Tim Burt
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Articles by Tim Burt
CIF football playoff seeds, notes and first round schedule for Orange County teams
DIVISION 1 Division 1 is an eight-team bracket. Trinity League champion Santa Margarita (10-0) is the top seed and Trinity League runner-up Mater Dei (8-2) is seeded second. Sierra Canyon, Centennial, St. John Bosco, San Clemente, Orange Lutheran and Mission Viejo are also in Division 1. DIVISION 2 Alpha League runner-up San Juan Hills (8-2) is seeded fourth. Chaparral is No. 1 DIVISION 3 Epsilon League champion Newport Harbor (8-2) is seeded fourth. La Serna (9-1) is the top seed.
After strong start, top-seeded Portola falls to Vista Murrieta in CIF semifinal match
Portola seniors include from left, front row Jane Park, Ella Ng, Lauren Hoang and Lulu Alawad and top row Alison Cai, Anny Ji, Zeynep Arcan and Camilla King. (PHOTOS: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone). Portola’s girls volleyball team had plenty of support at home Saturday morning for the CIF Division 4 semifinal against Vista Murrieta.
Los Amigos holds on for thrilling victory over Uni, captures Omicron League crown
Los Amigos players, coaches and cheerleaders celebrate after Friday’s win. (PHOTOS: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone). As the game went on, it looked like Friday night’s Omicron League football showdown between Los Amigos and University would come down to just about the final possession. That’s just what happened as Los Amigos held off a late charge by Univesity to capture a wild 34-31 hard-fought victory at Uni.
Portola survives Esperanza’s late comeback, clinches automatic CIF playoff berth
Portola was led by (from left) Gavin Morrell, Orion Suttle and Jamal Abdelkarim in the win Thursday night. (PHOTOS: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone). Portola football players, coaches and families had a massive and wild celebration on the field after the Kappa League finale against Esperanza Thursday night. The Bulldogs and Coach Peter Abe had a lot to celebrate after Portola rallied and held on for a 26-25 victory over Esperanza.
PHOTOS: Woodbridge rallies past Orange Lutheran, reaches CIF Open Division semifinals
Delia Stone hugs Laney Brucker as Woodbridge players celebrate in the end zone. (Photos courtesy John Luciano, For OC Sports Zone). Woodbridge rallied from a 13-point first half deficit to defeat Orange Lutheran 26-20, in overtime Wednesday evening in the CIF Open Division Girls Flag Football quarterfinal playoffs at Orange Lutheran.
Portola captures victory in CIF quarterfinals, reaches semifinal round for first time
Portola’s girls volleyball team is off to the CIF DIvision 4 semifinal round. (Photo courtesy Portola Athletics). The top-seeded Portola girls volleyball team swept North Torrance in the quarterfinals of the CIF Division 4 playoffs Tuesday night at Portola to advance into Saturday’s semifinals at home against fourth-seeded Vista Murrieta. The winner of Saturday’s 11 a.m. match moves into the CIF finals either Friday, Nov. 6 or Saturday, Nov. 7 vs.
PHOTOS: Woodbridge captures CIF Open Division playoff win, faces Orange Lutheran next
Woodbridge’s Laney Brucker evades four Downey defenders Saturday. (Photos courtesy John Luciano, For OC Sports Zone). One of the early season goals for the Woodbridge girls flag football team was to reach the open division of the CIF playoffs. The Warriors went through the regular season 22-4 and undefeated to win the Pacific Coast League title to advance into the highest division, which is using a pool play format.
PHOTOS: Crean Lutheran captures Bravo League crown with hard-fought win over CdM
Crean Lutheran Coach Rick Curtis congratulates the Saints on winning the league title. (Photos courtesy John Luciano, For OC Sports Zone). Crean Lutheran’s football team, led by senior quarterback Caden Jones and a stellar effort from its defense, defeated Corona del Mar 31-17 Friday night at Newport Harbor to clinch the Bravo League championship. To see the slide show, click on the first photo: Crean Lutheran quarterback Caden Jones breaks away for a touchdown Friday night.
PHOTOS: Star Thomas III powers Orange to win over Irvine clinching share of league title
Orange quarterback Star Thomas III eludes the pressure from Irvine’s William Rudolph (No. 5) to complete a pass during the second half of Thursday’s Foxtrot League matchup at Fred Kelly Stadium. (PHOTOS: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone) Orange’s junior quarterback Star Thomas III set the tone for the game in the Panthers’ first play from scrimmage Thursday night.
Dual threat quarterback Delia Stone powers Woodbridge to league title, trip to CIF playoffs
Dual threat quarterback Delia Stone tries to gain yards. (Photos courtesy John Luciano, For OC Sports Zone). Woodbridge’s dual threat quarterback Delia Stone has rolled up some big offensive numbers to lead the Warriors to the Pacific Coast League championship and into the CIF Girls Flag Football Open Division playoffs. The sophomore is hoping to keep the good times rolling for the Warriors when the playoffs begin Saturday.
Irvine Coach Tom Ricci celebrates 50th victory, Vaqs defeat El Toro in final seconds
Irvine coach Tom Ricci leads his team in a game earlier this season. (FILE PHOTO: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone). It was a memorable night for Irvine Coach Tom Ricci, who celebrated his 50th victory leading the Vaqueros when Irvine rallied for a 7-6 Foxtrot League victory over El Toro Friday night at Irvine Stadium.
PHOTOS: First place Fullerton clinches CIF playoff berth with convincing road win vs. Portola
Fullerton starting quarterback Sergio Andrade drops back to pass during the first half against Portola as he gets pass protection from his offensive line during Friday’s Kappa League matchup. (PHOTOS: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone). Fullerton’s football team dominated the second half with five consecutive scores on the way to capturing a critical 47-20 Kappa League victory over Portola Friday night at Portola on Portola’s homecoming.
University helps CIF playoff chances with key league victory over Garden Grove
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.
PHOTOS: In a battle of father and son coaches, Crean Lutheran tops Capo Valley again
Crean Lutheran wide receiver Braylen Ross leaps for the ball deep down field as Capo Valley’s Cash Perry defends. (Photos courtesy Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs, John Luciano). Crean Lutheran’s football team won another big game for its head coach Friday night at home. The hard-fought 30-22 Bravo League victory over Capo Valley improved the Saints league record to 2-0 and it was the second year in a row that Crean Lutheran coach Rick Curtis won a game over Capo Valley, coached by his son Sean Curtis.
Surging Fountain Valley finishes strong against Woodbridge for second straight league win
Fountain Valley was led by quarterback Isaac Combs (right) and receiver Drake Robinson in Thursday’s win. (PHOTOS: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone). Fountain Valley football players celebrate a milestone victory last week with a 20-14 win over Sonora which was the program’s first league victory in eight seasons. But the Barons may have enjoyed Thursday’s 45-21 Lambda League victory over Woodbridge at Huntington Beach even more.
PHOTOS: Segerstrom blocks PAT in final minutes, upsets Irvine in league opener
Segerstrom running back Eddie Anuu scores a touchdown Friday night. (Photos courtesy Mark Bausman, For OC Sports Zone). Segerstrom’s football team blocked a point after conversion kick that would have tied the game in the final minutes and held on for a stunning 21-20 upset victory over Irvine in a hard-fought Foxtrot League opener Friday night. To see the slide show, click on the first photo: Adrian Cervantes of Segerstrom scores a touchdown. Seamus Hoffman carries the ball for a gain for Irvine.
Woodbridge gets revenge with victory over Calvary Chapel in league opener
Woodbridge was led by (from left) Waylon Stone, Joey Coykendall and Lucas Viau in the win over Calvary Chapel. (PHOTOS: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone). Woodbridge’s football team, at least the returning players and second-year Coach Connor McBride, had some extra incentive going into Thursday night’s Lambda League opener vs. Calvary Chapel at University. Calvary Chapel handled the Warriors 35-0 in the season opener last year, which was McBride’s debut.
Irvine sports roundup (October 2026)
BECKMAN H.S. Girls volleyball starts strong Beckman’s girls volleyball team has started well, compiling a 19-7 overall record and earning a No. 40 ranking in the first CIF poll. “We have started pretty strong,” coach Darin McBain says. “We would love to find ourselves in a fight for the league championship.” Junior middle blocker Brooklyn Hamilton has led the way. “She is already close to breaking our all-time single-season blocking record,” McBain says.
Santa Ana Valley responds with key Tango League victory over Godinez
Santa Ana Valley Falcons and their head coach Fred Macias celebrate Friday’s win. (PHOTOS: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone). Santa Ana Valley’s football team got back on track Friday night, defeating Godinez 42-6 in a key Tango League game at Segerstrom. The Falcons (4-2, 2-2) needed the win after dropping their last two league games and they responded with a balanced offensive attack and a relentless defense which forced four fumbles by Godinez (1-5, 1-3).
Bolsa Grande powers to big first half lead en route to Tango League win over Savanna
Bolsa Grande coaches congratulate the Matadors on Thursday’s win. (PHOTOS: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone). Bolsa Grande’s football team jumped out to a 24-point lead at halftime then kept rolling in the second half to defeat Savanna 47-22 Thursday night in a Tango League game at Bolsa Grande. The Matadores (4-2, 3-1) led 30-6 at halftime and added to their lead in the second half. Savanna (3-3, 2-2) was plagued by 18 penalties totalling nearly 190 yards.
PHOTOS: Woodbridge wins non-league thriller over Uni with touchdown in final seconds
Woodbridge players, coaches and cheerleaders celebrate after Friday’s victory. (PHOTOS: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone). It looked for a while like Woodbridge and University were headed to another overtime battle in a non-league football game at University Friday night. Woodbridge won last year’s league match 37-36 in two overtimes. Friday night’s match-up between the crosstown rivals was another thriller, but this one was decided in regulation.
Segerstrom prepares for Troy before starting play in competitive Foxtrot League
Segerstrom players enter the field for Friday’s game with Arlington. (Photo courtesy Mark Bausman, For OC Sports Zone). Segerstrom football players and coaches have never backed down from a challenge. And that’s the approach the Jaguars will likely be taking as they start play in the competitive Foxtrot League in three weeks. Segerstrom, coached by Joseph Tagaloa, was in the Kappa League also consisting of St. Margaret’s, Westminster, Brea Olinda, Esperanza and Garden Grove the past two years.
PHOTOS: Segerstrom comes out firing, rolls to decisive home win over Arlington
Quarterback Noah Martinez picks up yardage for Segerstrom. Arlington’s Damien K. Garcia defends. (Photos courtesy Mark Bausman, For OC Sports Zone). Segerstrom’s football team was clicking on both sides of the ball Friday night. Segerstrom quarterback Noah Martinez threw four touchdown passes and the Jaguars defense recorded 11 quarterback sacks to lead the way in a 42-12 non-league victory over Arlington at Segerstrom.
Beckman girls volleyball team off to fast start, earns high ranking in first CIF poll
Beckman’s girls volleyball team has enjoyed early season success. (Photo courtesy Beckman athletics). Beckman’s girls volleyball team has started the season on a successful note, compiling a 19-6 overall record and earning a number 40 ranking in the first CIF pollreleased earlier this week. The ranking puts Beckman at one of the highest ranked teams in Orange County. “We have started pretty strong,” said Coach Darin McBain.
OC Baseball Club officials host introductory session for new pro team at Great Park
Jamie Rosenberg, one of the founders of the Orange County Baseball Club, Thursday at the Great Park Stadium. (PHOTOS: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone). Baseball fans and city officials turned out Thursday at the Great Park Stadium for a meet and greet of the new Orange County Baseball Club. In July, the City of Irvine and Innovation Baseball Partners announced the launch of the new professional baseball franchise set to begin play in the summer of 2027 at the Great Park Stadium.
Woodbridge flag football team opens league play with decisive win over Northwood
Woodbridge Coach Mark Thompson directs his team during a game this season. (Photo courtesy John Luciano, For OC Sports Zone). Woodbridge’s girls flag football team started out Pacific Coast League play with a 59-12 victory over crosstown rival Northwood to improve its record to 9-4 overall. “Northwood is a well-coached team and always a tough league matchup, so we were very pleased with the way our team came out and executed the game plan,” said Woodbridge Coach Mark Thompson.
La Quinta edges Godinez with late touchdown, two-ponter in thrilling league opener
Contributing to Friday’s win were La Quinta players (from left) Ryan Lu, Lelan Latu, Khristian Heredia and Isley Latu. (PHOTOS: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone). If Friday night’s Tango League football opener between La Quinta and Godinez is any indication, it could be a wild and entertaining ride.
A look at Orange County’s new-look football leagues, opening week schedules
Fred Kelly Stadium Stadium, home to a number of squads, including El Modena. (PHOTO: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone). The first games of the newly-aligned Tango League are this week, all part of the two-year releaguing cycle in Orange County that has a number of teams moving up, according to Ray Elliott, Athletic Director at El Dorado and chairman of the Orange County Football Conference.
Crean Lutheran takes on Trinity League opponent JSerra in Orange County showdown
Senior quarterback Caden Jones leads Crean Lutheran’s football team into Friday’s game with JSerra. (PHOTO: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone). A capacity crowd is expected Friday night at Crean Lutheran for a non-league football showdown between Crean Lutheran and JSerra. Kick-off is at 7 p.m. It will be the first football match-up for Crean Lutheran against a Trinity League team, according to Saints Coach Rick Curtis.
Irvine uses strong defense, efficient offense for shutout victory over city rival Portola
Kyle Fogarty (left) and Seamus Hoffman were among the Irvine Vaquero standouts Friday night. (PHOTOS: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone). Irvine’s football team evened its record at 1-1 with an 8-0 non-league victory Friday night over crosstown rival Portola, which put up 35 points in its season opening win last week. To see additional photos, click on the first picture: Portola players go through offensive drills before the game.
PHOTOS: Portola captures decisive win over defending CIF champion Woodbridge
Portola was led by quarterback Orion Suttle (far right) along with Jamal Abdelkarim (left) and Blaise Williams. PHOTOS: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone). Portola’s football team fumbled the ball on its first possession of the night against crosstown rival Woodbridge Friday night. But Peter Abe’s Bulldogs were close to flawless after that, rolling to a 35-7 non-league victory over defending CIF Division 13 champion Woodbridge at University in the season opener both teams.
Defending CIF champion Woodbridge meets Portola in season opener Friday night
Woodbridge quarterback Waylon Stone drops back to pass in last year’s CIF championship game vs. Montebello. (FILE PHOTO: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone). Woodbridge’s football team, coming off a CIF Division 13 championship in 2025, opens the season Friday night at 7 hosting former Pacific Coast League rival Portola at University. Portola was 6-5 overall and 4-1 in league play last season.
Defending CIF champion Beckman looks for more success with new-look team
Beckman’s football team and Coach Marcello Giuliano celebrate after winning the CIF Division 8 title last season. (FILE PHOTO: Mark Bausman, For OC Sports Zone). Beckman’s football team, coming off the program’s first CIF title, is out to have another successful season under coach Marcello Giuliano. The Patriots open the season Thursday night hosting Pacifica at Tustin.
PHOTOS: Woodbridge girls flag football team captures three wins at Chargers tourney
Woodbridge quarterback Delia Stone evades a defender. (Photos courtesy John Luciano, For OC Sports Zone). Woodbridge’s girls flag football team captured three victories at the Fourth Annual Los Angeles Chargers weekend tournament in Costa Mesa. On the opening day, the Warriors defeated Ventura 36-0 and and Da VInci 40-0 in the Division 2 bracket of the tournament. On the second day, Woodbridge defeated Agoura Hills 26-8 before losing to Mira Costa 18-13.
Former Northwood head football coach JC Clarke joins defensive staff at Portola
JC Clarke during his head coaching stint at Northwood. (PHOTO: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone). Former Northwood football head coach JC Clarke has joined the staff at Portola, according to Portola head coach and athletic director Peter Abe. Abe said Saturday that Clarke will coach Northwood’s outside linebackers and “help {the} defensive coordinator {Andy Howe} who coached both of us when we were back in high school at Irvine.” Howe is in his third year at Portola.
Defending CIF champion Woodbridge begins week-long acclimation period
Woodbridge quarterback Waylon Stone holds the CIF championship plaque after the victory over Montebello in the finals. (FILE PHOTO: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone). Woodbridge’s football team, coming off a CIF championship season, was back on the field Monday preparing for the 2026 season with high hopes. The Warriors, led by second-year coach Connor McBride, are among the Orange County high school football teams going through the CIF required acclimation period.
Former Segerstrom football players return for annual 7-on-7 alumni game
Players returned to Segerstrom Thursday for the annual 7-on-7 alumni game. (Photo courtesy Mark Bausman, For OC Sports Zone). Segerstrom football players from past years returned to the school Thursday evening for the annual 7-on-7 alumni game. “We had had a great turnout,” said Coach Joseph Tagaloa. “Every year we look forward to seeing who is going to be able to make it out.
PHOTOS: Angels’ first-round Major League draft pick Jared Grindlinger signs contract
Jared Grindlinger with Angels acting general manager John Mozliak during a signing ceremony Friday at Angel Stadium. (Photo courtesy Angels baseball). Huntington Beach High School standout Jared Grindlinger, the Angels’ first round pick in Saturday’s Major League Baseball Draft, made it official and signed with the American League team Friday at Angel Stadium, according to Angels media relations. Contract terms were not announced and there was no indication where Grindlinger will be assigned.
Jared Grindlinger’s coach weighs in on potential of Angels’ top pick being a two-way player
Jared Grindlinger takes a swing against Harvard-Westlake. (Photos courtesy Terry Jack Photography). Jared Grindlinger from Huntington Beach High School left his mark as a highly competitive, determined standout baseball player with a bright future, perhaps one that includes him being an outfielder and pitcher. Expectations appear high for the outfielder-pitcher who was the first round pick by the Los Angeles Angels in the 2026 First-Year Major League Baseball Player Draft Saturday.
Nathan Kindstrand (right) talks to players before the OC All-Star Baseball Game. Business partner Jason Manalili (center) and Guy Lemmon of the Ryan Lemmon Foundation were also on hand. (PHOTO: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone). Players competing in the 58th annual North-South Orange County All-Star Baseball game received some advice for their careers earlier this month from Nathan Kindstrand, owner of MANKIND Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine, who was worked with a number of Major League players.
PHOTOS: Nik Needham and Jaylinn Hawkins host Buena Park camp, share NFL experiences
Nik Needham (right) and Jaylinn Hawkins provide advice for young players at Saturday’s camp. (PHOTOS: TIm Burt, OC Sports Zone). Best friends Nik Needham and Jaylinn Hawkins were re-united again at their alma mater Buena Park High School for their fifth annual free youth football camp encouraging more than 200 enthusiastic youngsters on a sunny Saturday in Buena Park. Two camps, which also featured a number of other NFL players, were held.
Nate Goellrich, who led Estancia to two CIF baseball championships, resigns as coach
Estancia Coach Nate Goellrich with Nico Viramontes (left) and Lincoln Silva after the Eagles won the CIF Division 6 title in 2025. (PHOTO: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone). Estancia High School head baseball coach Nate Goellrich, who led the Eagles to two CIF championships, said Friday he has resigned as head coach. In 2022, Estancia made history by winning its first CIF title defeating Anaheim 2-1 in 11 innings in the Division 6 championship game at Goodwin Field.
PHOTOS: Big third inning lifts Trinity-PCL team to win in nightcap of OC All-Star Classic
Players from the Trinity-PCL game are introduced Wednesday night before the second game of the Orange County Coaches All-Star Classic at Deanna Manning Stadium. (PHOTOS: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone). A number of Orange County high school softball standouts capped their memorable careers with strong efforts Wednesday night in the second game of the OC Coaches All-Star Softball Classic at Deanna Manning Stadium.
Irvine senior baseball players honored with Casey Dumont Character Scholarships
Irvine coach Gabriel Cota talks to his team after a CIF playoff victory. (PHOTO: Tom Connolly, For OC Sports Zone). Irvine High School baseball players Smith Spivey, Nico Macalino and Owen Song received Casey Dumont Character Scholarship scholarships from Oakwood Wealth Partners. The awards are named in honor of Dumont, the popular late Irvine assistant baseball coach.
PHOTOS: Newport Harbor cherishes CIF Regional crown in front of big home crowd
Newport Harbor Sailors celebrate after winning the CIF Regional championship. (PHOTOS: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone). Newport Harbor’s baseball team made the most of a second chance, defeating Bakersfield Christian 5-1 Saturday afternoon at home to earn the CIF So Cal Regional Division II championship.
Four Orange County baseball coaching legends honored at annual all-star game
Retired coaches (from left) Bob Ickes, Bob Zamora, Dave Demarest and Bob Flint were honored Wednesday night. (PHOTOS: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone). Orange County high school coaching legends who coached against each other and have remained friends after retiring were honored Wednesday night by Guy Lemmon and the Ryan Lemmon Foundation at the 58th annual Orange County All-Star Game at the Great Park.
PHOTOS: South extends win streak with victory over North in annual OC all-star game
Justin Lopez of Villa Park is cheered on by his teammates as he accepts the South MVP honor from Rex Lyon of the Ryan Lemmon Foundation. (PHOTOS: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone). The South all-stars pushed across two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning and held on to defeat the North 3-1 in the 58th annual Orange County All-Star Baseball Game Wednesday night at the Great Park Stadium in front of an estimated 900 fans.
Guide to 58th annual Orange County All-star Baseball Game Wednesday at Great Park
All-stars are introduced during the 2025 Orange County All-Star Game. (PHOTO: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone). Gates will open Wednesday night, June 3 at 4 p.m. for fans attending the 58th annual Orange County All-Star Baseball Game at the Great Park Stadium. The nine inning game, matching the top high school seniors from the North and the South begins at approximately 6:30 p.m. The game is sponsored for the second year in a row by Guy Lemmon’s Ryan Lemmon Foundation. Dick Owens is the game director.
Athletes of the year
Softball, flag football The 2026 Pacific Coast League female athlete of the year was a standout on the Northwood varsity softball team for four years and the flag football squad for three seasons. While maintaining a 4.1 GPA, Keith has earned a full-ride scholarship in softball to the University of Arizona. In softball as a senior, the shortstop led Northwood to the CIF-SS final and was named league MVP.
Irvine survives wild finish for home win in opening round of CIF So Cal Regional
Irvine softball players after Tuesday’s CIF So Cal regional victory. (PHOTOS: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone). Irvine’s softball team pushed across three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning and survived a wild top of the seventh inning to notch an 8-7 victory over Avenal in the opening round of the CIF Division IV So Cal Regionals at Irvine. The Vaqueros, who won the CIF Division 6 Southern Section championship last weekend, were tested by the No. 6-seeded Buccaneers Tuesday.
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