Inability to Hold the Ball Costs Woodbridge Against University

Woodbridge fumbled seven times, losing five, and dropped a 9-7 decision to University in a Sea View League game Friday night at Irvine High.

The Warriors (1-5-1, 0-3-1 in league) fumbled four times and lost two of them in the first 6 1/2 minutes of the game. The second fumble Woodbridge lost put the Trojans (1-6, 1-3) in business at the Warrior 28.

University was stopped and set up for a field goal on fourth and two from the Woodbridge eight, but a bad snap forced holder Dov Herbstman to improvise, and he went around right end for a touchdown and a 6-0 Trojan lead.

Woodbridge rallied for a 7-6 lead before halftime, moving 61 yards and capping the drive with a 16-yard scoring pass from Shea Stone to Gary Osborne.

The Warriors lost three fumbles in University territory in the second half, including one at the Trojan 24 in the closing minute of the third quarter. University responded with the winning score, moving to the Woodbridge 13 before settling for a 32-yard Chris Peake field goal and a 9-7 lead.

Woodbridge drove back to the University 44 before the rains, and fumbles, returned. The Warriors lost their fifth fumble of the night with 4:25 to play.