University takes down Northwood

IRVINE University snapped a six-game losing streak to cross-town rival Northwood, defeating the Timberwolves, 30-6, in a nonleague game Friday night at Irvine High.

University, playing in its first game of the year, put together a solid offensive attack, led by quarterback Parker Thompson, who completed 7 of 17 passes for 154 yards and two touchdowns.

Place-kicker Louis Feinstein kicked field goals of 36, 32 and 33 yards.

"We haven't beaten Northwood in six years and we really felt this was the year we could do it," said Thompson, who also rushed for 66 yards on six carries. "We worked really hard in the summer and it paid off."

Northwood quarterback A.J. Gubernick completed 16 of 24 passes for 201 yards, but threw two interceptions. The Timberwolves (0-2) also lost the ball once on a fumble.

Early in the game, a special teams’ miscue set up University’s first score. Northwood tried to punt the ball on its own 37, but the snap went over the punter’s head. The Trojans' Vincent Galvez recovered the ball and returned it to the Northwood 23.

University eventually moved the ball to the 19, setting up a 36-yard field goal by Feinstein.

"I’m very proud of the way they played," University coach Mark Cunningham. "It was a great victory."

University also had a solid effort from Tustin High transfer Timothy Smith, who rushed for 68 yards on 15 carries with one touchdown.

Contact the writer: tburt@ocregister.com