IRVINE – Woodbridge junior Connor McBride began the 2015 season as a defensive end and running back.
He’s now become one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the county. Running out of the direct-snap Wildcat Formation, McBride ran for 260 yards and four touchdowns to carry the Warriors to a 37-22 win over Irvine on Friday night at University High.
McBride had 12 carries for 65 yards on the first Woodbridge (3-4, 1-1 Pacific Coast League) drive, had a 28-yard scoring run in the second quarter and then broke scoring runs of 28 and 39 yards in the fourth quarter to put away a pesky Vaqueros team (2-5, 0-2).
He had 34 carries on the night, and also threw a 37-yard pass, which is difficult to do wearing broader running back shoulder pads.
“I absolutely love the Wildcat,” McBride said. “I always played quarterback in youth football and was a running quarterback, so I really enjoy it.
“I think I have better visibility running from the direct snap. I can read the defense and blocks better.”
Woodbridge coach Rick Gibson has used the Wildcat before and McBride picked up more carries the last two weeks.
“He’s probably rushed for 175 yards or more the last three weeks,” Gibson said. “His vision is unbelievable.”
Wide receiver Jared Kaleikini had an 80-yard touchdown run on an end around in the first half and had the 37-yard reception, McBride’s only pass.
The Warriors made it 16-0 on another McBride-led drive. His short toss to Kaleikini went for 37 yards and two plays later he crashed through the Irvine line for a 28-yard score.
Irvine didn’t get its initial first down until 2:36 left in the half, on a 36-yard Joseph Carter completion to 14, then muscled in for a score. Carter had an 11-yard completion to get inside the 10, scored from the two, and Carter found Jonathan Garcia for a two points to make it 16-8.
Irvine cut the margin to 16-14 early in the fourth quarter.
Contact the writer: bkeisser@ocregister.com
