University Stops Arroyo From Start to Finish

Dominating nearly every aspect of the game, University thrashed El Monte Arroyo, 30-0, Thursday night at Irvine High.

The Trojans were effective from the outset, scoring on their first possession, which was set up by Scott Pickett’s 38-yard kickoff return and subsequent 38-yard reception. Zach Sherwood completed the seven-play drive by kicking a field goal, his first of three, from 25 yards out.

University quarterback Jay Nichols completed 13 of 31 passes for 202 yards, threw two touchdown passes, and rushed for 32 yards. Teammate Nephi Wheeler also had 32 yards rushing.

The Trojan defense limited Arroyo to 69 yards total offense. Arroyo quarterback Steve Payne endured most of the damage, finishing with nine carries for minus 54 yards. He completed 11 of 26 passes for 121 yards.

Sherwood kicked two 35-yard field goals and might have had two more, if not for Arroyo (0-2) penalties that extended University drives.

An 18-yard touchdown pass from Nichols to Kevin Conlin capped one drive and Nichols’ pass that bounced off receiver Steve Myers’ pads and into the arms of Setiam Allah in the end zone for a 13-yard score capped the other drive.

Myers completed the scoring for University with a 19-yard, fourth-quarter touchdown run.