Irvine Victory Looks Special

The Sea View League opener between Irvine and Newport Harbor on Friday night pitted two schools that played in the Southern Section Division VI championship game last season.

Irvine avenged a title-game defeat with a 19-14 victory behind outstanding special teams play.

Special teams led to 16 of Irvine’s points. Eric Patton partially blocked Duke Burchell’s punt on the first series of the game, setting up Irvine’s 42-yard scoring drive capped by Godfrey Young’s one-yard run. Dan Beuchat blocked Burchell’s punt on the next series, and that led to David Doomey’s 37-yard field goal.

Irvine’s Travis Otott completed 12 of 17 passes for 131 yards. His 25-yard touchdown pass to Josh Short gave Irvine (6-0) a 19-7 lead.

Chris Manderino rushed for 168 yards and two touchdowns in 34 carries for Newport Harbor (4-2).