Irvine Holds Off Villa Park for First Win

Senior Mike Steinke scored two touchdowns to lead Irvine High School to a 21-16 nonleague victory over Villa Park Friday night in Irvine Stadium.

Steinke rushed for 76 yards on 16 carries. Irvine, which totaled 275 yards on the ground compared to 105 for Villa Park, also received a strong effort from junior Anthony Hernandez, who rushed for 77 yards on 8 carries.

The Vaqueros (1-4) took an early lead on Steinke’s three-yard touchdown run with 4:17 left in the first quarter.

Villa Park (2-3) closed to 7-3 on Ryan Hayes’ 26-yard field goal early in the second quarter.

Irvine went ahead 14-3 on Hernandez’ 31-yard touchdown run with 6:24 remaining in the half.

The Spartans made it 14-10 when quarterback Tom Kelley, who completed 11 of 18 passes for 130 yards, threw to Dave Marsh on a seven-yard touchdown pass with 13 seconds left in the half.

At the end of the third quarter Irvine built a 21-10 lead on Steinke’s three-yard touchdown run.

Villa Park rallied with a a six-yard touchdown run by Doug Byrnes with 4:40 left to play. The Spartans’ two-point conversion attempt failed.

Irvine controlled the ball for the remainder of the game.

Villa Park had a scoring threat in the third quarter, advancing to the Irvine five on an 11-yard run by Tony Inga.

But on the next play, Inga fumbled and Irvine’s Bill Brosnan recovered in the end zone.

Irvine quarterback Jeff Jones completed 5 of 7 passes for 52 yards with two interceptions.

John Genova led the Spartans with 36 yards on 9 carries.