Irvine finishes strong behind Carter, defense

Irvine's Jonathan Garcia runs with the ball for a first down against Rim of the World Jeremy Cote during the first half of Friday's game.
Irvine's Brennan Ernst catches a touchdown pass against a Rim of the World opponent during the first half of Friday's game at Irvine High.
Irvine's Curtis Jackson can't be stopped as he scores the second touchdown of the game against Rim of the World during the first half of Friday's game.
Rim of the World Devin King scores the second touchdown against Irvine High during the first half of Friday's game.
Irvine High Brent Miller breaks away for a touchdown against Rim of the World Jacob Jolley during the first half of Friday's game at Irvine High.
Jonathan Garcia is brought down after a small gain by Rim of the World's Evan Smith during the second half of their game.
Irvine's Brent Miller is tackled after a big gain by a Rim of the World defender during the second half of their game.
Rim of the World's Raul Victorio is brought down by Irvine's Dakota Potter during the second half of their game.
Rim of the World's Raul Vicotrio runs with the ball for a big gain against Irvine High during the second half of their game.
Irvine's Brent Miller is grabbed from behind by a Rim of the World defender during the second half of their game.
An Irvine fan cheers on her team during the first half of Friday's game against Rim of the World.
The Irvine Marching Band entertains the crowd during Friday's game against Rim of the World.
Irvine fans Renee Alvarez, left, Shanelle Alvarez and Naya Ostrea have fun at Friday's game at Irvine High.
Hai-Trang Nguyen mugs the camera before Friday night's game between Irvine High and Rim of the World High.
The Irvine Marching Band takes to the field before Friday night's game against Rim of the World.

By Tim Burt | Orange County Register

September 11, 2015 at 11:27 p.m.

IRVINE – After a sluggish first half, Irvine dominated the second half to defeat Rim of the World, 44-24, in a nonleague game Friday night at Irvine.

The Vaqueros (1-1) outscored Rim of the World, 24-6, in the second half.

Irvine quarterback Joseph Carter led the charge, throwing three touchdowns and passing for 233 yards while Brent Miller and Curtis Jackson scored two touchdowns each.

The Irvine defense also had four interceptions.

Irvine led, 20-18, at halftime despite being plagued by 90 yards in penalties. Irvine was able to reduce its penalties in the second half. The Vaqueros were flagged for 35 yards in the second half and put forth a better effort in all aspects.

Rim of the World (0-2) was victimized by six turnovers and 130 yards in penalties in the game. But quarterback Jimmy Schroeder kept the Scots in the game, passing for 184 yards and two touchdowns.

Irvine came out determined in the third quarter and worked the ball to the Rim of the World 3-yard line.

On the next play, Miller scored to put the Vaqueros ahead, 27-18, with 8:06 left in the third quarter.

Rim of the World came right back on the ensuing kickoff when Raul Victoria bolted 87 yards on the kickoff to close the gap to 27-24.

Irvine answered with three consecutive scores to put the game away.

First, Jackson hauled in a 4-yard touchdown pass with 1:33 remaining in the third quarter to give Irvine a 34-24 lead.

In the fourth quarter, the Vaqueros took a 41-24 lead when Carter hit Jonathan Garcia on a 16-yard touchdown pass. Irvine sealed the victory on a 37-yard field goal by Jacob Yi with 4:33 left in the game.

The Vaqueros looked like they would roll to a victory when they jumped out to a 13-0 lead in the first quarter before Rim of the World cut the lead to 13-12.

Contact the writer: tburt@ocregister.com