Irvine’s Defense Paves the Way for a 35-7 Victory Over Foothill

Irvine High School quarterback Jason Minici threw for 199 yards and two touchdowns in less than three quarters as the Vaqueros rolled over Foothill, 35-7, Friday night at Irvine High School.

But as strong a showing as the offense put on, the Irvine defense was not to be outdone. The Vaquero defense held the Knights to just nine yards in the first half and 122 for the game.

“The idea was to go after them early,” said Irvine Coach Terry Henigan.

Irvine (4-1) started the scoring when Minici, after being forced to scramble to his left, threw 22 yards to Mark Huffman for the touchdown. Huffman added the extra point, making the score 7-0.

The defense got in on the act on the next series. Junior defensive back Tarey Gettys stepped in front of Naveen Athuluru, picked off Tim Chaix’s pass and ran 25 yards for the score. Huffman’s kick put Irvine up, 14-0.

Irvine’s Scott Seal, who rushed for 80 yards in nine carries, led the Vaqueros to their next score when he ran 13 yards to cap a 67-yard, seven-play drive.

Aron Garcia relieved Minici and drove Irvine to its final score with a 17-play, 88-yard drive that was capped off when Seth Weddon, who rushed for 81 yards in 14 carries in relief of Seal, plowed one yard for the touchdown.

Foothill avoided the shutout when Chaix threw 31 yards to Athuluru for the touchdown.