Irvine breaks loose in second quarter

IRVINE- Three touchdowns in the second quarter and a big night by Michael Ernst led Irvine to a 28-7 nonleague victory over Calvary Chapel of Santa Ana on Thursday at Irvine High.

Calvary Chapel (2-2) opened the game with a 12-play drive that reached the Vaqueros’ 25-yard line. But Ernst intercepted a pass to end the threat.

It was just the beginning for Ernst, who scored Irvine’s first touchdown, running a reverse in from 5 yards out with 10:55 left in the first half.

He later returned the kickoff to open the second half 60 yards for a touchdown to put Irvine (3-1) ahead, 28-0.

“He is the emotional leader of our team,” Irvine Coach Terry Henigan said of Ernst. “He is what high school football is all about.”

The Eagles, who fought hard as usual for all four quarters, were led by Scott Matsuda. He finished with 137 yards rushing and a touchdown on 32 carries.

“Calvary Chapel plays the game the way it is supposed to be played,” Henigan said. “I have so much respect for that program.”

Contact the writer: preps@ocregister.com