Nov 2008
Irvine can't stop run game, falls to Norwalk
11/29/2008 08:40
Irvine can't stop run game, falls to Norwalk
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Irvine battles...
11/29/2008 08:38
FOOTBALL: Irvine battles, but Norwalk ground game
proves too much to overcome in CIF-SS
quarterfinals.
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Video previews for CIF quarterfinals
11/28/2008 11:58
| http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1886192515/bctid3353887001 |
Next stop for Vaqs: Norwalk in CIF round 2 Friday
11/28/2008 08:34
UPDATE! Next stop for Vaqs: Norwalk in CIF round
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Irvine makes big stop to beat Westminster
11/23/2008 07:02
Irvine makes big stop to beat Westminster
The Vaqueros escape with a 14-7 victory in the Southern Division playoff game.
By TIM BURT
OCVARSITY.COM
COSTA MESA — Irvine's football team survived a late scare from Westminster on Saturday night to capture a 14-7 victory in the opening round of the CIF-SS Southern Division playoffs at Estancia High.
The outcome wasn't decided until the final play when Lions' quarterback Kenny Chapple connected with Aaron Garbutt on a 14-yard pass play. Garbutt was stopped at the Irvine 1 and with no timeouts remaining, Westminster could not stop the clock.
Irvine had called timeout with three seconds left following an incompletion to set up its defense on what stood to be the final play of regulation.
The Vaqueros defense, which had held Westminster (7-4) in check until the final drive, made one final stand, avoiding overtime.
"They tend to go to No. 21 (Garbutt) so we just had to stay deep and play our coverage," said Irvine defensive back Michael Ernst, who had two deflections on the final drive.
Irvine figured to be challenged by the Lions, who had averaged 42 points a game in league.
"We're a bend but don't break defense and we used every inch of it on that last drive," Irvine coach Terry Henigan said.
Irvine (8-3) moves on to the second round against Norwalk next weekend.
Early on, it looked like Westminster would be the team advancing.
The Lions cashed in on an Irvine fumble in the first quarter to move ahead, 7-0, on Chapple's 1-yard keeper.
But Irvine's Shane Whippo bolted 68 yards for a score to even the game.
The Vaqueros moved ahead, 14-7, on Jake Day's 38-yard touchdown run with 24 seconds left in the first half.
The Vaqueros escape with a 14-7 victory in the Southern Division playoff game.
By TIM BURT
OCVARSITY.COM
COSTA MESA — Irvine's football team survived a late scare from Westminster on Saturday night to capture a 14-7 victory in the opening round of the CIF-SS Southern Division playoffs at Estancia High.
The outcome wasn't decided until the final play when Lions' quarterback Kenny Chapple connected with Aaron Garbutt on a 14-yard pass play. Garbutt was stopped at the Irvine 1 and with no timeouts remaining, Westminster could not stop the clock.
Irvine had called timeout with three seconds left following an incompletion to set up its defense on what stood to be the final play of regulation.
The Vaqueros defense, which had held Westminster (7-4) in check until the final drive, made one final stand, avoiding overtime.
"They tend to go to No. 21 (Garbutt) so we just had to stay deep and play our coverage," said Irvine defensive back Michael Ernst, who had two deflections on the final drive.
Irvine figured to be challenged by the Lions, who had averaged 42 points a game in league.
"We're a bend but don't break defense and we used every inch of it on that last drive," Irvine coach Terry Henigan said.
Irvine (8-3) moves on to the second round against Norwalk next weekend.
Early on, it looked like Westminster would be the team advancing.
The Lions cashed in on an Irvine fumble in the first quarter to move ahead, 7-0, on Chapple's 1-yard keeper.
But Irvine's Shane Whippo bolted 68 yards for a score to even the game.
The Vaqueros moved ahead, 14-7, on Jake Day's 38-yard touchdown run with 24 seconds left in the first half.
Vaqueros look ready for Lions
11/22/2008 09:20
Vaqueros look ready for Lions
Irvine High’s football players won’t be taking Westminster lightly when the Vaqueros meet the Lions Saturday night at 7 at Estancia High in Costa Mesa in round one of the CIF playoffs. Coach Terry Henigan is never one to look ahead, and you can bet that he won’t in this case.
The rest of us can, though.
If Irvine can get past Westminster Saturday, the Vaqueros would meet Norwalk, which handled Garden Grove, 38-6, Thursday night, in round two.
Irvine’s Justin Reihanifam hopes to bust loose tonight against Westminster. > MIGUEL VASCONCELLOS/STAFF PHOTGRAPHER
Irvine High’s football players won’t be taking Westminster lightly when the Vaqueros meet the Lions Saturday night at 7 at Estancia High in Costa Mesa in round one of the CIF playoffs. Coach Terry Henigan is never one to look ahead, and you can bet that he won’t in this case.
The rest of us can, though.
If Irvine can get past Westminster Saturday, the Vaqueros would meet Norwalk, which handled Garden Grove, 38-6, Thursday night, in round two.
Irvine’s Justin Reihanifam hopes to bust loose tonight against Westminster. > MIGUEL VASCONCELLOS/STAFF PHOTGRAPHER
Vaqs win a thriller over Westminster in CIF playoffs
11/22/2008 08:36
Vaqs win a thriller over Westminster in CIF
playoffs
BY TIM BURT
SPORTS EDITOR
Irvine High's football team survived a late scare from Westminster Saturday night to capture a 14-7 victory in the opening round of the CIF-SS Southern Division playoffs at Estancia High.
Irvine High fans had to sweat it out until the end, though.
The outcome wasn't decided until the final play when Westminster quarterback Kenny Chapple connected with Aaron Garbutt on a 14-yard pass play.
Garbutt was stopped at the Irvine 1-yard line and with no timeouts remaining, Westminster could not stop the clock.
Irvine had called timeout with three seconds left following an incompletion to set up its defense on what stood to be the final play of regulation.
The Vaquero defense, which had held Westminster (7-4) in check until the final drive, made one final stand.
"They tend to go to No. 21 (Garbutt) so we just had to stay deep and play our coverage," said defensive back Michael Ernst, who had two key deflections on the final drive.
Irvine figured to be challenged by the Lions, who had averaged 42 points a game in league.
"We're a bend but don't break defense and we used every inch of it on that last drive,"Irvine Coach Terry Henigan said.
Irvine (8-3) moves on to the second round against Norwalk next weekend. Henigan said that Norwalk has already won the coin flip, so it will host the game Friday at 7 p.m. at the Excelsior Adult School in Norwalk.
Early on, it looked like Westminster would be the team advancing. The Lions cashed in an Irvine fumble in the first quarter to move ahead, 7-0, on Chapple's 1-yard keeper.
But Irvine's Shane Whippo bolted 68 yards for a score to even the game.
The Vaqueros moved ahead, 14-7, on Jake Day's 38-yard TD run with 24 seconds left in the first half.
Irvine had other chances to add to its lead. The Vaqueros missed three field goal attempts and late in the game, fumbled the ball at the Westminster 5-yard line as it appeared to be driving for an insurance score.
That allowed Westminster one last chance to tie the game.
Irvine got solid performances from quarterback Allen Merritt, who completed 7 of 9 passes for 43 yards.
Justin Reihanifam rushed for 100 yards on 13 carries, Whippo rushed for 74 yards on four carries and Day picked up 54 yards on 10 carries.
"Our offense moved the ball and except for that first drive, they always started deep," Henigan said. "Our kids played hard and their kids played hard.
"The kids battled."
Irvine's defense was successful against Westminster's high-powered offense.
"They're a good football team, they got some bad breaks, we did slow No. 21 down a little bit and I don't think most teams have," Henigan said. "I know when people slow down our running backs you get a little nervous.
"We made them earn everything they got, that's for sure."
The Lions top running back, Garbutt, rushed for 56 yards on 12 carries and also had five catches for 49 yards.
Garbutt had rushed for 1,171 yards going into the game.
"They have a lot of other offensive weapons," Ernst said. "No. 27 (Louie Villa) was a great running back too. We didn't just key on him (Garbutt), we had to play for the whole team."
BY TIM BURT
SPORTS EDITOR
Irvine High's football team survived a late scare from Westminster Saturday night to capture a 14-7 victory in the opening round of the CIF-SS Southern Division playoffs at Estancia High.
Irvine High fans had to sweat it out until the end, though.
The outcome wasn't decided until the final play when Westminster quarterback Kenny Chapple connected with Aaron Garbutt on a 14-yard pass play.
Garbutt was stopped at the Irvine 1-yard line and with no timeouts remaining, Westminster could not stop the clock.
Irvine had called timeout with three seconds left following an incompletion to set up its defense on what stood to be the final play of regulation.
The Vaquero defense, which had held Westminster (7-4) in check until the final drive, made one final stand.
"They tend to go to No. 21 (Garbutt) so we just had to stay deep and play our coverage," said defensive back Michael Ernst, who had two key deflections on the final drive.
Irvine figured to be challenged by the Lions, who had averaged 42 points a game in league.
"We're a bend but don't break defense and we used every inch of it on that last drive,"Irvine Coach Terry Henigan said.
Irvine (8-3) moves on to the second round against Norwalk next weekend. Henigan said that Norwalk has already won the coin flip, so it will host the game Friday at 7 p.m. at the Excelsior Adult School in Norwalk.
Early on, it looked like Westminster would be the team advancing. The Lions cashed in an Irvine fumble in the first quarter to move ahead, 7-0, on Chapple's 1-yard keeper.
But Irvine's Shane Whippo bolted 68 yards for a score to even the game.
The Vaqueros moved ahead, 14-7, on Jake Day's 38-yard TD run with 24 seconds left in the first half.
Irvine had other chances to add to its lead. The Vaqueros missed three field goal attempts and late in the game, fumbled the ball at the Westminster 5-yard line as it appeared to be driving for an insurance score.
That allowed Westminster one last chance to tie the game.
Irvine got solid performances from quarterback Allen Merritt, who completed 7 of 9 passes for 43 yards.
Justin Reihanifam rushed for 100 yards on 13 carries, Whippo rushed for 74 yards on four carries and Day picked up 54 yards on 10 carries.
"Our offense moved the ball and except for that first drive, they always started deep," Henigan said. "Our kids played hard and their kids played hard.
"The kids battled."
Irvine's defense was successful against Westminster's high-powered offense.
"They're a good football team, they got some bad breaks, we did slow No. 21 down a little bit and I don't think most teams have," Henigan said. "I know when people slow down our running backs you get a little nervous.
"We made them earn everything they got, that's for sure."
The Lions top running back, Garbutt, rushed for 56 yards on 12 carries and also had five catches for 49 yards.
Garbutt had rushed for 1,171 yards going into the game.
"They have a lot of other offensive weapons," Ernst said. "No. 27 (Louie Villa) was a great running back too. We didn't just key on him (Garbutt), we had to play for the whole team."
Southern Division Team Analysis
11/18/2008 13:20
Southern Division O.C. team
analysis
November 16th, 2008, 2:52 pm · 13 Comments · posted by CARLOS ARIAS
County outlook: Southern Division
Laguna Hills: The Hawks went undefeated in the regular season for the first time in school history and have been No. 1 in the Southern all season. Laguna Hills has a tough first-round game against Artesia, which finished in a three-way tie for second place in the tough Suburban League. Artesia enters the playoffs as the No. 4 team from the Suburban League after losing coin flips, but it was ranked No. 8 in the final Southern poll. The Hawks were seeded last season and got eventual champion Cypress in the first round and lost to the Centurions, 30-26.
Costa Mesa: The Mustangs lost their first five games before closing out the regular season with a five-game winning streak and capturing the Orange Coast League title. The Orange Coast League is one of the weaker leagues in the county and the Mustangs are matched up with Santiago, which shared the Garden Grove League title with Los Amigos and Garden Grove.
Santiago: The Cavaliers shared the Garden Grove League title with Los Amigos and Garden Grove, but enter the playoffs as a No. 3 team after losing coin flips. The Cavaliers are favored to beat Costa Mesa in the first round, but their playoff run should come to an end in the second round against Laguna Hills.
Garden Grove: The Argos shared the Garden Grove League title with Los Amigos and Santiago and ended up getting the No. 2 spot after the coin flips. Garden Grove should get past Norwalk in the first round, then comes a potential rematch against No. 4 seed Westminster. Garden Grove knocked off Westminster, 42-28, in the season opener.
Westminster: The Lions, who are led by two-way star Aaron Garbutt, closed out the regular season with a six-game winning streak. Westminster got a very tough first-round matchup against Irvine. The Vaqueros finished third in the Pacific Coast League behind No. 1 seed Laguna Hills and No. 2 seed Corona del Mar, but they finished No. 7 in the final Southern poll.
Irvine: Never count out a Terry Henigan-coached team. The Vaqueros’ three losses were by a combined nine points. They battled No. 2 seed CdM in a 14-13 loss and almost knocked off No. 1 seed Laguna Hills in a 20-13 defeat.
Calvary Chapel: The Eagles are in the playoffs for the first time since 2001, but they have a tall order in the first round against No. 3 seed Mayfair, which is riding a six-game winning streak.
Los Amigos: The Lobos shared the Garden Grove League title with Garden Grove and Santiago, and they got the No. 1 spot after the coin flips. Los Amigos get Segerstrom in the first round. The Lobos and Segerstrom have Santa Ana as a common opponent. The Lobos beat Santa Ana, 17-7, while the Jags lost to Santa Ana, 35-34.
Segerstrom: The Jaguars are in the playoffs for the first time and they have a good chance to get a victory in the playoffs in an evenly matched first-round game against Los Amigos. The second round would get a lot trickier against No. 3 seed Mayfair.
Santa Ana: The Saints, the No. 2 team from the Golden West League, will be the favorites in the first round against Laguna Beach, the No. 2 team from the Orange Coast League. But the Saints’ run should come to an end in a potential second-round game against No. 2 seed Corona del Mar.
Laguna Beach: The Breakers had their three-game winning streak snapped by Costa Mesa, 38-30, in the regular-season finale, but they are back in the playoffs as the No. 2 team from the Orange Coast League. Laguna Beach will be the underdog against Santa Ana in the first round.
Corona del Mar: The Sea Kings didn’t get any favors in the first round with their matchup against La Mirada, which finished tied for second place with Artesia and Norwalk in the Suburban League. Still, Corona del Mar should get past La Mirada in the first round and Santa Ana in the second round before a potential showdown against No. 3 Mayfair in the semifinals.
November 16th, 2008, 2:52 pm · 13 Comments · posted by CARLOS ARIAS
County outlook: Southern Division
Laguna Hills: The Hawks went undefeated in the regular season for the first time in school history and have been No. 1 in the Southern all season. Laguna Hills has a tough first-round game against Artesia, which finished in a three-way tie for second place in the tough Suburban League. Artesia enters the playoffs as the No. 4 team from the Suburban League after losing coin flips, but it was ranked No. 8 in the final Southern poll. The Hawks were seeded last season and got eventual champion Cypress in the first round and lost to the Centurions, 30-26.
Costa Mesa: The Mustangs lost their first five games before closing out the regular season with a five-game winning streak and capturing the Orange Coast League title. The Orange Coast League is one of the weaker leagues in the county and the Mustangs are matched up with Santiago, which shared the Garden Grove League title with Los Amigos and Garden Grove.
Santiago: The Cavaliers shared the Garden Grove League title with Los Amigos and Garden Grove, but enter the playoffs as a No. 3 team after losing coin flips. The Cavaliers are favored to beat Costa Mesa in the first round, but their playoff run should come to an end in the second round against Laguna Hills.
Garden Grove: The Argos shared the Garden Grove League title with Los Amigos and Santiago and ended up getting the No. 2 spot after the coin flips. Garden Grove should get past Norwalk in the first round, then comes a potential rematch against No. 4 seed Westminster. Garden Grove knocked off Westminster, 42-28, in the season opener.
Westminster: The Lions, who are led by two-way star Aaron Garbutt, closed out the regular season with a six-game winning streak. Westminster got a very tough first-round matchup against Irvine. The Vaqueros finished third in the Pacific Coast League behind No. 1 seed Laguna Hills and No. 2 seed Corona del Mar, but they finished No. 7 in the final Southern poll.
Irvine: Never count out a Terry Henigan-coached team. The Vaqueros’ three losses were by a combined nine points. They battled No. 2 seed CdM in a 14-13 loss and almost knocked off No. 1 seed Laguna Hills in a 20-13 defeat.
Calvary Chapel: The Eagles are in the playoffs for the first time since 2001, but they have a tall order in the first round against No. 3 seed Mayfair, which is riding a six-game winning streak.
Los Amigos: The Lobos shared the Garden Grove League title with Garden Grove and Santiago, and they got the No. 1 spot after the coin flips. Los Amigos get Segerstrom in the first round. The Lobos and Segerstrom have Santa Ana as a common opponent. The Lobos beat Santa Ana, 17-7, while the Jags lost to Santa Ana, 35-34.
Segerstrom: The Jaguars are in the playoffs for the first time and they have a good chance to get a victory in the playoffs in an evenly matched first-round game against Los Amigos. The second round would get a lot trickier against No. 3 seed Mayfair.
Santa Ana: The Saints, the No. 2 team from the Golden West League, will be the favorites in the first round against Laguna Beach, the No. 2 team from the Orange Coast League. But the Saints’ run should come to an end in a potential second-round game against No. 2 seed Corona del Mar.
Laguna Beach: The Breakers had their three-game winning streak snapped by Costa Mesa, 38-30, in the regular-season finale, but they are back in the playoffs as the No. 2 team from the Orange Coast League. Laguna Beach will be the underdog against Santa Ana in the first round.
Corona del Mar: The Sea Kings didn’t get any favors in the first round with their matchup against La Mirada, which finished tied for second place with Artesia and Norwalk in the Suburban League. Still, Corona del Mar should get past La Mirada in the first round and Santa Ana in the second round before a potential showdown against No. 3 Mayfair in the semifinals.
Vaqueros take Fence Post, make playoffs
11/15/2008 10:33
Irvine junior Tra'shon Young had 65 rushing yards as the Vaqueros won the Fence Post by shutting out Uni, 12-0. Photos by Kyle Burlington/Gameonoc.com
Vaqueros take Fence Post, make playoffs
FOOTBALL: Dominant defensive effort helps Irvine top University, 12-0, and win the Fence Post Trophy for first time in six years.
By Matt Szabo
Gameonoc.com
Updated: Friday, November 14, 2008 11:21 PM PST
There are No comments posted. View Comments
IRVINE — Nobody had to remind the Irvine High football team what was at stake Friday night in their regular-season finale against University.
Where to start?
A win would ensure the Vaqueros took home the Dennis Toohey Fence Post Trophy, which goes Irvine city team with the best inter-city record, for the first time since 2002. It would also help Irvine solidify its positioning for the CIF Southern Section Southern Division playoffs, as well as avenge a Week 0 loss against the Trojans.
The Vaqueros accomplished all this and more behind a dominant defensive effort in their 12-0 victory over University.
"I’m old, so I know Dennis, and I know the impact he had on a lot of the kids in this community," Irvine Coach Terry Henigan said. "[Winning the Fence Post] means a lot. We haven’t had it in a while. It’s our turn. We’re going to enjoy it."
Irvine (7-3, 2-2 in league) does advance to the playoffs as the Pacific Coast League’s No. 3 representative, behind Laguna Hills and Corona del Mar. University (4-6, 0-4) and Beckman (6-4, 1-3) were both eliminated, although the Patriots could have still advanced over Irvine if they had beaten CdM on Friday night.
Henigan said Beckman had won the coin flip over Irvine, but the Patriots fell to CdM, 20-10, to help Irvine clinch the berth. The Vaqueros will learn their first-round opponent on Sunday.
"We’re really happy about that," said Vaqueros senior running back Shane Whippo, who had 10 carries for 55 yards and added a touchdown run late in the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach. "We’re the third team in a row [at Irvine] to make playoffs right now. We just want to go as far as we can. We just want to have fun as we go on.
"... Even if we didn’t win the Fence Post, just being out here with my team is awesome. But the Fence Post just added that much more to the year. We’re happy to bring it back into our office."
University looked like it might jump out in front early Friday, as the Trojans got into the Irvine red zone on their first two possessions. But on the first, a fumble was recovered by Irvine’s Justin Reihanifam. On the second, the drive stalled before the Trojans turned it over on downs at the Irvine 13-yard line.
"Mistakes," University Coach Mark Cunningham said. "We had to make fewer mistakes and we didn’t. That’s what high school football is all about."
Reihanifam, meanwhile, scored the first half’s only touchdown on a 12-yard run up the middle with 9:54 left before halftime.
The Trojans were also moving the ball late in the third quarter, but an underthrown pass was intercepted by Irvine’s Andrew Hills to snuff out the drive.
"[The defense] played well," Henigan said. "I just thought it was a great team victory. We’ve had a great season. We really haven’t had just a horrible night ... The kids come out and play four quarters."
University, whose most successful offensive play for much of the night was a quarterback keeper by Elliott Martin (eight carries for 115 yards), did begin to open up the passing game in the second half. Martin completed four passes for 43 yards to Bronson Taylor.
But Irvine clinched the game on a 65-yard drive that ate up nearly six minutes in the fourth quarter. The Vaqueros ran it 13 straight times, and the drive included a key third-down run by Jake Day right before Whippo scored the touchdown.
"Both sides were really tired, but I really think it was our [offensive] line," Whippo said. "Our senior O-line pushed the ball in and they didn’t care if they were tired."
Chris Delcarlo added another interception for Irvine with 1:21 left in the game.
Tra’shon Young had 18 carries for 65 yards to lead the Vaqueros. Reihanifam had 53 yards on eight carries.
Tyler Fletcher had 12 carries for 41 yards for University, while Trumaine Smith added three carries for 24 yards.
Irvine lands in playoffs
11/15/2008 10:30
Friday, November 14, 2008
Irvine lands in playoffs
The Vaqueros defeat University, 12-0, then make the playoffs when Beckman loses.
By TIM BURT
OCVarsity.com
IRVINE - Irvine's football players and coaches had plenty to celebrate Friday night.
The Vaqueros wrapped up Pacific Coast League play by defeating University, 12-0, at Irvine High to lock up third place and a berth in the CIF playoffs.
Irvine (7-3, 2-2) also captured the Dennis Toohey Fence Post Trophy, which goes to the city champion. It's the first time since 2002 that Irvine, which was 4-0 against intracity rivals, has won it.
"It's good to have it back; we haven't won it in a few years," Irvine running back Justin Reihanifam said. "It means a lot."
As they were raising the Fence Post on the field, the players also learned that Corona del Mar had defeated Beckman, 20-10, enabling Irvine to finish in third place in the league.
"We had actually lost the coin flip, if Beckman had won, we were going to be out," Irvine coach Terry Henigan said. "So we were happy to hear that CdM had won, although I'll be real honest, our focus this week has been on trying to beat a good high school football team."
Henigan was also excited about the Fence Post.
"The Fence Post is big. I knew Dennis (Toohey, the late youth football coach in Irvine), and I know the impact he had on a lot of kids," Henigan said.
On a windy night, both teams' passing games struggled. Irvine quarterback Allen Merritt completed 4 of 12 passes for 44 yards while University's Elliott Martin connected on 4 of 17 for 27 yards with two interceptions.
Martin rushed for 104 yards on eight carries, but Irvine had a more balanced running attack, led by Tra'shon Young, who rushed for 81 yards on 19 carries.
Reihanifam rushed for 54 yards on eight carries. Reihanifam put the Vaqueros ahead when he scored from 11 yards out with 9:54 left in the second quarter.
Shane Whippo then scored from 7 yards out with 2:10 left in the game to clinch the win.
University (4-6, 0-4) had a big chance in the early going. On their first drive, the Trojans advanced the ball to the Irvine 9 before fumbling the ball away.
"We made mistakes and they didn't," University Coach Mark Cunningham said. "They ran the ball at the end and we couldn't stop them and that was the difference.
"We had to make fewer mistakes and we didn't, that's what high school football is all about."
University won the Fence Post last season.
Contact the writer: tburt@ocregister.com
Irvine football team out to bring home the Dennis Toohey Fence Post Trophy
11/12/2008 08:19
Irvine
football team out to bring home the Dennis Toohey
Fence Post Trophy
BY TIM BURT
OCVarsity.com
Irvine High's football team is out to win the Dennis Toohey Fence Post Trophy for the first time since 2002.
The Vaqueros can do so with a victory over University Friday night in the final Pacific Coast League game.
The game starts at 7 p.m. at Irvine Stadium and also has playoff implications for both teams.
Irvine would also win the Fence Post, which goes to the Irvine team with the best record against inter-city teams, with a tie against University.
"It's big to all the schools and we haven't won it in quite a while, so it would be nice to have it back at Irvine High," said Irvine Coach Terry Henigan.
Irvine has a 3-0 mark in inter-city games with victories over Woodbridge, Northwood and Beckman.
If Irvine defeats University, Irvine would finish with a 4-0 mark and win the trophy. However, if University defeats Irvine, Irvine, University and Beckman would all finish with 3-1 marks and a tiebreaker (fewest first half points allowed in inter-city games) would to be used to determine the winner.
University is 2-1 in intra-city games with victories over Northwood and Woodbridge. The opening zero week game against Irvine did not count toward the Fence Post standings.
Beckman finished with a 3-1 record with victories over Northwood, Woodbridge and University. The Patriots lost to Irvine, 28-7.
Woodbridge (1-3 against intra-city opponents) and Northwood (0-4) are out of the running for the Fence Post.
University took home the trophy last year.
The trophy is named in honor of the late Irvine youth football coach, Dennis Toohey.
"He was a great guy who did a lot to get football going with the youth of Irvine, so it means a lot and it signifies (if you win it) that you've had a good year and it would be nice for our senior guys," Henigan said.
Members of the Toohey family are expected to be on hand for a post-game ceremony in the event Irvine or University wins it. If Beckman wins the trophy on a tie-breaker, a time would be arranged to present the trophy.
The Irvine World News is coordinating the presentation of the Fence Post Trophy.
BY TIM BURT
OCVarsity.com
Irvine High's football team is out to win the Dennis Toohey Fence Post Trophy for the first time since 2002.
The Vaqueros can do so with a victory over University Friday night in the final Pacific Coast League game.
The game starts at 7 p.m. at Irvine Stadium and also has playoff implications for both teams.
Irvine would also win the Fence Post, which goes to the Irvine team with the best record against inter-city teams, with a tie against University.
"It's big to all the schools and we haven't won it in quite a while, so it would be nice to have it back at Irvine High," said Irvine Coach Terry Henigan.
Irvine has a 3-0 mark in inter-city games with victories over Woodbridge, Northwood and Beckman.
If Irvine defeats University, Irvine would finish with a 4-0 mark and win the trophy. However, if University defeats Irvine, Irvine, University and Beckman would all finish with 3-1 marks and a tiebreaker (fewest first half points allowed in inter-city games) would to be used to determine the winner.
University is 2-1 in intra-city games with victories over Northwood and Woodbridge. The opening zero week game against Irvine did not count toward the Fence Post standings.
Beckman finished with a 3-1 record with victories over Northwood, Woodbridge and University. The Patriots lost to Irvine, 28-7.
Woodbridge (1-3 against intra-city opponents) and Northwood (0-4) are out of the running for the Fence Post.
University took home the trophy last year.
The trophy is named in honor of the late Irvine youth football coach, Dennis Toohey.
"He was a great guy who did a lot to get football going with the youth of Irvine, so it means a lot and it signifies (if you win it) that you've had a good year and it would be nice for our senior guys," Henigan said.
Members of the Toohey family are expected to be on hand for a post-game ceremony in the event Irvine or University wins it. If Beckman wins the trophy on a tie-breaker, a time would be arranged to present the trophy.
The Irvine World News is coordinating the presentation of the Fence Post Trophy.
Laguna Hills holds off Irvine to go 9-0
11/07/2008 12:05
Thursday,
November 6, 2008
Laguna Hills holds off Irvine to go 9-0
The Hawks win, 20-13, to remain undefeated.
By STEVE FRYER
OCVarsity.com
Laguna Hills holds off Irvine to go 9-0
Robert Refsnyder leaves behind Irvine's Shane Whippo, center, and Justin Reihanifam on his way to crossing the goal line during Thursday night's game.
MIGUEL VASCONCELLOS, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
IRVINE- Laguna Hills made some school history Thursday.
The Hawks beat Irvine, 20-13, to finish a varsity football regular season undefeated for the first time since Laguna Hills opened in 1978. (Full game stats.)
They also clinched the Pacific Coast League championship. It was the final game of this regular season for Laguna Hills (9-0, 4-0).
The Hawks have a bye next week, the final week of the regular season, and likely will be the top-seeded team in the Southern Division when the CIF-Southern Section playoffs begin in two weeks. Laguna Hills was the No. 1 team in this week’s Southern Division rankings. Playoff seedings and first-round pairings will be announced Nov. 16.
There are several playoff scenarios that cover Irvine (6-3, 1-2), Corona del Mar (2-1 in league, with a bye this week) and Beckman and University, both of which are 0-2 in league and play each other tonight. The top three finishers in the five-team Pacific Coast League will go to the playoffs. With no at-large berth in the Southern Division, the league’s Nos. 4 and 5 teams will not be in the playoffs.
Laguna Hills was the Southern Division’s No. 2 seed last year but was beaten in the first round by eventual champion Cypress. It won CIF football championships in 1991 and ’97.
Hawks coach Bruce Ingalls likes the mental makeup of this year’s team.
“These are good-character kids,” he said. “They work hard, and they play hard.”
Laguna Hills took an early 13-point lead, Irvine rallied to tie it, Laguna Hills scored the second-half’s only points and shut out Irvine over the final two quarters.
The Hawks built a 13-0 lead, scoring first on a 2-yard run by fullback Tyler Perkins in the first quarter and in the second quarter on a 20-yard run by quarterback Robert Refsnyder.
Irvine rallied in that second quarter. The Vaqueros scored on an 11-yard screen pass from quarterback Allen Merritt to running back Tra’shon Young to make it 13-7.
In the half’s final moments, a great catch by Irvine’s Chris Del Carlo, who pulled the ball over and away from two Laguna Hills defenders between him and Merritt, was good for 33 yards.
The Vaqueros tied it on a 26-yard touchdown catch by Jake Day, who leaned across the sideline in the end zone and kept his feet inbounds.
The only points of the second half came when the Hawks’ Ryan Ur returned an interception from the Laguna Hills 37-yard line to the Irvine 31. A few plays later, Derek Browning’s 15-yard touchdown run with 6:01 left in the third quarter provided the winning points.
Irvine got the ball three more times but could get only one first down. The Vaqueros’ deepest penetration of the half was to its own 46.
Laguna Hills ran out the clock, from 4:59 to the final gun. Starting from their 15, the Hawks collected four first downs until time expired.
“Our offensive line shoved it through,” said Refsnyder, the league’s player of the year last season as a receiver who moved to quarterback this year.
Ingalls is not concerned that having a bye next week, the week before the playoffs begin, will be detrimental. Being in a five-team league, a bye some time in the latter weeks has been a regular situation.
“We’ve done very well with it,” said Ingalls, not concerned by the bye slowing his team’s momentum. “We’ve played very well the week after the bye.”
• Click here for full game stats and links to season totals and team rosters.
Contact the writer: sfryer@ocregister.com
Laguna Hills holds off Irvine to go 9-0
The Hawks win, 20-13, to remain undefeated.
By STEVE FRYER
OCVarsity.com
Laguna Hills holds off Irvine to go 9-0
Robert Refsnyder leaves behind Irvine's Shane Whippo, center, and Justin Reihanifam on his way to crossing the goal line during Thursday night's game.
MIGUEL VASCONCELLOS, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
IRVINE- Laguna Hills made some school history Thursday.
The Hawks beat Irvine, 20-13, to finish a varsity football regular season undefeated for the first time since Laguna Hills opened in 1978. (Full game stats.)
They also clinched the Pacific Coast League championship. It was the final game of this regular season for Laguna Hills (9-0, 4-0).
The Hawks have a bye next week, the final week of the regular season, and likely will be the top-seeded team in the Southern Division when the CIF-Southern Section playoffs begin in two weeks. Laguna Hills was the No. 1 team in this week’s Southern Division rankings. Playoff seedings and first-round pairings will be announced Nov. 16.
There are several playoff scenarios that cover Irvine (6-3, 1-2), Corona del Mar (2-1 in league, with a bye this week) and Beckman and University, both of which are 0-2 in league and play each other tonight. The top three finishers in the five-team Pacific Coast League will go to the playoffs. With no at-large berth in the Southern Division, the league’s Nos. 4 and 5 teams will not be in the playoffs.
Laguna Hills was the Southern Division’s No. 2 seed last year but was beaten in the first round by eventual champion Cypress. It won CIF football championships in 1991 and ’97.
Hawks coach Bruce Ingalls likes the mental makeup of this year’s team.
“These are good-character kids,” he said. “They work hard, and they play hard.”
Laguna Hills took an early 13-point lead, Irvine rallied to tie it, Laguna Hills scored the second-half’s only points and shut out Irvine over the final two quarters.
The Hawks built a 13-0 lead, scoring first on a 2-yard run by fullback Tyler Perkins in the first quarter and in the second quarter on a 20-yard run by quarterback Robert Refsnyder.
Irvine rallied in that second quarter. The Vaqueros scored on an 11-yard screen pass from quarterback Allen Merritt to running back Tra’shon Young to make it 13-7.
In the half’s final moments, a great catch by Irvine’s Chris Del Carlo, who pulled the ball over and away from two Laguna Hills defenders between him and Merritt, was good for 33 yards.
The Vaqueros tied it on a 26-yard touchdown catch by Jake Day, who leaned across the sideline in the end zone and kept his feet inbounds.
The only points of the second half came when the Hawks’ Ryan Ur returned an interception from the Laguna Hills 37-yard line to the Irvine 31. A few plays later, Derek Browning’s 15-yard touchdown run with 6:01 left in the third quarter provided the winning points.
Irvine got the ball three more times but could get only one first down. The Vaqueros’ deepest penetration of the half was to its own 46.
Laguna Hills ran out the clock, from 4:59 to the final gun. Starting from their 15, the Hawks collected four first downs until time expired.
“Our offensive line shoved it through,” said Refsnyder, the league’s player of the year last season as a receiver who moved to quarterback this year.
Ingalls is not concerned that having a bye next week, the week before the playoffs begin, will be detrimental. Being in a five-team league, a bye some time in the latter weeks has been a regular situation.
“We’ve done very well with it,” said Ingalls, not concerned by the bye slowing his team’s momentum. “We’ve played very well the week after the bye.”
• Click here for full game stats and links to season totals and team rosters.
Contact the writer: sfryer@ocregister.com
Race for the Fence Post Trophy
11/01/2008 08:51
Friday,
October 31, 2008
Irvine and Uni leading in the race for the Dennis Toohey Fence Post Trophy
BY TIM BURT
Sports Editor
Comments 0 | Recommend 0
Irvine and University High football teams are the leaders for the Dennis Toohey Fence Post Trophy, which goes to the city football champion based on intra-city games.
It appears the winner won't be determined until the final week of the regular season.
Irvine, which has a bye this week, has a 3-0 mark with victories over Woodbridge, Northwood and Beckman.
Irvine's last intra-city game is on Friday, Nov. 14, against University, at Irvine Stadium.
If Irvine defeats University, Irvine would finish with a 4-0 mark and win the trophy. However, if Beckman defeats University next week and University defeats Irvine, Irvine, Uni and Beckman would all finish with 3-1 marks and a tiebreaker (fewest first half points allowed in intra-city games) would have to be used to determine the winner.
University is 2-0 in intra-city games with victories over Northwood and Woodbridge.
The Trojans play Beckman on Friday, Nov. 6, before ending the regular season on Friday, Nov. 14, against Irvine.
Beckman has a 2-1 record with victories over Northwood and Woodbridge. The Patriots lost to Irvine, 28-7.
Woodbridge (1-3 against intra-city opponents) and Northwood (0-4) are out of the running for the Fence Post.
University took home the trophy last year.
The first game of this season, in which University defeated Irvine, did not count toward the Fence Post standings, as agreed upon by the coaches of the two teams. It was a zero week game.
Irvine and Uni leading in the race for the Dennis Toohey Fence Post Trophy
BY TIM BURT
Sports Editor
Comments 0 | Recommend 0
Irvine and University High football teams are the leaders for the Dennis Toohey Fence Post Trophy, which goes to the city football champion based on intra-city games.
It appears the winner won't be determined until the final week of the regular season.
Irvine, which has a bye this week, has a 3-0 mark with victories over Woodbridge, Northwood and Beckman.
Irvine's last intra-city game is on Friday, Nov. 14, against University, at Irvine Stadium.
If Irvine defeats University, Irvine would finish with a 4-0 mark and win the trophy. However, if Beckman defeats University next week and University defeats Irvine, Irvine, Uni and Beckman would all finish with 3-1 marks and a tiebreaker (fewest first half points allowed in intra-city games) would have to be used to determine the winner.
University is 2-0 in intra-city games with victories over Northwood and Woodbridge.
The Trojans play Beckman on Friday, Nov. 6, before ending the regular season on Friday, Nov. 14, against Irvine.
Beckman has a 2-1 record with victories over Northwood and Woodbridge. The Patriots lost to Irvine, 28-7.
Woodbridge (1-3 against intra-city opponents) and Northwood (0-4) are out of the running for the Fence Post.
University took home the trophy last year.
The first game of this season, in which University defeated Irvine, did not count toward the Fence Post standings, as agreed upon by the coaches of the two teams. It was a zero week game.