Irvine Wakes Up After Half to Win

Irvine High’s Godfrey Young returned the second-half kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown to break a scoreless tie and ignite the Vaqueros to a 28-7 Sea View League victory Friday against host Aliso Niguel.

Young’s run down the right sideline seemed to wake up the fifth-ranked Vaqueros (7-0, 2-0).

After Young’s score, the Wolverines (1-6, 0-1) couldn’t move the ball and Irvine’s Eric Patton blocked Aliso Niguel’s punt. Joe Bollard recovered it at the Wolverine 24-yard line. On the next play, running back Peter Abe ran in for a 24-yard touchdown to give Irvine a 14-0 lead.

On Aliso Niguel’s next play from scrimmage, Irvine’s Paul Yoo recovered a fumble at the Aliso Niguel 15-yard line. Irvine had to convert two fourth-down plays, but quarterback Travis Otott eventually scored on fourth-and-goal from the one.

The Vaqueros turned another Wolverine turnover into a touchdown midway through the fourth quarter. Irvine’s Brian Porteous picked up a fumble on a Wolverine punt return at the 16 and advanced it to the Aliso Niguel two, and Abe, who had 19 carries for 118 yards, scored his second touchdown on the following play.

The Wolverine defense played a major role in the first-half deadlock, forcing three Irvine turnovers and limiting the Vaqueros’ usually potent offense to 76 yards. Irvine’s defense was strong as well, holding the Aliso Niguel offense to 82 first-half yards.

The Wolverines scored their only touchdown with 1:09 left in the game, following Irvine’s sixth turnover. Quarterback Joel Smith hit tight end Brandon Alconcel on an 11-yard touchdown play, culminating a four-play, 29-yard drive.