Ricci’s Late Pass Gives Irvine a Victory Over Newbury Park

Mike Ricci completed a 30-yard touchdown pass to Eric Patton with 13 seconds remaining in the game to give Irvine a 29-25 victory over Newbury Park Friday at Irvine High.

With 41 seconds remaining, the Panthers took the lead, 25-22, when Cameron Merrill connected on a 36-yard touchdown pass to Ray Hawkins.

Keith Short returned the ensuing kickoff 40 yards to midfield. After a short completion to James Whitted, Short gained 20 yards to the Newbury Park 30-yard line.

On the next play, Patton outjumped Panther defenders to catch the winning touchdown.

Ricci finished with 186 yards passing and three touchdowns. Short carried the ball 24 times for 193 yards and a touchdown.

Newbury Park (4-4) took a 12-0 lead early in the second quarter. Merrill, who completed 10 passes in the first half for 161 yards, threw touchdown passes of 34 and 71 yards within a span of 61 seconds.

Ricci completed a 43-yard touchdown pass to Chris Sinner for Irvine’s first score.

With 3:57 remaining in the half, Irvine took the lead on a perfectly executed 29-yard screen play from Ricci to Whitted.

Irvine marched 55 yards in four plays on its first possession of the third quarter to take a 22-12 lead. Short capped the scoring drive with a 22-yard run.