DIVISION IV : Irvine Passing, Defense Keys in 27-0 Rout

What was billed as a showdown between two of Orange County’s top running backs in Irvine’s Scott Seal and El Modena’s Ernie Wilson instead turned into a showcase for Irvine’s passing game and defense.

Irvine quarterback Aron Garcia completed 19 of 31 passes for 225 yards and three touchdowns, while the defense shut down El Modena’s running game for a 27-0 Irvine victory in the Division IV quarterfinals Friday night at El Modena High School.

With the victory, Irvine (11-1), which won the Division II championship last year, advances to next Friday’s semifinal against Foothill.

“Our defense was outstanding, (Todd) Thomas was outstanding and Garcia was good,” Irvine Coach Terry Henigan said. “Everybody goes for our run, but our passing game can be pretty good, too.”

Seal had 87 yards in 19 carries, but the impressive numbers belonged to Garcia and wide receiver Thomas, who caught 10 passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns.

Meanwhile, the Vaquero defense stymied Wilson, holding him to 36 yards rushing in 12 carries. Wilson did catch five passes for 70 yards, however.

El Modena (8-4) struggled most of the first half, failing to earn a first down until the 4:48 mark in the second quarter. By then, Irvine had a 21-0 lead, as Garcia led two long scoring drives and Chris Esmond blocked a Ryan Holmes punt, with teammate Kyle Roberts recovering in the end zone for a third Irvine touchdown.

Garcia threw touchdown passes of eight yards to Thomas and 14 yards to Tony Arellano for the other first-half touchdowns. Thomas also scored on a 10-yard pass from Garcia in the fourth quarter. He set up the score with a spectacular 38-yard fingertip catch to the Vanguard 12.

Irvine’s defense, led by Ryan Patterson’s two interceptions, held El Modena to 45 yards rushing and 170 yards passing.

I--Thomas 8 pass from Garcia (Bilek kick)

I--Arellano 14 pass from Garcia (Bilek kick)

I--Roberts recovered blocked punt in end zone (Thomas kick)

I--Thomas 10 pass from Garcia (Kick failed)

LEADING RUSHERS--I: Seal 19-87; EM: Wilson 12-36. LEADING PASSERS--I: Garcia 19-31-2, 225; EM: Mitchell 10-21-3, 170. LEADING RECEIVERS--I: Thomas 10-123; EM: Wilson 5-70.

Attendance--3,500