SUMMER FOOTBALL UPDATE: Despite loss of two big stars, Irvine out to continue success

Irvine coaches address the players after the team’s victory over Beckman that clinched the league title. (Photo courtesy Irvine football)

Irvine High School’s football team, coached by Tom Ricci, is making progress as it prepares for the season opener on Friday, Aug. 27 vs. Canyon at Fred Kelly Stadium.

“Summer has been great so far,” Ricci said Monday. “We are returning our entire offensive line and our running back, Cameron Goods, who had 243 yards and three touchdowns vs. Dana Hills in our last game. They are continuing to pound in the weight room.”

Irvine will need to replace some talented players, including quarterback Beck Moss and receiver/defensive back Kade Zimmerman, who led the Vaqueros to the Pacific Valley League title in the abbreviated five-game season. The Vaqueros defeated Dana Hills 35-33 in a last second season finale.

Irvine captured the league title defeating Beckman 47-17.

“There are spots open in the skill positions with Beck Moss and Kade Zimmerman leaving, but Kade’s brother Tate will be taking over where his brother left off, ” Ricci said.  “Beyond offense he had 62 tackles in our five-game season so he, along with a mostly returning cast on defense, has been honing what we do defensively.

“As always, our goal is to just build on what we do: fly around the field, create turnovers and score lots of points on offense.  Like we tell our boys each day, ‘trust the process.'”

2021 IRVINE SCHEDULE

Friday, Aug. 27, Canyon at Fred Kelly Stadium

Friday, Sept. 3, Troy at Fullerton

Friday, Sept. 10, vs. Sonora (H)

Friday, Sept. 17, University (H)

Friday, Sept. 24, Beckman at Tustin

Friday, Oct. 1, Northwood at Irvine

Friday, Oct. 8, Woodbridge at Irvine (Woodbridge home)

Friday, Oct. 15, at Dana Hills

Friday, Oct 22., at Portola

Friday, Oct. 29, vs. Laguna Hills (H)

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