Irvine players, including Cameron Goods (No. 6), celebrate after Friday’s victory over Laguna Hills. (Photos: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone)
Irvine High School’s football team won’t have to share the coveted Pacific Hills League title with any other team.
The Vaqueros made sure of that, defeating Laguna Hills 35-0 Friday night at Irvine Stadium to finish a perfect 10-0 in the regular season and 3-0 in the league to win the crown outright.
Irvine will open the CIF playoffs next week. Irvine won the league title during the abbreviated spring season. Irvine, which had clinched a share of the title last week, won its first full season crown since 2013. It’s the second time that Irvine has gone undefeated, the last time being in 2000.
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Laguna Hills, which finished 1-2 in the league, should be a strong candidate for an at-large berth based on its solid 7-3 overall record.
“We worked so hard for it, I’m so proud of our kids and all the time they put into it,” said Irvine Coach Tom Ricci. “We’ve been going since last August. We had a three-week break and then right back at it and our kids have been busting their tail. I think it shows. We don’t back down from anybody. I’m so proud of their accomplishments.”
Irvine’s star running back Cameron Goods led the way, scoring three touchdowns and rushing for 147 yards on 16 carries.
“I believe Cameron got the points record (for a season) tonight,” Ricci said. “I can’t be happier. They did exactly what we wanted to do tonight.”
The defense, led by Nathan Sasaki, also stood out. Sasaki had two interceptions, including a 65-yard return for a TD in the third quarter that put Irvine ahead 21-0.
Goods had a 39-yard TD run in the first quarter and touchdown runs of 40 and 14 in the fourth quarter to seal the win.
Goods credited the offensive line with his success.
“It was a great win, I’m happy to finish the season 10-0,” he said. “Win league was our first goal and to go 10-0 in the process was nice. I’m just proud of my boys (the offensive linemen). They just opened up gaps and I hit the holes and I was off to the races. They made it easy for me.”
Irvine held a 14-0 lead at halftime. Quarterback Joseph Tierney, who passed for 125 yards, connected with Hayden Kim on a 17-yard TD pass to give the Vaqueros a 14-point edge midway through the second quarter.
Laguna Hills was able to reach the Irvine 8-yard line but on the final play of the first half, Irvine’s Harry Soltes sacked quarterback Kaden Austin to end the half.
Laguna Hills, led by Austin, who passed for 121 yards and receivers Nick Ferlauto, Drew Wade and Noah Imsande, was able to move the ball, but turnovers hurt the Hawks.
The pick six by Sasaki gave Irvine a 21-0 lead early in the third quarter and Irvine was in control after that. Sasaki also had an interception in the end zone in the second quarter that ended a Laguna Hills threat.
“Alll the work we’ve been putting in, it just shows how much it’s been worth it,” Sasaki said. “On that pick six, our coaches had a great scheme having me press up more ….. really led to me getting that pick six. I’ve never had a pick six, it was very special.”
Brandon Pinkerton also contributed for Irvine with two catches for 63 yards.
The Irvine players will find out Sunday what division they are and who their first-round opponent will be.
“I think we’re going to be a low seed in (Division) four or a high seed in (Division) five, which would be ideal,” Ricci said. “This whole thing is difficult.”
Dana Hills (8-2, 2-1) defeated Portola 35-28 in the other league game to wrap up second place.
—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com
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