Woodbridge Edges Irvine, Gains Playoffs

IRVINE — Senior Anthony Valanis caught a 17-yard touchdown pass from Scott Barlow with 1 minute 17 seconds remaining to lift Woodbridge to a 15-14 victory over Irvine Friday at Irvine High.

The victory helped the Warriors (7-1-2, 3-1-1) finish second in the Sea View League and earn their first trip to the Southern Section playoffs since 1991.

Woodbridge ended its six-game losing streak against Irvine and claimed the Dennis Toohey Fence Post Trophy, which goes to the city’s top football team.

Irvine (3-7, 1-4) had a chance to win the game in the closing seconds.

The Vaqueros advanced the ball to the Woodbridge 23-yard line before calling timeout with 11 seconds remaining.

But Andrew Howard’s 40-yard field-goal attempt sailed wide left as time expired.

Irvine led, 14-3, after three quarters.

Woodbridge cut into the lead, 14-9, on a one-yard touchdown run by Barlow with 5:10 left to play. The score capped a 16-play, 80-yard drive.

Woodbridge then held Irvine on its next possession to set up the go-ahead touchdown drive.

Woodbridge took a 3-0 lead on Steve Terwiske’s 37-yard field goal with 4:29 left in the first quarter.

But Howard connected with Al Williams on a 32-yard touchdown pass with 9:43 left in the first half to put Irvine ahead, 7-3.

Howard hit Adam Wright on an 18-yard scoring pass in the third quarter to make it 14-3.