Ireland says critics wrong
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| Photos: Ken Steinhardt |
He's upset that some cast doubt on his 2,737 career rushing yards.
When Josh Ireland concludes his high school career this season, he should rank near the top in career rushing yardage in Orange County history.
But some might say placing "Ireland's name among the all-time leaders would be joshing. Santa Margarita is not in a league; the parochial school in Rancho Santa Margarita is a free-lance school, so the Eagles play non-leagues games against any school they can schedule.
Last year, Santa Margarita played only one Orange County team, University. This year, the Eagles face two county schools, University and Servite. The remainder of the schedule is a mixed bag. Valley Christian, Elsinore, Rancho Bernardo (San Diego), etc.
Ireland bristles at the notion his yardage - 2,737 has been compiled against less-than-worthy opponents.
"Most people who say something like that haven't played against these guys," he said. '“We've played a lot of average ballclubs, and a lot of above-average ballclubs, too. Some of the Division IV teams we play can definitely beat teams in Division I”
Ireland is 16th among all-time county career rushing leaders. He needs 769 yards to break into the top 10. Last year, Ireland (5-11, 185 pounds) carried 203 times for 1,456 yards for an average of 7.2 per carry. He scored 16 touchdowns, giving him a career total of 28.
Those numbers are school records; Santa Margarita has been open since 1987. When Ireland is done, he is going to leave behind records that might stand for years.
Santa Margarita coach Josh Hartigan is confident Ireland's strength and speed would make him a star runner on any county team.
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"Pound for pound, Josh is the strongest running back I'm aware of,” Hartigan said.
"He's been blessed with so many natural tools. He can cut on a dime at full speed, he can cut without breaking stride, and he has a great ability to see everything on the field. We have strength and agility contests every year, and he won in all the categories this year."
Hartigan said Ireland made a power-clean lift of 275 pounds, bench-pressed 290, had a 425 squat, ran a 4.6 in the 40-yard dash and posted a 30-inch vertical jump.
And add confidence to the Ireland package.
"We were losing to San Luis Obispo, 35-31, last year and getting ready to return a kickoff," Hartigan said. "Josh told one of the other guys on the return team to not worry about the score. So Josh took the kickoff and went 95 yards for the winning touchdown:"
But how many people notice Ireland's exploits? Had he not chosen Santa Margarita, he would have attended Mission Viejo.
"I was hesitant about going to Santa Margarita at first," he said. "I'm a Christian, but I'm not Catholic. Some friends went to Santa Margarita and liked it, and they played on the football team and said this school is going to end up being a big powerhouse."
No regrets?
"None," he said. "It's the best decision I've ever made. The coaches are probably the best coaches in the county, and we're probably the most disciplined team in Orange County. We work harder than other schools. I think, because of all that, I'm going to be better prepared to · play in college."
Ireland is unsure of college plans. He said he has had positive communications with Texas A&M, and he likes Washington and Colorado State. But he knows he must have another big season and said he is working on improving his grade-point average from its current 2.8.
And he is concentrating on another number – 2,000, which he hopes to surpass in rushing yardage this season. Ireland thinks that will be a fine achievement, no matter what team he plays in reaching it.
By Steve Fryer
Wednesday, September 11, 1991
The Orange County Register - G3
