Irvine High quarterback Marc Filia is the offensive MVP.
Irvine High quarterback Marc Filia did what he set out to do this past season: lead the Vaqueros into the CIF Division 11 playoffs.
The Vaqueros did just that, and behind Filia, notched a 30-14 CIF playoff victory over Ocean View in the first round at Irvine Stadium. Filia, the offensive MVP of the OC Sports Zone All-Irvine Football Team, was also the offensive MVP of the Pacific Coast League.
“It was awesome,” Filia, a senior, said. “A bunch of young guys were forced to fill bigger roles, but luckily we had some returning seniors able to lead them and show them the Irvine Vaquero way and guys stepped up and had a great season.”
Filia led the way, completing 167 of 309 passes for 2,116 yards and 20 touchdown passes. He also had 85 carries for 446 yards and had six rushing touchdowns. Filia broke four career passing records at Irvine, according to Coach Erik Terry.
“There were a lot of memories made and to make a run in the playoffs was really special with these guys,” he said. “It was something our program hasn’t experienced in a while. The last time we made the playoffs was my brother’s (Mikey) senior year, which was four or five years ago. So to not only get into the playoffs, but to make a little run and go on a two-game stretch and be able to extend our season was really special.”
Former Irvine Coach Erik Terry said he was proud of what Filia accomplished.
“Marc had to overcome some injuries and adversities the last four years but through his hard work and dedication, he led this team for the last two years,” Terry said. “He is one of the hardest working guys in the program not only with on the field stuff but with the way he prepares himself day in and day out watching film and knowing his weekly offensive adjustments. He has really grown over as a leader and a player.”
Filia’s football career started with the Irvine Chargers youth football program.
“Growing up, playing Irvine Chargers with and against a lot of these guys that are around the league, it was really cool to be able to start my football career with them and to finish it,” Filia said. “It’s something I’m going to cherish the rest of my life.”
Now, Filia prepares for one more season with the Irvine High baseball team before moving on to UC San Diego, where he will play baseball.
“”I can’t wait,” he said. “UCSD couldn’ t be a better fit for me. The coaching staff is amazing, the education is also great and just the location. My family is very confident and I’m very confident in me going down there and having a great four years and playing baseball and furthering my education.”
CLICK HERE TO SEE OC SPORTS ZONE ALL-IRVINE OFFENSIVE TEAM
-Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com
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