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By DENALI BOLLENS
Staff Writer
The University High School (UHS) Trojans played the Irvine High School (IHS) Vaqueros on November 7. The Trojans could not keep up with the Vaqueros, losing 16-35. Even though several of the injured starters were cleared to play, the Trojans were still missing team members Neil Boudreau (Jr.) and Maverick Freelander (Jr.).
In the first half, UHS faced offensive difficulties. Though Special Teams player Nick Loveland (Jr.) scored a field goal early in the first quarter, leaving the score 3-0, UHS could not push through IHS’s defense for the rest of the half. While UHS had problems offensively, IHS did not. The IHS quarterback was able to connect several passes allowing two touchdowns in the first half, leaving the score 3-14.
Co-captain Parker Dickey (Sr.) said, “During half time we knew we had to get our plays together and figure out a solution to win. We knew we had to put in 100% for our last game ever at the stadium.”
Opening up the second half was Tristan Lee-Jones (Sr.), who just returned from an injury. He finished in the end zone after “juking” multiple Vaqueros. Lee-Jones said, “I put everything I had to get the touchdown. Since it was my last game, I wanted to ball out.”
Lee-Jones was not the only key player; Bellal Mohebi (Jr.) also had multiple stopping plays throughout the game, making it difficult for the Vaqueros to score. Later in the second half, Michael Jung (Jr.) scored the final touchdown of the season for the Trojans, bringing the score to 10-21.
Matt Abellaneda (Jr.) also had many impressive kickoff returns, closing the season with the top amount of rushing yards and touchdowns at 365 yards and seven touchdowns.
The Trojans ultimately lost the game 16-35. UHS ended 3-7 overall in season and 0-5 in league play.