Jordan and Northwood looking to capture first CIF football title

Northwood Coach JC Clarke with linemen Ace Jacobs and Jan Abuelsad at Monday’s CIF press luncheon. (Photo: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone).

Long Beach Jordan and Northwood will both be out to capture their first CIF football titles Friday night at Irvine Stadium when the two teams meet in the Division 11 championship game at 7 p.m.

Both teams are 8-5 going into the game. Jordan is making its first appearance in the finals, Northwood its first since 2005.

“I’m glad I came back, I’m glad the kids came back too and after the pandemic, I think we’ve had a really good year,” Northwood Coach JC Clarke said earlier this week. “It’s a great thrill and a good way to top off retirement.”

The Timberwolves are led by junior running back Adam Harper. To read more about the Timberwolves, click here.

Long Beach Jordan coach Tim Wedlow is also excited about leading his team to the title game.

“It feels great to be here,” Wedlow said Monday. “I used to coach at Long Beach Poly and I’ve been here before (in the finals). It feels good for me to be here with my own team. I just want to thank everybody who supports us and I’m just happy to be here.”

Wedlow said “hard work” has been the key to the Panthers success. Jordan defeated Rim of the World 46-21, Granite Hills 34-27 and Twentynine Palms 26-20 in the semifinals.

“Never quit, if we’re behind, we just keep fighting and don’t give up and leave everything on the field,” he said. “That’s what they do every week.”

Wedlow said the Panthers have respect for Northwood.

“Northwood is pretty good, they have a pretty good defense and a good running back,” he said. “I know they fly to the ball just like we do so it’s going to be a great game.”

The key to the game?

“Who makes the most turnovers,” Wedlow said.

Among the Jordan standouts are middle linebacker/tight end Jeremie Mcgurn, wide receiver/cornerback Elijah Jones and defensive tackle King Manukailea.

“They’re the guys who have been with me for four years when I took over the program,” Wedlow said. “They helped me build this program.”

Jordan offense is led by talented running backs Jordan Washington and Damian Henderson. The Panthers quarterback is junior Mekhi Travis.

Harper and two of the Northwood linemen also talked about being in the CIF finals earlier this week. To see the story, click here.

—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com