem finishing. Two times we were within the 5 yard line and didn’t get in.  That’s on me. We need to find a way in when we get that close. In the second half, Coach Gibson did a great job making adjustments and some huge penalties cost us.”

“I do think this shows that we can play with anyone in our league. If like two things go our way, this could have easily been 21-0 in the first half. But that is what we need to work on, finishing.  We are getting there.”

Woodbridge plays Northwood next Friday at Irvine Stadium while Irvine (0-6, 0-1) plays Beckman at Tustin.