Northwood running back and linebacker Xayn Ali (44) celebrates with teammate Michael Barbee (18) after scoring on a run of more than 30 yards midway through the second quarter. (PHOTOS: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone).
Northwood’s football team opened the season with a 24-7 non-league victory over crosstown rival Irvine in the Stephen Barbee’s first game as Timberwolves head coach Friday night at Portola.
Northwood has opted to play its home games at Portola this season, switching from Irvine Stadium.
To see the slide show, click on the first photo:
Members of the Irvine band perform prior to kickoff in Friday night's game against Northwood.
Northwood running back LJ Ulmer Jr. goes through drills prior to Friday's game against Irvine.
Irvine wide receiver and defensive back Enzo Cahoon looks on late in the second quarter.
Northwood's running back Xayn Ali celebrates as he scores Northwood's first touchdown of the season.
Irvine head coach Tom Ricci looks on to the clock late in the second quarter.
Irvine quarterback Ronin Scheinblum drops back to pass during the second quarter of Friday night's game against Northwood.
The Northwood crowd celebrates USA Day during Friday night's game against Irvine at Portola high school.
Northwood quarterback Caden Jacobs reads the Irvine defense as he drops back to pass.
Irvine quarterback Ronin Scheinblum takes off on a run as Northwood's defensive linemen Andrew Hwang pursues.
Northwood's Xayn Ali accelerates to breakaway for a T-Wolves touchdown.
Irvine running back Seamus Hoffman takes off for a long gain during the first quarter of Friday's Week Zero game against Northood.
Northwood first-year head coach Stephen Barbee evaluates his team during the opening stanza against Irvine.
Irvine cheerleaders root for the Vaqueros on Friday night's game against Northwood.
Northwood cheerleaders prepare for the National Anthem prior to the T-Wolves' Friday night game against Irvine.
The Northwood band performs during Friday night's game against Irvine.
Northwood running back LJ Ulmer Jr. picks up real estate for the T-Wolves on Friday night.
The main referee displays the coin to Northwood captains Burt Chub (10) and Xayn Ali (44) prior to Friday night's game against Irvine.
Both sets of captains introduce themselves to the game officials.
Northwood captains Burt Chub (10) and Xayn Ali (44) walk over to the center of the field for the coin toss.
Irvine captains Enzo Cahoon (18), Kota Seshimo (76), Dylan Nguyen (13), Will Walters (43) prepare to walk over for the coin toss.
Xayn Ali and LJ Ulmer Jr. had rushing touchdowns for the Timberwolves. Elliot Kwon scored on a touchdown pass from Caden Jacobs late in the second quarter.
Both teams struggled offensively in the first quarter. Irvine managed to get into Northwood territory, but a poor exchange from center to quarterback led to a fumble which the T-wolves recovered in Vaquero territory. The hosts were unable to capitalize on the opportunity.
The game was scoreless after one quarter.
Northwood got going offensively midway through the second quarter when Ali broke loose, and scored for a 34-yard running touchdown.
Irvine managed to move the ball on short screens, quarterback draws, and penalties, but failed reach the red zone.
The T-Wolves extended the lead to 14-0 with 3:35 remaining in the first half when Jacobs found Kwon in the far corner of the end zone for a 6-yard touchdown pass.
Kicker Dillon Low had a field goal for Northwood in the second half.
Seamus Hoffman, a senior running back, led Coach Tom Ricci’s Irvine team offensively and scored the Vaqueros only touchdown on a 95-yard TD run. Irvine used three quarterbacks who all struggled in the game.
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