Laguna Hills deals Irvine its first loss

Irvine's Curtis Jackson is tackled by a Laguna Hills player early in the first half of Friday's game.
Irvine quarterback Joseph Carter looks to pass during the first quarter of Friday's game against Laguna Hills.
Irvine's Jacob Haley leaps to make a catch during the first quarter of Friday's game against Laguna Hills.
Irvine's Jacob Haley comes down with a catch despite pressure from a Laguna Hills defensive player during Friday's game.
Laguna Hills' Ethan Garcia runs upfield after making a catch as Irvine's Brent Miller tackles him and Logan Dory looks on during the first quarter of Friday's game.
Laguna Hills quarterback Mitchell O'Hair hands the ball to Ethan Garcia during the first quarter of Friday's game against Irvine.
Laguna Hills quarterback Mitchell O'Hair looks to recover a fumbled snap before taking the ball for a 70-yard run during Friday's game against Irvine.
Irvine's Brent Miller runs the ball for a first down against Laguna Hills late in the first half Friday night.
Laguna Hills' Logan Montgomery runs after intercepting an Irvine pass late in the first half Friday night.
Irvine's Jonathan Garcia looks to run after making a catch against Laguna Hills late in the first half Friday night.
An Irvine cheer squad junior cheerleader gets some tips from a varsity cheerleader before Irvine's game against Laguna Hills on Friday evening.
The Irvine High Marching Band enters the stadium before the start of the Friday's game against Laguna Hills.
An Irvine cheer squad junior cheerleader shows off what she learned from the varsity cheerleaders before Irvine's game against Laguna Hills on Friday night.
A young Irvine fan listens to the National Anthem with his hand over his heart before Friday's game against Laguna Hills.
The Irvine Marching Band rocks out as they dance and play during an Irvine timeout in Friday's game against Laguna Hills.
Laguna Hills players break through a spirit banner as they take the field for Friday night's game against Irvine.

By Brent Shaver | Orange County Register

September 25, 2015 at 11:49 p.m.

IRVINE – With both teams 3-0 heading into Friday night, Laguna Hills and Irvine each knew they were in for a big test.

A solid drive to open the third quarter and rugged defensive play throughout the second half was enough for Laguna Hills.

The Hawks earned their best win of the season with a 14-7 victory over Irvine at Irvine High.

“It was a typical Irvine-Laguna Hills game,” Laguna Hills coach Bruce Ingalls said. “It is always competitive and it is hard-fought. Both teams wanted to win. You know it is going to come down to one or two plays.”

For Laguna Hills, it was a 10-play, 76-yard drive on its first possession of the third quarter. Eight of the 10 plays were runs for Laguna Hills with 15- and 14-yard scampers by Sam Warren and an 11-yard run by quarterback Mitchell O’Hair keying the attack.

Another big play on the drive was a 20-yard completion by O’Hair to Christian Ferrara that took the ball to the Irvine 15. Four plays later, Bear Sutton, who ended with 90 yards rushing, dove in from the 1.

Harrison Avila’s kick gave Laguna Hills a 14-7 lead with 6:35 to play in the third quarter. And the Hawks’ defense did the rest. Irvine had just 59 yards of offense in the second half.

Irvine quarterback Joseph Carter threw for 125 yards alone in the first half.

“To shut them out the rest of the second half was a good testament to our defense and the way it played,” Ingalls said. “Matt Davisson kind of captains the defense. Sam Warren plays both ways for us. But it is not just one guy. Like I told them, it was a team victory again tonight. You have a bunch of guys playing hard and that is what it takes to win a game like this.”

O’Hair finished with 85 yards passing and 67 yards rushing, including a 47-yard run after a bad snap that set up Laguna Hills’ first touchdown late in the first quarter.

Carter threw for 160 yards on the night for Irvine. His 5-yard pass to Jonathan Garcia tied the score at 7-7 early in the second quarter. Brent Miller added 61 yards rushing and 61 yards receiving for the Vaqueros.