Woodbridge rallies, ends Northwood’s streak

Woodbridge cheerleaders practice their routine before a football game against against Northwood in Irvine on Friday.
The Woodbridge band plays the National Anthem before a football game against against Northwood in Irvine on Friday.
Members of the Woodbridge pep squad salute as the band plays the National Anthem before a football game against against Northwood in Irvine on Friday.
The Northwood band plays during a football game against against Woodbridge in Irvine on Friday.
Northwood's Brett Blackburn runs with the ball after recovering a blocked field goal attempt by Woobridge during their game in Irvine on Friday.
Woodbridge's Connor McBride sprints down the field for a first down in the first half of their game against Northwood in Irvine on Friday.
Woodbridge's Alex Young sprints down the field for a short gain in the first half against Northwood in Irvine on Friday.
Northwood's Sam Aguilar steps into the end zone for a touchdown against Woodbridge during the second half of their game in Irvine on Friday.
Woodbridge's Alex Young dashes past the Northwood defense for a second-half touchdown in the Warriors' 24-7 win.
Woodbridge's Connor McBride dives in for a second half touchdown in their football game against Northwood in Irvine on Friday. Woodbridge won 24-7.
Woodbridge's Connor McBride barrels ahead for extra yardage in their football game against Northwood in Irvine on Friday. Woodbridge won 24-7.
Northwood's Chase Walmsley almost blocks an extra point by Woodbridge's Ryan Eisendrath in their football game in Irvine on Friday. Woodbridge won 24-7.
Woodbridge's Jared Kaleikini makes a short gain before being tackled by Northwood defenders in a football game in Irvine on Friday. Woodbridge won 24-7.
Woodbridge quarterback Michael Pritchett goes back for a long pass in the second half of a football game against Northwood in Irvine on Friday. Woodbridge won 24-7.

By Tim Burt | Orange County Register

October 24, 2014 at 11:10 p.m.

IRVINE – After a frustrating first half, Woodbridge finished with a bang Friday night in a Pacific Coast League game with Northwood at University.

The Warriors scored three touchdowns in the fourth quarter and went on to capture a 24-7 victory, ending Northwood’s five-game winning streak.

The victory moved Woodbridge (5-3, 2-1) into a tie for second place with Northwood (6-2, 2-1).

Northwood missed a chance to win the Dennis Toohey Fence Post Trophy, which goes to the top team in Irvine. Several teams, including Woodbridge and Northwood, still have a chance to win it.

“The kids played hard and just kept going,” Woodbridge coach Rick Gibson said. “We did it in the first half; we just didn’t punch it over.”

Woodbridge had three scoring chances in the first half but couldn’t score. In the second quarter, Northwood stopped quarterback Michael Pritchett on a fourth-and-goal at the Northwood 1.

But in the fourth quarter, trailing 7-3, Woodbridge got rolling offensively.

Pritchett hooked up with Alex Young on a 54-yard scoring strike with 10:19 left to put Woodbridge ahead, 10-7.

“He’s (Young) the fastest guy in the city of Irvine and he’s a big-play guy,” Gibson said.

Connor McBride then had touchdown runs of 12 and 9 yards to cap the scoring for the Warriors. McBride was the game’s leading rusher with 126 yards.

After a scoreless first half, Northwood jumped to a 7-0 lead when quarterback Brian Abel connected with Sam Aguilar on a 7-yard TD pass with 2:12 left in the third quarter.

But Woodbridge stayed within striking range when Ryan Eisendrath kicked a 28-yard field goal with 34 seconds left in the third quarter. That set the stage for the comeback.

“They were ready to play and Coach Gibson had a great game plan,” Northwood coach Dean Toohey said. “They were real physical up front and we struggled with that a little bit tonight.”

Contact the writer: tburt@ocregister.com