Savona’s Scores Lift Irvine, 26-7

Senior Jake Savona scored three touchdowns to lead Irvine to 26-7 victory over University Friday night at Irvine High.

Savona ran for 85 yards in 14 carries, but Irvine’s leading rusher was junior Al Williams, who rushed for 90 yards in six carries.

Irvine took a 6-0 lead on Savona’s three-yard touchdown run with 10:51 left in the second quarter.

Irvine’s Sevan Setian attempted a 41-yard field goal earlier in the drive. The attempt was short but University was called for roughing the kicker, extending the drive.

Irvine then took a 12-0 lead on a six-yard run by Savona with 7:39 left in the second quarter. The conversion pass failed.

Irvine then took a 19-0 lead on a 10-yard touchdown by Ryan Brucker with 4:03 left in the third quarter.

Savona scored from four yards out with 11:40 left in the game to put Irvine ahead, 26-0. University’s Jarrett Mahoney scored from two yards with 22 seconds left to break the shutout bid by Irvine.

Early in the game, Irvine lost sophomore defensive line Brendon Payne because of an injury. Payne was transported to Western Medical Center as a precautionary move with a mild concussion and a possible neck injury, according to a team spokesman. With the victory, Irvine avenged last year’s 14-7 loss to University and take a 13-6 lead in the series.