IRVINE – Woodbridge held off a second-half comeback by University, defeating the Trojans, 24-21, Friday night at University to clinch third place in the Pacific Coast League and a chance to go the CIF-SS Division 9 playoffs.
Woodbridge (4-6, 2-3) and University (7-3, 2-3) finished tied for third place in the PCL, but Woodbridge gets the spot based on the head-to-head match-up.
Woodbridge running back Connor McBride led the way with 233 yards rushing and two touchdowns, one rushing and one receiving.
“I so respect their (University’s) staff and I hate that they’re not going to the playoffs because that team should be in the playoffs,” said Woodbridge coach Rick Gibson.
“We told the kids, ‘do you want the legacy to continue or what do you want?’” he said.
Uni coach Mark Cunningham said his squad won’t qualify for an at-large berth in Division 10.
“We’re out,” he said. “I was very proud of them.”
McBride put the Warriors ahead with a 7-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter. Quarterback Spencer Weston connected with McBride on a 14-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter to give the Warriors a 17-0 lead.
Woodbridge built a 24-0 lead when Weston hit Nate Ledoux on a 25-yard touchdown pass later in the quarter.
But University battled back. The Trojans cut the lead to 24-21 when quarterback Thomas Keeling connected with Darrius Outland on a 4-yard touchdown pass with 5:56 left in the game.
But Woodbridge, behind McBride, was able to advance the ball to the Trojans 47-yard line and run out the clock.
Keeling led the Trojans, passing for three touchdowns and throwing for 168 yards.
Weston passed for 107 yards for Woodbridge.
Woodbridge led, 9-0, at halftime, after recording a safety.
Contact the writer: tiburt@scng.com
