Diaz Scores 3 Times as Irvine Wins, 29-8

Senior fullback Al Diaz rushed for three touchdowns to lead Irvine High School to a 29-8 season-opening victory over University Friday night in front of 3,000 in Irvine Stadium.

Diaz, who rushed only three times for eight yards, also set up Irvine’s second touchdown when he intercepted a pass in the third quarter.

The Vaqueros, who rushed for 254 yards, were led by quarterback Jimmy Raye, who gained 65 yards in 8 carries, and by Bill Brosnan, who picked up 62 yards in 7 carries.

Irvine took a 7-0 lead when Diaz scored from the four with 6:25 left in the first half. The Vaqueros increased their lead to 10-0 on a 29-yard field goal by Brosnan with 9:07 left in the third quarter. The field goal was set up by an interception by Ron Goodlin, who returned the ball 15 yards to the Trojans’ nine.

Diaz then intercepted a pass by University quarterback Bart Silberman, giving the Vaqueros possession at the Trojan 22.

Six plays later, Irvine increased its lead to 16-0 when Diaz scored on a one-yard run with 5:21 left in the third quarter.

On the next series, the Vaqueros got the ball at the Trojan five-yard line when they recovered a center snap that went over the head of University punter Craig Allton.

One play later, Diaz scored from the three to give Irvine a 23-0 lead.

Mike Steinke then scored from the one with 5:13 left to increase Irvine’s lead to 29-0.

University finally scored when Silberman connected with Tom Phelps on a 10-yard pass-play with 1:42 left in the game. The Trojans completed a two-point conversion when Silberman hit Craig Belle to make it 29-8.

Irvine outgained University in total yards, 281-178.

Raye completed 2 of 5 pass attempts for 27 yards. Silberman completed 4 of 12 for 37 yards, but was intercepted twice.

Irvine was penalized 12 times for 120 yards while University was penalized 5 times for 75 yards.