Irvine edges Northwood to extend streak

IRVINE - Irvine's four-game winning streak over Northwood was on the line in the final minute Friday night.

But the Vaqueros responded with a big defensive stop and held on to defeat the Timberwolves, 7-3, in a Pacific Coast League game at Irvine.

It was the first time the two teams have met in the revamped Pacific Coast League.

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In the final minute, Northwood (4-3-1, 1-1-1) advanced the ball to the Irvine 2-yard line. But on fourth down, Irvine stopped Shane Boukorras at the 3 with 47 seconds left.

Irvine (3-4-1, 2-1) was then able to run the clock out to improve its record to 5-0 in the series with Northwood.

"The defense was unbelievable," Irvine Coach Erik Terry said. "To hold Northwood to three points with the weapons and the skilled players they have is a credit to our defense."

Irvine moved out to a 7-0 lead when quarterback Jake Day connected with Rocky Keyhea on a 9-yard TD pass in the first quarter.

Northwood cut the lead to 7-3 when Trevor Hyman kicked a 30-yard field goal late in the second quarter.

But Irvine blanked Northwood the rest of the way.

Northwood was victimized by two interceptions and a fumble.

"We just made too many mistakes on offense," Northwood Coach Rick Curtis said. "We had three big turnovers. Irvine played well defensively and did some different things. But we just didn't execute offensively."