September 16, 2024

OC Sports Zone: Community First

PHOTOS: Laguna Hills headed to CIF playoffs after PCL victory over Irvine

Troy Leigber of Laguna Hills breaks loose for a long touchdown on the first play from scrimmage as Irvine’s Nathan Sasaki tries to chase him down. (Photos courtesy Jim Tomlin).

Laguna Hills High School football team is headed to the CIF playoffs.

The Hawks (9-1, 2-1) clinched the No. 2 spot in the league with a 34-13 Pacific Coast League victory over Irvine Friday night at Laguna Hills.

Irvine (4-6, 0-3) can still advance to the playoffs, but only as an at-large team. The Vaqueros will learn whether they move on Sunday morning when the playoff pairings are announced.

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

Troy Leigber led Laguna Hills with 18 carries for 261 yards, including a long of 96 yards on the opening play from scrimmage. He scored three touchdowns. Leigber also had one reception for 59 yards and one touchdown.

Quarterback Kaden Austin completed 3 of 8 passes for 116 yards and two touchdowns. Drew Wade had two catches for 57 yards and a touchdown.

Ryder Simmons had eight tackles to lead Laguna Hills defensively.

“The Hawks played a great game tonight with the league standings and playoffs on the line,” said Hawks Coach John Lester. “Troy Leigber had another great game with four touchdowns and an interception. I thought our defense played at a championship level again tonight. We are looking forward to the playoffs.”

One of Irvine’s touchdowns came on a pick six by Nathan Sasaki.

VISIT OCSPORTSZONE.COM SUNDAY MORNING FOR CIF PLAYOFF PAIRINGS