University was led by (from left) Dylan Elmer, Charlie Carmichael, Moises Keith-Chavez, Marco Pablo Tirado and DeAndre Miller in the win Thursday. (PHOTOS: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone).
University’s football team inched closer to securing the program’s first CIF playoff in more than a decade with a 27-14 Omicron League victory over Garden Grove Thursday night at Uni.
The Trojans (5-3, 3-0) share the league lead with Los Amigos (7-1, 3-0). The two teams meet in the regular season finale.
University’s last appearance in the CIF playoffs came in 2015 and with two weeks left in the regular season, the Trojans appear to have a great opportunity to advance.
“We got to take care of business next week (at Buena Park) and we’ll be in there probably, first time in 10 years,” said Uni Coach Vince Mesa. “First time in my era, I’m happy. We’re doing all the right stuff, we’re practicing hard, we work hard in the weight room and our guys are in sync, I’m excited.
“It was very balanced tonight in terms of players contributing, both on offense and defense, it’s an overall team win, that’s what we have to do, I’m proud of all of these guys.”
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Quarterback Dylan Elmer led the way for Uni completing 8 of 13 passes for 102 yards and two touchdown passes and according to Uni statistician Daryl Bogard has set the record for career TD passes with 40.
“We came out ready, we had a great practice all week,” Elmer said. “I feel like we really dominated in the trenches. This is the first game I think where I didn’t get tackled all game and we ran the ball. When we had to, we used that run game to open up the RPO (run-pass-option) game and we didn’t have to do too much after that.
“Our defense played great. We were bend but don’t break, I think. We gave up a lot of yards but when it mattered, we didn’t give up points and that’s all that matters, that’s how we win games.
“We came into this year with the goal to make playoffs and I feel like we can do so much more now. We lost probably 20 plus seniors last year, I honestly didn’t know how the season would look but I feel our team is so much closer and there is a different type of togetherness and commitment. This year, we’ve been more committed than other years.”
University running back DeAndre Miller had 17 carries for 101 yards and a touchdown run and Moises Keith-Chavez had four catches for 58 yards and a TD reception, his 10th of the season.
Miller also had an interception and Marco Pablo Tirado had a 28-yard interception return for a touchdown early in the third quarter to put the Trojans ahead 20-7.
In the early going, Miller’s 8-yard TD run put the Trojans ahead 7-0 in the first quarter.
But on the ensusing kickoff Manny Martinez returned the ball 74 yards to put the Argonauts (1-7, 1-2) in scoring position. Martinez later scored from 45-yards out to tie it. Martinez rushed for 184 yards on 27 carries to lead Garden Grove.
However, University moved ahead 13-7 when Elmer connected with Charlie Carmichael on a 2-yard TD pass with 2:42 left in the second quarter. The kick was blocked.
After the pick six in the second half, University extended its lead to 27-7 when Elmer connected with Keith Chavez on a 20-yard TD pass.
Garden Grove quarterback Calvin Keovphan scored on a 1-yard keeper in the final minute to account for the final margin. Keovphan also passed for 42 yards.
It was a happy group of Uni coaches and players after the game.
“It was a big game, the O-line did their part opening up the run game and giving me some time,” said Miller, the running back. “Defense did their part causing turnovers and Marco Pablo with the pick six, and I got a pick too.”
“I’m really proud of our guys,” added Keith-Chavez. “Personally, I think I started off real slow. I’m just glad that our team stepped up and took over, that’s all I’m grateful for.”
Keith-Chavez said he’s glad to have Elmer throwing the ball to him.
“We’re all on the same timing, he’s a real smart quarterback and knows exactly what to do especially in tough situations and that’s all you can ask for in a quarterback,” he said.
The game, played on a hot and windy night, was completed in about two hours.
—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com
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